Visit Us
The Grey Rocks Conservation Center is Now Open!
This new community hub for conservation and education serves the growing needs of the Newfound community and secures a cleaner, clearer future for Newfound.
Hours
Thursday-Monday: 9 am-4 pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
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.
Things To Do
Grey Rocks is open year-round for the enjoyment of residents and visitors of Newfound.
Trails
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.
Paddling
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.
Picnicking
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.
EcoTours
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!
Fishing
Fish from your boat or enjoy one of the many fishing alcoves on the property. Fishing licenses are required for ages 16 and up.
Programs and Events
Check our events page for programs and events hosted at Grey Rocks Conservation Area!
Restoration
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.
Landscape Design
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.
History
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.
Newfound Marina
At its peak, the Newfound Marina operated 6 buildings and dozens of boat slips, with heavy use of roads, walkways, and the surrounding water.
Plants, Animals, and the Rest of the Story
Grey Rocks Newsletter Series
- 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
Wildlife on 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.
Grey Rocks Aquatic Plants
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.