Distance: Varies, several loops
Difficulty: Easy side of moderate, trails on the on the side of an old ski mountain.
Andres Institue of Art is a beautiful sculpture park located on Rt 13 in Brookline, NH. Located on the side of an old ski mountain, Big Bear Mountain, Paul Andres purchased the land in 1996. Per their website, their mission is, “Andres Institute of Art shall serve and advance the intellectual and social well being of the public by educating and training artists, by promoting the integration of art and technology, and by supporting fine arts.”
The parking lot has recently been relocated to behind Kun Garden Restaurant. There is a sign marking the parking area.
I am not sure of how many miles of trails are located at the institute, but at least a few miles. I recommend printing off or picking up a map of the trails. The trails wind around the side of the mountain. The sculptures are amazing and you can tell a lot of time and dedication go into making and setting them up at the institute.
Once at the top of the mountain there is a beautiful view looking toward the Wapack Range and Mt Monadnock.
We have taken our daughter to the sculpture park several times since she was little and she has always been engaged and generally interested the hike. This is huge when hiking with a young child. Andres Institute of Art is a great hike for groups and families. I have also snowshoed here a few times and it is a great workout and the sculptures are beautiful after a recent snowfall. Do keep in mind that sections of the trails are steep. You can walk trails or up the road.
