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.
Dramatic white quartzite ledges are found at the eastern boundary, a steep hike up on the Tote Road and White Ledges Trail.
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. “I’m hoping this might result in a growing momentum to others who own land like that to consider a similar donation or at least the establishment of a conservation easement to contribute to the wildlife,” observed donor Michael Mayor.
Support for the project came from the Conservancy’s Strategic Land Action Fund and the Quabbin to Cardigan Partnership (Q2C). The Conservancy is establishing the Moose Mountain Stewardship Fund to help us care for our lands in this remote region of town. Please consider a gift to this fund.
Enjoy this wonderful slideshow on photographer Jim Block’s blog (Tug Hill Photography). Jim, a longtime Conservancy supporter, joined a guided hike led by naturalist Alcott Smith in winter 2014.
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. Moose, bear, snowshoe hare, red fox, grouse, deer, and bobcat inhabit the Mayor-Niles Forest.
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.
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