Trail Information
The Rocks Estate houses several miles of trails. We encourage you to visit and hike one of our 4 trails, which are open 365 days per year, each day from dawn til dusk. The Forest Society welcomes foot traffic, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. We ask you refrain from using wheeled or motorized vehicles. For more information visit the kiosk located behind the barn.
Trail Head at the Rocks Estate
Fanny's House Built 1886
Scrap Book Memory Trail
The newest of the four trails, includes 6 scenic and historically significant stops around The Rocks. Each spot includes a camera stand to make it easy to take the perfect family photo. Take your portrait in front of the terraced gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, or while roasting a delicious treat at the marshmallow pit. The Scrap Book Memory Trail Map (PDF file)
Christmas Tree Trail
Follow the 15 numbered trees through-out the Christmas tree plantation at The Rocks. Each stop includes information about Christmas tree farming, Rocks history, and local wildlife. This easy trail is perfect for the entire family. Christmas Tree Trail Map (PDF file)
Michael A. Gozzo Memorial Trail
This trail, designed in memory of Michael Gozzo, an avid outdoor enthusiast of the White Mountains, is five miles long. This trail brings you through the woods, over streams, and along a country lane. Michael A. Gozzo Trail Map (PDF file)
Heritage Trail: A Historical Walk Through J.J. Glessner's Rocks Estate
John Jacob Glessner, founding father of International Harvester, as well as one of the Forest Society's earliest members, would visit Bethlehem along with his family, in the late 1870's. For over a hundred years his descendants looked after The Rocks and the farming operation. Learn the unique history of the 1400-acre estate by walking the trail and visiting the 20 stops along the way which inform you of the distinctive buildings, and exceptional beauty. Heritage Trail Map (PDF file)
Bretzfelder Memorial Park
In the early 19th century, a white pine sprouted in a pasture on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Forty summers later, after the sheep farmers had moved on, the tree towered over the abandoned field. Fifty years later, city folks seeking relief from hay fever discovered Bethlehem. Many of them walked down the country lane that led past the tree to spread a picnic lunch beneath its branches. By the 1920's, the tree was well-known for its tremendous size and appearance.
Charles Bretzfelder, a New York lawyer who summered in the White Mountains for many years, purchased the giant white pine and its surrounding acreage in 1920. Bretzfelder built a summer cottage and enjoyed the natural world, taking long walks in the crisp air, and swimming in the cold mountain brook.
Bretzfelder often paused in his daily walks to nap under the towering pine. When a near by tree crashed into the pine, he called in tree surgeons to have them patch the tree's wounds, remove dead branches, install retaining bars, and fix a cable to an overhanging branch. The patient emerged undaunted and continued to soar above its younger neighbors.
Upon his death in 1943, the Bretzfelder family fulfilled Charles' wish that he join the pine in its treasured grove. In a simple ceremony, his ashes were scattered about the base of the tree and a memorial plaque was unveiled: "May his wisdom and light forever shine upon this earth."
Although untrue, legends still exist with locals that Bretzfelder is buried within the tree. The noble tree was continued to be cared for by local "keepers of the tree," hired by the family.
In 1979, Bretzfelder's daughter, Helen, bequeathed the tree and its 17 surrounding acres to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests as a memorial park. The Society takes seriously its role as the new keeper of the tree, and maintains the park as a community resource. The park, which has grown to 77 acres, will be forever protected, even when the original tree no longer stands.
Directions to Bretzfelder Park
From 93 (from both directions) exit 40. Follow Route 302 East for 3 miles, take a left on Prospect street. Bretzfelder Park is located approximately one mile on the left.
Sleeping Astronomer Forest
The Sleeping Astronomer Forest was donated to the Forest Society in 2005. This property includes the scenic rock formation of local lore, the Sleeping Astronomer. When this property's name originated is unknown, but upon viewing the formation which is said to look like Old Man of the Mountain on his back, it is obvious how this name came about. This reservation includes several miles of trail systems which offer scenic views of historical downtown Littleton.
Directions to Sleeping Astronomer Forest
From the south: 93 exit 40. Take a left on to 302 West. Site is on left, just before the Elks Club.
From the north: 93 exit 40. Go right then turn around at first safe opportunity to take 302 West. Site is on left, just before Elks Club.