Wildly Responsible

The State of New Hampshire invites visitors and locals alike to be Wildly Responsible. This campaign is about enjoying the outdoors boldly while protecting it fiercely. It’s a reminder to:

• Recreate responsibly.

• Respect the land, water, and communities.

• Celebrate the outdoors without leaving a mark.

By embracing this mindset, you become more than just a visitor—you become a steward of the White Mountains.

Learn more about how you can be Wildly Responsible here: https://www.visitnh.gov/wildly-responsible

HikeSafe

New Hampshire’s HikeSafe Program emphasizes preparation and personal responsibility. The HikeSafe “Hiker Responsibility Code” highlights what every adventurer should carry and know before hitting the trail:

• The Ten Essentials: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, flashlight/headlamp, first-aid kit, fire starter, whistle, and rain/wind protection.

• Knowledge of the terrain and conditions before heading out.

• Self-reliance—be ready for unexpected situations and know your limits.

Remember, rescues can be dangerous for both you and first responders. Being prepared helps keep everyone safe. 
NH HideSafe Program information

Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace principles provide a foundation for responsible outdoor recreation. They’re simple guidelines that make a big difference:

• Plan ahead and prepare – Know your route, weather, and gear needs before you set out.

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces – Stay on established trails to protect fragile plants and habitats.

• Dispose of waste properly – Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps and tissues.

• Leave what you find – Resist the urge to take rocks, plants, or artifacts home.

• Minimize campfire impacts – Use a camp stove or designated fire rings when camping.

• Respect wildlife – Observe from a distance and never feed animals.

• Be considerate of others – Share the trail and keep noise levels down.

Every small action adds up to a big impact in preserving these landscapes.

Sharing the Outdoors during Hunting Season

Fall is a gorgeous time to hike, but also the time when hunting is in full swing across many parts of New Hampshire. To make sure your outdoor adventures stay safe and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear blaze orange – Make yourself visible. A bright hat, vest, shirt, or other gear helps hunters spot you. If you bring your dog, add orange to them too, and keep them leashed.

• Know the season dates and local rules – Check the NH Hunting & Trapping Digest to find out when different types of hunting are allowed in your area. 

• Pick the right trail and timing – Use well-marked, frequently traveled trails. Hike in the middle of the day and on weekdays if possible, when hunter activity tends to be lower.

• Make noise – Talk, sing, whistle, or otherwise announce your presence on the trail so that hunters are more likely to notice you.  If your dog goes with you, bells are a good idea. 

• Be prepared – Stick to the Hike Safe principles: tell someone where you’re headed, bring gear and supplies, be aware of weather and daylight, and be ready to turn back if needed.

Visit NH Fish & Game for more information.

Winter Stewardship  ❄️

When the snow falls and trails freeze over, the White Mountains transform into a winter playground. Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and cross-country adventurers all flock here—but even in winter, your role as an outdoor steward and responsible traveler remains essential.

Respect the Slopes: Know Your Responsibility Code

Ski New Hampshire emphasizes that safety doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of deliberate awareness and responsible behavior.

Every winter sport participant should follow a Responsibility Code that includes:

• Always stay in control. Be able to stop or avoid people or objects. 

• Yield to those downhill. Skiers and snowboarders below you have the right-of-way.

• Obey signs and posted warnings. Stay off closed trails or out-of-bounds areas.

• Know lift safety. Be familiar with how to load, ride, and unload safely, and follow directions of lift attendants.

• Wear protective gear. A helmet and appropriate winter clothing go a long way. 

These practices help protect not just you, but everyone sharing the slopes. 

Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Backcountry Safety

Winter adventures aren’t limited to downhill. For those exploring groomed Nordic trails or backwoods routes:

• Carry gear like a map, compass, extra layers, water, and high-energy snacks.

• Don’t venture out alone. Tell someone your route and expected return time. 

• Stay alert to avalanche risks (in steep or alpine terrain) and changing snow conditions

• Dress in moisture-wicking, layering fabrics (avoid cotton) and protect your extremities against cold.

• On multi-use trails, yield to faster traffic (snowmobiles, ski machines) and keep to the side.  

Upholding Wildly Responsible Values in Winter

Being Wildly Responsible doesn’t stop when the leaves have fallen. In winter, it means:

• Staying on designated trails (especially to protect fragile plant life beneath the snow).

• Packing out any trash or waste (even wet items like snack wrappers or tissues).

• Respecting wildlife—animals still forage and need undisturbed spaces to survive.

• Being courteous to others—reduce noise, yield when needed, and keep interactions respectful.

Protect Today, Enjoy Tomorrow

Your visit to the Western White Mountains is more than a getaway—it’s part of a bigger story of keeping this region wild and welcoming for generations to come. By following Leave No Trace, hiking smart with HikeSafe, and embracing the Wildly Responsible mindset, you’re not just a visitor—you’re a steward of these mountains.

So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and head out to explore. The views will take your breath away—and thanks to you, they’ll be here for years to come.

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