Set on Moose Mountain, the 92-acre Mayor-Niles Forest is the gift of Michael and Elizabeth Mayor and John Niles, who owned the land for 30 years. The forested parcel cloaks the west slope of this iconic ridge just below the North Peak, connecting with National Park Service lands surrounding the Appalachian Trail. One need not visit the property to enjoy it – it is easily visible from many parts of town and even from Vermont, part of the scenic view of Moose Mountain that forms a beautiful backdrop to the town of Hanover.
This property provides an unbroken link in valuable wildlife habitat and expands the protected high elevation lands that are key to conferring resilience to climate change. These cooler forests will become an increasingly critical refuge for birds and other wildlife.
The Mayor-Niles Forest also supports flood security for neighborhoods below by protecting three streams that flow into Hewes Brook. Forested headwaters regulate flow and are the first line of defense against microbursts and washouts. Shaded banks also contribute to a brook’s health downstream, by keeping water clear and cool for native brook trout.
How to get there
Parking for 3-4 cars is available at the end of Ibey Road, off the north end of Three Mile Road.
The Mayor-Niles Forest is open at all seasons for recreation, including hunting. An old tote path leads up through the property and stone wall-lined Plummer Road, a Class VI road, forms one border. We added two new trails in 2016, the Two Brooks Loop, and the White Ledges Trail. Download the map and guide above for full trail descriptions.
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