4th of July on the White Mountain National Forest
July 4th
Campton, NH (July 1, 2024) – As you make your plans for the upcoming July 4th holiday officials are reminding visitors to be prepared. We want to welcome visitors to the White Mountain National Forest and remind people to plan ahead and recreate safely,” said Derek Ibarguen, White Mountain National Forest Supervisor.
Although many visitors and campers never encounter a bear, the forest is their home. Bears are currently active at several campgrounds and recreation areas throughout the national forest. Don’t invite bears into your site by leaving food out. Feeding bears, intentional or unintentional is prohibited! Free bear canister rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all White Mountain NF offices and visitor centers. Keep food, garbage, coolers, pet food, canned or bottled beverages, and other bear attractants in a hard-sided vehicle, the bear-resistant food lockers provided at several developed sites, or an approved bear-resistant food container. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Visitors should be aware that fireworks of any kind are not permitted on the White Mountain National Forest. Setting off fireworks in a national forest is not only illegal it’s also a hazardous activity that can lead to injury and wildfires.
Campfires should never be larger than necessary for cooking, and never left unattended. Follow these steps to properly extinguish your campfire: drown, stir, drown, feel. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Even if you’re just planning a short hike remember to hikeSafe! Weather in the White Mountains can be unpredictable. While it may be sunny and warm where you are, it may be cold in the mountains. Check the forecast before visiting and if need be, consider postponing your hike – the mountains will be there another day. At any time of year, you should be prepared with warm clothing and good rain gear. For information to help you plan a safe hike go to the hikeSafe website at www.hikesafe.com
For information about the White Mountain National Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain/ For more information about bears, visit New Hampshire Fish & Game Department www.wildnh.com
Be safe and enjoy your National Forest!
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
