Conservation Property and Trails
The NLRA is building a center for conservation and education at Grey Rocks to serve the growing conservation needs of the Newfound community and secure a cleaner, clearer future for Newfound.
LEARN MOREGrey Rocks Conservation Area will be closed to the public beginning Tuesday, September 3rd as we prepare to break ground and begin construction of the Grey Rocks Conservation Center.
We look forward to welcoming the Newfound Community to the Grey Rocks Conservation Center grand opening in 2025!
An example of sustainable development to benefit the people and ecosystem of Newfound.
Grey Rocks was donated to NLRA by the McLane family in 2011 for permanent conservation, stewardship and public use. Parking is available at 178 N Shore Rd, Hebron, NH.
Grey Rocks is open year-round for the enjoyment of residents and visitors of Newfound.
The 1.5-mile trail system winds through the heart of the Cockermouth River delta, with observation platforms for views. Wander the level and well-marked trails and enjoy the serene surroundings. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on-leash. Owners are responsible for removing all pet waste. Grey Rocks is a Leave No Trace, carry-in/carry-out property.
Launch non-motorized, carry-in boats at our ramp. Paddling is perhaps the best way to fully appreciate the subtle wonders of Grey Rocks as a gateway to Newfound Lake! Inspiration for a paddling route can be found in our Northern Newfound Water Trail Guide.
The sunny picnic area is a perfect place to enjoy your lunch while watching for wildlife. Please remember Grey Rocks is a carry-in/carry-out property.
Take a Newfound Eco-Tour and learn about the history and ecology of the area. You may see moose, beaver, loons, and even Newfound’s resident bald eagles!
Fish from your boat or enjoy one of the many fishing alcoves on the property. Fishing licenses are required for ages 16 and up.
Check our events page for programs and events hosted at Grey Rocks Conservation Area!
An ongoing, community-wide effort.
To protect the quality of Newfound Lake and its Watershed, NLRA has restored Grey Rocks to more natural conditions. A comprehensive landscape design using low-impact principles and a plan for future uses will serve as an example of sustainable lakefront development while providing public access to the natural treasures we work to preserve.
With volunteers, staff, and partner organizations, a majority of the landscape work was completed in 2018, with annual updates and continuing work ongoing.
The Concept Plan (right) was created to show a full build out of the site using input from the community. The Site Design (left) is the plan permitted by the Town of Hebron and State of NH. Click either map for a larger view.
Next Steps
No landscape is unchanging. We plan to allow this site to continually evolve and change, being a space for educational moments, experimentation opportunities, and room for improvement.
The history of Grey Rocks is extensive. It is the site of a former Native American fishing camp; a summer camp, Camp Grey Rock, for young women; and the Newfound Marina. Before the property was donated to the NLRA in late 2011, structures were demolished and most of the evidence of decades of commercial use was removed.
Part 1: From Concept to Reality
Part 2: History of Grey Rocks
Part 3: Plants of Grey Rocks
Part 4: Trees of Grey Rocks
Part 5: Wildlife on Grey Rocks
Part 6: The Future of Grey Rocks
In 2012, the Hebron Conservation Commission sponsored an Ecological Assessment of the Charles L. Bean Sanctuary and the Grey Rocks Conservation Area. Results included a report of wildlife, natural communities and plants found on the properties. The report can be read here.
As part of our Weed Watcher Program and the Sant Bani Service Learning Program, we are pleased to share an Aquatic Plants Survey from Luke Gordon. This report documents different types of native aquatic plants, where they grow at Grey Rocks, and what times of year that they appear. Click Here for Luke’s Report.
