New Hampshire’s Sweetest Winter Treat Is This Homemade Maple Syrup Tasting

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and a hearty plate of blueberry pancakes or Belgian waffles isn't complete without a hefty pour of sweet maple syrup, and I'm not talking about just any old brand. Around here, we crave authentic New England syrup. There is absolutely nothing like it. Although pure syrup is available at specialty stores, local farms, and online, the best way to experience this regional treat is by taking part in a local maple syrup outing. This year, the Forest Society North at The Rocks in Bethlehem is hosting four weekends of delicious maple fun. I have put this fantastic experience on my New Hampshire 2025 bucket list, and I think you should as well.

The Rocks is a scenic property nestled in the stunning White Mountains. From mid-March to early April, guests can take part in the property's New Hampshire Maple Experiences. There is a reason these fabulous events are called experiences. Unlike other maple tours, guests don't just observe; they become active participants. The educational outings last around 2.5 hours and cover the syrup process from start to finish. You will go home with so much knowledge you will (literally) have the skills to tap trees on your property.

Before you begin drilling holes in your backyard trees, you must know how to correctly identify a maple. While it is easy to spot these beauties when they are in full bloom, it is more challenging to differentiate them from other varieties when they shed their colorful leaves. The first part of the maple experience takes you on a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods. You will learn about tree identification techniques, essential equipment, and the sap-collecting process.

Then, it is your turn to give it a try. Each group is allowed to tap a tree, which includes drilling a hole, tapping the spikes in, and hanging the buckets.

Once the trees are tapped, you'll jump aboard a tractor for a ride through the orchard. When you disembark at the sugar shack, you will meet an expert sugarer who will teach you how the sap is made into sweet syrup.

Afterward, stop by the on-site New Hampshire Maple Museum to learn even more about the history of the process and to view a variety of tapping equipment that has been used over the years.

All this newfound maple knowledge will have you craving the finished product, and the tasting portion of the event will not disappoint. However, you may be surprised by one of the samples. Your experience concludes at the historic Carriage House barn where you will be rewarded with homemade cider donuts, a delicious syrup sample, and a pickle. While a pickle might seem a bit unusual, local syrup makers have found it is the perfect palate cleanser to bite between tastes of maple syrup.

This year’s event takes place on the weekends from March 15 to April 5. Private events are also available. The New Hampshire Maple Experiences are just some of the fun events taking place at The Rocks this year. This historic 14,000-acre property is open year-round and hosts tours, history walks, and education programs. You can even chop down your Christmas tree and explore the gorgeous trails at The Rocks.

Learn more about the NH Maple Experience at The Rocks by visiting the New Hampshire Maple Experience and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests websites and the The Rocks NH Facebook page. If you want to make the experience part of a cozy White Mountains weekend, book a stay on-site at The Rocks Gardener's Cottage or the nearby Presidential Mountain Resort.

Do you have a favorite winter event in New Hampshire? Let us know by nominating it. And if you'd rather discover something brand new to you, give our new Travel Planner a shot!