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The Fells Quest

Newbury, NH
Difficulty: Moderate
Special Features: Architectural, Historical, Natural
Walking Conditions: Trail
Duration: 1:00
Season: May-Oct
Bring: Field Guide, Money, Pencil

Description

This beautiful retreat reminded John Hay of his ancestral homeland in Scotland.

Located in Newbury, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Sunapee, The Fells was the summer retreat for three generations of the Hay family: Secretary of State John M. Hay, who also served as private secretary to Abraham Lincoln; Clarence Hay, a noted archaeologist, who developed the gardens with his wife, Alice Appleton Hay; and nature writer John Hay. The estate is now open to the public and operates as a historic site, public garden, and wildlife refuge. It is named the Fells, because the land reminded John Hay of his ancestral homeland in Scotland, where rocky upland pastures are referred to as “Fells.”

Directions

Take I-89 south to Exit 12. Take a right off the exit ramp. Make an immediate left onto Rte. 103A and follow it for 5.6 miles to The Fells. The Fells will be on your right. Park just inside the gate. Grounds open year-round. Admission fee charged.

Clues and Map

Click here to view/print the clues and map for this quest.

Created

1998, revised in 2023

Update to this Quest

There is an all new Quest at the Fells — the clues are included in our new book, Best of Valley Quest. Please note: There is an admission charge to the Fells. (It is a beautiful place, and well worth the price of admission.)