Knox Forest
In 1976, the Town of Bow made a significant investment by acquiring Knox Forest, a sprawling 318-acre expanse of enchanting forest land situated in the central part of Bow. Designated as a Town Forest, Knox has been under the careful stewardship of the Conservation Commission for many years. The property has not only served as a natural haven but has also contributed substantial revenue to the Conservation Commission through responsible forestry activities. These funds, in turn, have played a crucial role in supporting the Town’s acquisition of additional conservation lands, including Nottingcook Forest and Hammond Preserve. We owe a debt of gratitude to the foresighted members of the Conservation Commission in the 1970s who championed the cause of purchasing and preserving precious forests like Knox. In 1998, the Town granted Bow Open Spaces a permanent conservation easement on Knox Forest. The easement deed encompassed not only Knox Forest but also the Old Johnson Road Forest and Walker Forest. Specifically, the conservation easement was established to protect crucial features, including watersheds, vernal pools, and wetlands within the forest. Notably, this marked a significant milestone as it was the inaugural conservation easement deed received by Bow Open Spaces. In 2000, Hilary and Jeff Warner took the initiative to enhance Knox Forest’s recreational appeal by obtaining grant funding from NH DRED to mark and map trails in the forest. Additional trails catering to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts were constructed. Over the next 18 years, the Warners worked with numerous volunteers. Including Scouts and Bow High School Students to make substantial improvements to the trail system. This effort added more miles of trails and installed new signage. Presently, Knox Forest boasts a network of 9 miles of marked trails. The forest also accommodates several snowmobile trails with a longstanding presence, diligently maintained each year by the Bow Pioneers Snowmobile Club. Knox Forest offers a versatile outdoor experience, and welcoming activities such as dog walking, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. With a vast area of flat trails and some more challenging variable terrain, the forest provides diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation. Access to the trails can be gained from Knox or Robinson Roads.
