Safety

Phillips Brook BCRA is completely self service. There is no one on the lands who can offer help or assistance either on the roads or in the forest. But through preparation and planning you can maximize your chance to be safe in the backcountry. The unique self service nature of Phillips Brook Backcountry Recreation Area allows for self-reliance and adventure, but it also places the emphasis for safety on you. The trails are not patrolled, so you must be prepared for any emergency and to rescue yourself if the need arises. Along with a copy of your yurt reservation, please leave an itinerary with a family member or friend.

The lands are in the far North and at high elevation which is good for snow and bad for weather changes, exposure, and hypothermia. Be prepared. If you are not experienced stay at Errol Rapids Yurt, or Little Dummer Pond Yurt and familiarize yourself with staying in a yurt and explore the lands and trails from the yurts as a base camp.

We provide these shelters at great locations in the forest so you can spend the night in a special location and enjoy being in the forest. The land is open for use by the land owner and we provide the shelters. There is no fee for use of the lands and your only cost is for the lodging. The lands are available for your use under the NH statutes for encouraging open use of lands and specifically limit liability for the land owner. You and each person are individually completely responsible for your own decisions, choices, actions,  and safety on the lands. There is only the NH Dept of Fish and Game for emergency, rescue, or accident assistance if needed and they can be reached by calling 911. However there is very little cell phone coverage generally but most often at the Little Dummer Pond trailhead.  Milan is the closest town village.

The basic assessment of weather, conditions, trails, group capabilities, equipment, and skills are the responsibility of each individual and/or group leader if there is one. Be sure of route finding skills, proper equipment, emergency supplies, and be prepared to overnight on the trail in all seasons. Print out the gear lists and double check that you and every other person in your group is properly equipped.