The Friends Wilderness Center has primary use of dozens of acres of land with hiking paths within Rolling Ridge and use of a tree house, yurt, camping areas, and the Niles Cabin. Surrounding it all is 1,400 other acres of forest owned and managed by the nonprofit steward, Rolling Ridge Foundation. We share this land with two other nonprofit groups: For Love of Children Outdoor Education Center (FLOC OEC) and the Study Retreat Community at Rolling Ridge. We three communities each have our own designated areas, programs, facilities and residents. We ask you to respect their space as you hike and camp. A map is available in the Niles Cabin that can give you a layout of the land, its features and these communities.

Here in Rolling Ridge you will find a uniquely preserved ecological space filled with an array of wonders: creeks and waterfalls; a spring that bubbles up through a bed of ferns; a mysterious underground brook; scattered boulders and chunks of quartz, as well as a free-standing rock chimney and the occasional arrowhead to remind us of earlier local dwellers. A network of foot trails and old logging trails crisscross the land for miles. Wildlife abounds.

Henry and Mary Cushing Niles

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of a unique Quaker couple, Henry and Mary Cushing Niles, this natural treasure has been preserved for future generations. The Niles bought their first piece of land here in 1952 and acquired additional land up to 1979. They lived in a simple cabin on this land, well into their nineties. The Niles bequeathed their land and house, called Niles Cabin, to the Rolling Ridge Foundation for the enjoyment of the three nonprofit user groups that bring in a variety of people who appreciate this sanctuary and offered events.

To view an annotated slide show of the Rolling Ridge, go to: http://www.rollingridge.net/index.cfm?action=about_us.display_slide&slideshowid=1&slidenumber=1 Click on "Next Slide" whenever you are ready to move forward.