Characterized by dramatic slopes, winding headwater streams, and the quiet voice of Mink Brook below, the newly-protected Black Bear Glen stands as an inspiring act of individual, conservation-minded generosity. Donated to the Hanover Conservancy by the former landowners in the fall of 2025, the property adds 92 acres to a growing block of climate-resilient wildlife habitat and recreational land on Moose Mountain’s western slope.
Abutting the already protected Shumway Forest, Black Bear Glen joins a block of more than 3,200 acres of permanently protected, connected land. The mature forests, identified in NH’s Wildlife Action Plan as containing some of the highest ranked habitat in the state, support a variety of native species, including moose, fisher, bobcat, and of course – black bear.
Nearly half a mile of the historic Harris Trail, the original route of the Appalachian Trail, crosses the property. Upslope, visitors can explore the quiet General’s Trail as it winds along a steep, water-carved ravine. The property can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail parking area on Three Mile Road, or through the Shumway Forest trail network. Please note, there is no direct access to the property via Three Mile Road.
Black Bear Glen Map (pdf) and Brochure (coming soon)
How to get there
Parking is available at the Appalachian Trail trailhead on Three Mile Road (google map link). Access to the property is via the Harris Trail and General’s Trail (follow the AT northbound from Three Mile Road, and turn right on either side-trail), as well as the Trout Lily Trail from the Shumway Forest.
The property is home to 0.4 miles of the Harris Trail (1/10 of its total length), as well as sections of the General’s Trail and Trout Lily Trail.
Black Bear Glen is open for non-motorized recreational use in all four seasons.
- Leave no trace—please carry out your own trash
- Please pick up after your pet; dogs must be under direct control of their owners at all times
- No fires or camping
- Leave wildflowers, mushrooms, and wildlife undisturbed
- Deer hunting is permitted in season; please follow all state and local regulations, and be aware of private land abutting the property
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Trail Steward for the property, email Program Manager Barry Matthews for more information.
Remnants of an agricultural past
An elaborate network of stone walls and sheep lanes recall a time when these lands were cleared for agriculture. In the 19th century it is estimated that more than 250,000 miles of stone wall crossed New England!
A lasting legacy
In 2024, landowners Clyde Watson and Denis Devlin contacted the Hanover Conservancy with an incredible offer: a donation of more than 90 acres of their backland on the western slope of Moose Mountain. Over the next year, the Hanover Conservancy worked with Clyde and Denis on the project which would become the Black Bear Glen. Named for some of their favorite visitors from the mountain, the black bears who have long-delighted their family, including Clyde’s father Aldren Auld Watson.
A state-recognized habitat
Black Bear Glen’s mature forest ecosystem boasts impressive conservation values. It is identified in New Hampshire’s Wildlife Action Plan as containing land designated the highest ranked habitat in the state, as well as important supporting landscapes that provide a healthy environment for black bear, fisher, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and more. Stop and listen on the General’s Trail—not just for quiet rippling of headwater streams, but also the rustling of wildlife deeper in the woods.
A healthy natural community
Black Bear Glen is covered by a mature forest, including stands of mixed northern hardwoods as well as Eastern hemlock. Mink Brook, Hanover’s largest stream, slowly starts to build steam as it crosses the property, fed by small feeders coming down from higher slopes.
Our protected lands require constant upkeep as we maintain public trail networks, guard against invasive species, and steward the important conservation values they contain. Although no major stewardship projects are envisioned for Black Bear Glen at this time, we always welcome support from interested volunteers.
Make a gift to protect this special place today. Donations toward the project are tax-deductible. We are grateful to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Wild East Action Fund, which seeks to accelerate the pace of conservation within the Appalachian Trail landscape, for a grant to help with survey costs for this remarkable property.
