Land trusts lead fall hikes and paddling trips

After the greenery falls away and before the snow falls, the fall season offers a revealing look at the underlying layers that give our landscape its diverse character. A number of local land conservation organizations offer family-friendly trips that take advantage of this time to teach about the interconnectedness of our mountains, streams, rock formations and other features.

Bauneg Beg Mountain may not be as well known as its nearby neighbor Mount Agamenticus, but that just means it’s less crowded. On Sunday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m., Great Works Regional Land Trust will lead a walk through the conserved 89 wooded acres featuring  peaceful trails, surprising rock formations, and a panoramic view from its highest summit (it has three peaks), which is 866 feet higher than Mount A. This hike is highly recommended for families. Registration is at www.gwrlt.org.

More experienced hikers will enjoy a  longer walk “From the Mountain to the River”—from the summit of Mount Agamenticus to the York River, with guides from York Land Trust who will share information on the region’s renowned biodiversity. The walk takes place on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is at www.yorklandtrust.org.

For those who prefer a little paddling with their foliage, Southeast Land Trust and Portsmouth Kayak Adventures are offering a trip through New Castle’s Back Channel Islands. Living among the local population are fox, great blue herons, deer, common eiders and bald eagles. The trip takes place Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring your own kayak or canoe, or arrange for a rental. Registration is at www.seltnh.org or 603-778-6088.

It’s a little outside the Seacoast, but full-moon-and-rising Moonlight Walk hosted by Moose Mountains Regional Greenways offers an unusual mix of natural and cultural heritage. The guided walk will start near dusk, following about a mile of woods roads and foot paths to the old Burrows farm, during which naturalist Sally Cornwell will talk about the wildlife that can be seen and heard along the way. The destination will be a hillside, where Cornwell will share stories from the Native American tradition. The event takes place Friday, Sept. 28, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Moose Mountains Reservation in Brookfield. To register, visit www.mmrg.info or call 603-978-7125.