Welcome to the NHOC — Be Safe Outdoors

The New Hampshire Outdoor Council (NHOC) is a private, non-profit organization which serves the visitors to New Hampshire’s backcountry. Its mission is:

  • To promote safe and responsible enjoyment of the backcountry through safety education and information.
  • To support material, training and operational needs of search and rescue (SAR) organizations.
  • To collaborate with others to ensure appropriate public access to and vital services in the backcountry of the Granite State.



New Hampshire search and rescue needs your support.
No matter the weather or season, a network of volunteer teams and agencies answers the call for help. Help us be there for them so they can be there for all of us.

Support Our Mission

New Hampshire’s backcountry search and rescue network depends on a public-private partnership of state and federal agencies and volunteer teams that respond to those in need.

Apply for a Grant

For more than 40 years, the mission of the non-profit New Hampshire Outdoor Council has been to support backcountry safety education and the operations of search and rescue teams and organizations.

Learn About NHOC

With Your Support…

      • 12 volunteer teams ready to assist NH F&G and USDA USFS
      • 173 total SAR missions (2025)… and counting
      • 5,239 volunteer hours contributed to 89 SAR missions
      • 4,173 Conservation Officer hours contributed to 173 missions
      • 21,674 hiker contacts provided by WMNF Trailhead Stewards
      • 3,217 hikers who changed their plans due to being informed
      • $146,000+ in total grants made over past 7 years