Hikers enjoying the view from Chesley Mountain on the Bean Forest
Wild blueberries on the Bean Forest
Trail on Bean Forest
Group of hikers on Bean Forest
Rock cairn on summit of Chesley Mountain
About the Property
Dorothy “Dottie” Bean generously gifted 334 acres of land in Farmington to the Forest Society on her passing in 2023. The Bean Forest, which consists of well managed forest and field acreage, had been passed down through generations of the Bean and Demeritt families for generations since 1775. Dottie Bean proudly managed the property as a certified Tree Farm and worked with a licensed forester to improve the timber resources. She also welcomed public use, working with local scouts and NH Trailwrights to develop a hiking trail network available for local use and enjoyment. The Forest Society is proud to carry on Dottie Bean’s tradition of sustainable forest management and public recreation on the Bean Forest into the future.
Please note that the historic farmhouse and barns are privately owned; thank you for respecting their privacy.
Trail Information
Bean Forest Trail
Yellow rectangles
The hiking trail at Bean Forest starts from a parking pull out and yellow gate on Meetinghouse Hill Road in Farmington, approximately 0.3 miles north of the historic Bean farmhouse and barns. Look for the Bean Forest property sign at the trailhead location.
A short way beyond the trailhead, the trail crosses an old sand and gravel pit area that is now beginning to grow in with early successional vegetation and trees like pine and birch. Follow the trail to the left on the far side of the gravel pit and in 0.1 mi you will reach an intersection where the trail goes both ways. This loop portion of the trail can be hiked in either direction, just follow the yellow rectangle blazes.
The loop trail's highlight is at the height of land, where there are ledges and great views of Chesley Mountain and Bradley Lake to the south of the property. In summer, low bush blueberries and reindeer lichen cover the rocky barrens here. Feel free to pick some blueberries for a treat, but try to avoid stepping on the sensitive lichens. When you complete the loop, take the trail back through the gravel pit and out to the parking pull off and trailhead.
Recommended Properties Nearby
A network of trails starts from Avery Hill Road, including a 1.7 mile marked loop trail that winds through fields and forests to reach the top of Pine Mountain. The trail traverses the Avery Field near the site of the former Avery Farm and ascends the west slope of Pine Mountain. Open blueberry barrens at the summit provide spectacular views of the entire Belknap Range, including Mount Major and Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as excellent berry picking in season.
The land was first settled as farmland in the 18th century, as evidenced by the cellar holes, cemeteries, cleared fields, and old farm house that was removed from the property. The land also became a source of forest products for much of the last century.