Mount Major is one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Hampshire, offering stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the region year-round. As visitation continues to grow, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) is launching a new Visitor Use Management Study to better understand the experiences, needs, and preferences of those who love this iconic mountain.
In conjunction with Outdoor Research Insights, LLC, a NH-based research and consulting company, the Forest Society will be conducting a visitor use survey at the Mt Major trailhead in summer through fall 2025. Trained field researchers will be asking visitors who have just completed a hike or recreational activity on Mt Major to participate by filling out a 10-minute survey about their experience. Below are some frequently asked questions about this visitor use study.
Why are we conducting a visitor use survey at Mt Major?
The Forest Society has made a number of recreational infrastructure improvements at Mt. Major in recent years, including year-round portable toilets, a shade pavilion and information kiosk, a volunteer trailhead outreach program, and a 1/2 mile sustainable re-route of the Main Trail. We are committed to continuing to improve the visitor experience, but are looking for input from visitors to guide future management at Mt Major. The goals of the survey are to:
- Improve the quality of visitor experiences at Mt Major
- address crowding and environmental issues
- guide future communication, recreational infrastructure, and investment priorities
- determine visitor preferences toward potential future management actions
- promote a more welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable recreation environment
How can I take the survey?
Trained field researchers will be on-site at the Mount Major trailhead on Route 11 periodically throughout the busiest hiking season from June through November. A variety of days of the week and times of day will be chosen for survey days to get the most representative sample of users. Look for researchers with orange vests and name-tags, who will be contacting people after they have finished their hikes in order to capture their experience while it is still fresh in their minds. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete using a provided tablet or your own mobile device. Participation is completely optional, and all responses are confidential and anonymous.
Why should I participate in the survey?
Whether you are a frequent local hiker, or a first time visitor to Mt. Major, your input matters! This is a chance to shape the future of one of New Hampshire's most treasured landscapes.
Participants who wish will also be entered into a raffle to win great outdoor prizes including:
- 35L REI hiking backpack
- 22L REI hiking daypack
- REI collapsible hiking poles
- $50 L.L. Bean gift card
- Aroma Joe's gift card
- 2 free passes to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves ($56 value)
- 2 free passes for The Maple Experience (Forest Society North @ The Rocks)
- $70 voucher for cut-your-own Christmas Tree @ The Rocks
Many thanks to REI Co-op, L.L.Bean, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Aroma Joe's, and Forest Society North at The Rocks for their generous donations!
When do you expect to have results from the survey?
The data collection phase of the Mt Major Visitor Survey will occur from June to November, 2025. Outdoor Research Insights, LLC will then compile and analyze the data. A final report is expected by the end of summer 2026.