Getting out into the great outdoors is its own reward.

Within a short ride, run or drive from any southern New Hampshire neighborhood, you can enjoy the tranquility of birdsong and a fresh breeze through the trees, the beauty of an open vista over rolling hills or perhaps the scent of a tiny wild flower.

It’s all good for you, except perhaps the deer flies, which can be murderous this time of year. They’re for the birds.

To encourage people to get out and explore, and share some of our favorite local spots, The Telegraph and Off Track will be running a contest of sorts, called Trail Treasures.

To play, you have to be willing and able to get out and explore the outdoors in the greater Nashua region, and follow directions. Successful contestants will be entered for a drawing for a prize. The first time out, we've ponied up a $50 gift card at Eastern Mountain Sports, local purveyor of gear for outdoor adventures.

Here’s how it works.

About once a month (more often, if it proves popular), The Telegraph will write about a local trail system. You’ll find the articles both in the newspaper and on the Off Track blog describing the area.

The articles will include directions to the Treasure Chest. It’s not so fancy as it sounds; it’s actually a plastic Ziploc bin….

Inside the Treasure Chest, you will find a stack of cards with my e-mail address and a simple question. Take a card, any card. Please leave the rest, and put the box back where you found it. This contest will work only if people are good sports about it.

The question will relate in some way to the place where the Treasure Chest is hidden. It should be easy to answer, but don’t worry if you’re stumped. The question is mainly just to ensure that only people who venture forth and find the Treasure can qualify. Wrong answers will count, too, so long as it’s clear that you actually got out and found the Chest.

E-mail your response to me, awolfe@nashuatelegraph.com, and please put ‘trail treasure’ in the subject line so I don’t take it for spam and delete it by accident.

The first drawing will be Aug. 22. Employees of Telegraph Publishing or close, personal friends of the author are not eligible for the drawing. Sorry about that.

Finally, I have to credit Michelle, my good friend and trail running muse; this contest was one of her many good ideas.

Happy trails, and check back very soon for further information on the first contest!