Upcoming events
Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt
Take a hike at the Slim Baker and explore the area through the eyes of the "Scavenger Hunt". You can download the form here! This is a self-guided event that you can take place anywhere in the Newfound Area, or come up to the Slim Baker Area to explore our diverse trails!
NATIONAL HIKING DAY
What is National Hiking Day?
Also known as “Take A Hike Day,” National Hiking Day on November 17 may be one of the most important holidays out there. Why? For starters, there's more than 60,000 miles of trails across the nation. GET OUTSIDE! Need a map, download one here!
This is a self-guided opportunity to get you outside, while we would love to see you and your photos on National Hiking Day - you can get outside anywere in the Newfound Area and beyond! Share your National Hiking Day photos with us at events@slimbaker.org and we will share them on our facebook and instagram pages.
Luminary Hike to inspiration point
Take a hike on the Worthen Trail to the summit of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point following the magical glow of trailside ice luminaries along the way. This is a self-guided event, leaving from the parking lot of the Slim Baker Area. Each luminary is unique and beautiful as they are all handmade by our boardmembers and local volunteers.
In the event of snow or ice on the trails, we reccommend you wear snowshoes or ice traction devices for your safety. This trail gains approximately 800 feet of elevation and has several steep sections along the way. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Winter in the Woods
Join us outside for cocoa, cookies, a campfire, s'mores station, sledding & snowshoeing! Connect with friends, Slim Baker Board members, and enjoy all the Slim Baker Conservation area has to offer during these wonderful winter months. Our 2024 Winter in the Woods event was a great success and we look forward to our next event - so dress warm and brave the elements, as we look forward to seeing you in the early winter days of 2025!
SNOW CREATIONS FIELD EXHIBIT
Take a hike up to the field at the Slim Baker Area to build a snow creation in the field for all to see. This program is a self-guided event, that is free and open to the public. Submit your photos to our email here for us to show on Facebook. Winners will be chosen via FaceBook voting and three prizes will be up for grabs! Come out in the snow and show us your best winter art work!
HAWK WATCH & SLIM BAKER DAY
Take a hike up to Inspiration Point for a chance to view the start of the annual fall hawk migration. Many raptors, including Hawks, typically migrate from September through November. They move along ridgelines and float gracefully along air currents. Bring your binoculars, patience and sense of adventure while waiting to spot the movement of a hawk along the horizon.
From the porch of the Slim Baker Lodge, a tribute to the life and legacy of Everett “Slim” Baker will be on display for all to view.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public, no registration required. Join us anytime between 10am and 2pm.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
INSPIRATION POINT WORSHIP WITH BRISTOL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Join the Bristol United Church of Christ at the top of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point for an outdoor inspired service. Overlooking the town of Bristol and surrounding mountains, Pastor Andrew MacLeod will lead the service which is open to everyone. The church will provide access to the top for individuals who are unable to walk to the top. Meet at the gate near the lodge for a ride. Free and open to the public, no registration required.
For more information about the Bristol United Church of Christ, you can find them here: bristolucc.org. Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
SLIM BAKER AT BRISTOL OLD HOME DAY
Come find us at the Bristol Old Home Day located at Kelley Park in downtown Bristol, NH! Need a map? Interested in becoming a member? We will be available all day to talk about the Slim Baker Foundation. We will have informational handouts and conservation education activities on hand.
August 24th will also be our kick-off for our upcoming StoryWalk, (title coming soon), located on the grounds of the Slim Baker Area.
STORYWALK At Slim Baker Area
Enjoy the illustrative book of Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening”.
Come with the family and enjoy a late summer, early fall StoryWalk on the wooded acreage of the Slim Baker Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. The chosen book will have each page spaced apart along the trail, and participants can read the story while spending quality time outdoors connecting with nature.
The StoryWalk will be in place starting August 24th and will remain up until September 29th. The StoryWalk is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit. This is a self-guided program. Need a map - click here!
Nature Art Station
Join us rain or shine for some creative time at our Nature Art Station on the porch of the Slim Baker Lodge. We will spend time painting with pine needle brushes, exploring the natural world through sketch and observation, along with any additional creative pursuits that come to the artist’s mind.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Slim Baker Nature Trail Hike
NOTE: This event has been RESCHEDULED from July 29th to August 13th. Meet at the Stephens Trail near the Slim Baker Lodge to join our Executive Director for a guided talk about the Slim Baker Nature Trail. Come learn about the process and the journey to bring to life this special edition to the Stephens and Greenan Trails. The hike climbs over and down steep sections of trail and requires adequate footwear, water and proper clothing for the days weather. This is a family friendly hike and covers approximately 1 mile of diverse terrain.
For more information on the SLIM BAKER SELF-GUIDED NATURE TRAIL click here!
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate. Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Meteorites & Munchies
The Perseid meteor shower, which peaks in mid-August, is considered the best meteor shower of the year. With swift and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long "wakes" of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth's atmosphere. Join us at the top of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point for a viewing of the meteor shower while enjoying some munchies. Bring a flash light and follow the Worthen Trail to the top. This program is free and open to the public. Physical Address: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Summer StoryWalk at Mill Stream Park
Did you miss our StoryWalk last year up at the Slim Baker Area? Every year we share our previous year’s story with the Mill Stream Park & Bike Path in Bristol, NH. For 2024, we will be showcasing Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. You can find more information about the book and author here!
Summer Nature Scavenger Hunt
When is the first day of summer? In 2024, the official first day of summer is Thursday, June 20th. This date marks the longest day of the year. Download the Summer Nature Hunt pdf here and take a hike at the Slim Baker Area. Share what you find with us at info@slimbaker.org! We can’t wait to see what you find!
This is a self-guided event that you can take place anywhere in the Newfound Area or come up to the Slim Baker Area to explore our diverse trails!
SPRING NATURE Scavenger HUNT!
When is the first day of spring? In 2024, the official first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19. This date marks the vernal equinox. Download the Spring Nature Hunt pdf here and take a hike at the Slim Baker Area. Share what you find with us at info@slimbaker.org! Come back for the summer nature hunt starting June 20th - September 22nd to observe nature’s changes throughout the season!
This is a self-guided event that you can take place anywhere in the Newfound Area or come up to the Slim Baker Area to explore our diverse trails!
Snow Creations Field Exhibit
Join us during the Newfound winter break starting February 25 - March 3, 2024 for our annual Snow "Creations" Field Exhibit! This is a week-long event, come any time of the week that works with your schedule to create a masterpiece out of snow!
All ages are welcome! Head to the field at the Slim Baker Area and create a snowman, snow dog, snow dragon, igloo or anything else you choose! Be creative.
Take a picture and send it to events@slimbaker.org. Fan favorites will be chosen on Facebook the following week. If you aren’t a snow creation builder, we encourage you to visit the field and view the creative works of the community! This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Winter in the Woods
Join us for our annual Winter in the Woods gathering! Visitors are welcome to stop by the Slim Baker Lodge and enjoy cocoa, cookies and a campfire outside. Bring a sled or snowshoes to discover the winter wonderland up on the hill overlooking Bristol, NH. Come connect with friends and family - a time to unwind, explore, enjoy and relax!
New this year, we will have multiple areas where you can find fun winter activities. Our first location will be right off the parking lot, under the big pines, with a campfire ready for s’mores and warming up. Up on the lodge porch, we will have cocoa and cookies to keep you energized in the cold temps. Take a walk up to the field for a new sledding location (please bring your own sled) and an open area to build snow creations, snowshoe or cross-crountry ski around the perimeter of the field.
Stop by anytime between 2-4pm at 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH. The lodge will only be open for use of the restrooms and we ask that folks be prepared with warm clothes to be outside for the duration of this event.This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Luminary HIke to InspiRATION pOINT
Take a hike on the Worthen Trail to the summit of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point following the magical glow of trailside ice luminaries along the way. This is a self-guided event, leaving from the parking lot of the Slim Baker Area. Each luminary is unique and beautiful as they are all handmade by our boardmembers and local volunteers.
In the event of snow or ice on the trails, we reccommend you wear snowshoes or ice traction devices for your safety. This trail gains approximately 800 feet of elevation and has several steep sections along the way. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to participate.
Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Hawk Watch & Slim Baker Day
Take a hike up to Inspiration Point for a chance to view the start of the annual fall hawk migration. Many raptors, including Hawks, typically migrate from September through November. They move along ridgelines and float gracefully along air currents. Bring your binoculars, patience and sense of adventure while waiting to spot the movement of a hawk along the horizon.
From the porch of the Slim Baker Lodge, a tribute to the life and legacy of Everett “Slim” Baker will be on display for all to view.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public, no registration required. Join us anytime between 10am and 2pm. Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Photo credit: Walt Keane, NH Audubon Society
Inspiration Point Worship with Bristol United Church of Christ
Join the Bristol United Church of Christ at the top of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point for an outdoor inspired service. Overlooking the town of Bristol and surrounding mountains, Pastor Andrew MacLeod with lead the service which is open to everyone. The church will provide access to the top for individuals who are unable to walk to the top. Meet at the gate near the lodge for a ride. Free and open to the public, no registration required.
For more information about the Bristol United Church of Christ, you can find them here: bristolucc.org. Physical Address / Location: 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH 03222
Slim Baker at Bristol Old Home Day
Come find us at the Bristol Old Home Day located at Kelley Park in downtown Bristol, NH! Need a map? Interested in becoming a member? We will be available all day to talk about the Slim Baker Foundation. We will have informational handouts and conservation education activities on hand.
August 26th will also be our kick-off for our upcoming StoryWalk, “Make Way For Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey, located on the grounds of the Slim Baker Area.
STORYWALK
MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS BY ROBERT MCCLOSKEY
Come with the family and enjoy a summertime StoryWalk on the wooded acreage of the Slim Baker Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. The chosen book is Pages of the book will be spaced apart along a path, and participants can read the story while spending quality time outdoors connecting with nature.
The StoryWalk will be in place starting August 26th and will remain up until the beginning of October. The StoryWalk is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit. This is a self-guided program. Need a map - click here!
Snow Creation Contest
Take a walk up to our field to build a snow creation of your choice. Send us a picture of your creation, who made it and the title of the subject. We will showcase each creation on our Facebook Page for a fun crowd-sourced contest. In the past we have had snow dogs, dragons, ski jumpers and many other creative snow masterpieces. Prizes will be given to the top three creations.
This is a self-guided event with no registration required. Please email a picture of your creation to to us by clicking on this link!
Great Backyard Bird Count
As a self-guided event, we encourage you to come out to the Slim Baker Area to listen, look and count all the birds you hear during your visit. Email us your findings and we will share with the Newfound Community. Participating is easy, fun to do alone, or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Email us at events@slimbaker.org with your findings or if you have any questions! For more information on how the Great Backyard Bird Count works check out this link https://www.birdcount.org/participate/. This outdoor event is free and open to the public, no registration required.
Winter in the Woods
Join the Slim Baker Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. for our annual Winter in the Woods gathering! Visitors are welcome to stop by the Slim Baker Lodge and enjoy cocoa, cookies and a campfire outside. Bring a sled or snowshoes to discover the winter wonderland up on the hill overlooking Bristol, NH. Come connect with friends and family - a time to unwind, explore, enjoy and relax!
Stop by anytime between 2-4pm at 301 New Chester Mountain Road, Bristol, NH. The lodge will only be open for use of the restrooms and we ask that folks be prepared with warm clothes to be outside for the duration of this event.
Luminary Walk
At dusk take a walk up the Worthen Trail to Inspiration Point where you will find the path lit by ice luminaries along the way. This self guided event follows the luminaries to the top where you can enjoy the night sky during the darkest time of the year!
This outdoor event is free and open to the public, no registration required.
Newfound Women's Hiking Group
Do you love hiking and being outside? Are you looking to explore more trails? Would you feel more comfortable in a group of like-minded women? This adventurous opportunity is for women to meet and hike within the greater Newfound and White Mountain areas. Interested individuals must be able to hike up to four or five miles round trip and carry their own daypack with necessary hiking supplies. This program is free and open to the public.
This program can accommodate up to eight individuals per trip and will include a guide from the Slim Baker Foundation. Participants will meet at the respective trailheads at 9am. Registration is required via email at: events@slimbaker.org with subject line HIKE. Space is limited.
October 11: Bald Mtn. & Artist Bluff, Franconia, NH
This easy to moderate hike is a 1.5-mile loop trail, which involves a short road walk. Views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch will not disappoint with the fall foliage colors. Take Exit 34C toward the Cannon Mountain Ski Resort and head west on NH 18. Go up roughly a half mile where you see a large dirt parking area on your right, trail is near back of lot.
Fireside Chat with NLRA Watershed Stewards
Join NLRA Watershed Stewards Jenna Detar and Anthony Jaster for a fireside chat and s’mores outside the Slim Baker Lodge! They’ll talk about their work with NLRA and LRCC this summer, share their experiences in the watershed, and reflect on what they’ve learned through the program. This program is free and open to all - to register, please visit NewfoundLake.org/events or call (603) 744-8689.
StoryWalk Tour with Author Kari Allen
Come and enjoy a guided tour of the StoryWalk "The Boy Who Loved Maps" by Kari Allen. Kari Allen will be leading the tour of her book with each page spaced apart along the Steven’s Trail. Participants can read the story while spending quality time outdoors connecting with nature.
The StoryWalk Guided Tour will be on Sunday, September 18th at 1pm. The StoryWalk will remain up until the beginning of October. The StoryWalk is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit. Need a map - click here!
Newfound Women's Hiking Group
Do you love hiking and being outside? Are you looking to explore more trails? Would you feel more comfortable in a group of like-minded women? This adventurous opportunity is for women to meet and hike within the greater Newfound and White Mountain areas. Interested individuals must be able to hike up to four or five miles round trip and carry their own daypack with necessary hiking supplies. This program is free and open to the public.
This program can accommodate up to eight individuals per trip and will include a guide from the Slim Baker Foundation. Participants will meet at the respective trailheads at 9am. Registration is required via email at: events@slimbaker.org with subject line HIKE. Space is limited.
September 13: Welch & Dickey Mtns., Thornton, NH
The loop hike over Welch and Dickey Mountains is considered a moderate hike with fantastic views. There is some rock scrambling and exposed rock ridges along this 4.4 mile hike. Trailhead and parking area are on Orris Road in Thornton, NH. Take Upper Mad River Road from Rt. 49, 5.5 miles east of Rt. 93 at Exit 28. In 0.7 miles, turn right onto Orris Road. The parking area is 0.6 miles down, on the right.
Inspiration Point Worship with Bristol United Church of Christ
Join the Bristol United Church of Christ at the top of Little Round Top and Inspiration Point for an outdoor inspired service. Overlooking the town of Bristol and surrounding mountains, Pastor Andrew MacLeod with lead the service which is open to everyone. The church will provide access to the top for individuals who are unable to walk to the top. Meet at the gate near the lodge for a ride. Free and open to the public, no registration required.
For more information about the Bristol United Church of Christ, you can find them here: bristolucc.org.
STORYWALK
Come with the family and enjoy a summertime StoryWalk on the wooded acreage of the Slim Baker Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. The chosen book is "The Boy Who Loved Maps" by Kari Allen. Pages of the book will be spaced apart along a path, and participants can read the story while spending quality time outdoors connecting with nature.
The StoryWalk will be in place starting August 27th and will remain up until the beginning of October. The StoryWalk is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit. This is a self-guided program. Need a map - click here!
Slim Baker at Bristol Old Home Day
Come find us at the Bristol Old Home Day! Need a map? Interested in becoming a member? We will be available all day to talk about the Slim Baker Foundation. We will have informational handouts and conservation education activities on hand.
August 27th will also be our kickoff for our upcoming StoryWalk located on the grounds of the Slim Baker Area. This year we will be featuring the book The Boy Who Loved Maps by Kari Allen who is a local author. You can find more information about Kari Allen here: kariallenwrites.com/books
Newfound Women's Hiking Group
Do you love hiking and being outside? Are you looking to explore more trails? Would you feel more comfortable in a group of like-minded women? The Slim Baker Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. and the Newfound Lakes Region Association have joined to create this adventurous opportunity for women to meet and hike within the greater Newfound and White Mountain areas. Interested individuals must be able to hike up to four or five miles round trip and carry their own daypack with necessary hiking supplies. This program is free and open to the public.
This program can accommodate up to eight individuals per trip and will include a guide from the Slim Baker Foundation and the Newfound Lakes Region Association. Participants will meet at the respective trailheads at 9am. Registration is required via email at: events@slimbaker.org with subject line HIKE. Space is limited.
August 9th: Mt. Cardigan, Orange, NH
Considered a moderate hike, Mt. Cardigan from the Orange, NH side on the West Ridge Trail is a 3-mile round trip hike. This hike is filled with 360 views with a fully exposed mountaintop. Park at the Cardigan State Park Lot, which is off from route 118. From the Canaan, bear right 2.7 miles from Rt. 118; at 3.4 miles bear left; at 4.1 miles you will be in the parking area. This can either be an out and back or loop back via South Ridge Trail.
Book Pack: Hike to Inspiration Point
PLEASE NOTE - This program has been cancelled but check back for a rescheduled date!
Join us as we partner with the Minot-Sleeper Library at the Slim Baker Area for this book pack! Take your favorite book, or something new to read and hike up to Inspiration Point. At the top, the Minot-Sleeper Librarian will read a short poem and then we’ll spend the duration of the time reading. Book Pack hikers can disperse when they’re ready or continue to explore the area on their own!