CONCORD, New Hampshire ??” On Saturday, July 9, join the staff of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests on a hike to the summit of Mount Monadnock. The hike will provide an opportunity to learn about cultural, natural, and recreational history, recent land protection efforts around the mountain, new State Park facilities, and the public-private partnership to both protect and manage this “most-climbed mountain in the world.” Mount Monadnock is a classic hike, particularly on a summer day.

The NH Division of Parks and Recreation has a recreational lease from the Society for the Protection of NH Forest to provide public use of Mount Monadnock. The Forest Society owns more than 3,700 acres including the summit of the mountain. Monadnock State Park, which includes Mount Monadnock, offers year-round recreation including camping, fishing, and miles of hiking.

This co-sponsored hike will begin at 9am at the Monadnock State Park Office. The cost is $5 for Forest Society members and $10 for non-members. Participants should come prepared with food, water, and proper hiking gear.

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is part of the Department of Resources and Economic Development and manages 72 state parks, campgrounds, trails, historic sites, waysides and natural areas. To learn more about the Division of Parks and Recreation, visit www.nhstateparks.org or call 603/271-3556.