As one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state with an estimated 80,000 visitors annually, Mount Major’s trails “are being loved to death,” said Jack Savage, president of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

His organization is in the process of an ambitious endeavor to raise $300,000 for a trail project that will improve sustainability and user experience at the beloved mountain many consider to be a rite of passage for hikers across the region. 

Teaming up this spring with Town 4 Trail Services and OBP Trailworks, the Forest Society is working to construct a sustainable trail to take the place of approximately one-third of a mile of the existing “main/blue” trail – the most trafficked up and down the mountain. 

Currently, the lower sections include some extremely eroded segments, where, for decades, the soil has been washed down the trail into streams and directly into Lake Winnipesaukee across from the mountain’s parking area. 

“The project is designed to handle the substantial foot traffic on the trail and the heavy rains we have been experiencing as part of the climate changes in our region,” Savage said.

The Forest Society, which oversees 200 properties in the state, expects the new trail section will require much less maintenance over time and be a major ecological improvement that reduces runoff and silting into Lake Winnipesaukee. 

It’s part of a long-range plan to improve the visitor experience at Mount Major. Over the last few years, the Forest Society has purchased the parking area from the state Department of Transportation, built a small pavilion and map kiosk, improved the base of the trail and trailhead, and increased the presence of volunteer greeters during busy hiking times.

The Forest Society has already received an $80,000 grant from the New Hampshire Recreational Trails Program for the trail project, as well as funding and donations from various organizations and individuals. Remaining to be raised is $100,000 – reliant on philanthropic sources and those who hike the trails. Donations can be made at forestsociety.org/majortrailwork or deposited at the Mount Major trailhead.

Trail access to the summit will remain open during construction this spring.