Local Spots

Nature Walks and Local Hikes

Upper Valley Trail Finder

The Trail Finder can also provide additional information about many of the trails listed below.
"The moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow."—Henry David Thoreau

Balch Hill

Stand beneath the single tree shading the grass-covered summit to look over the campus, across the river, and into Vermont.

Occom Pond

At the northern edge of campus, near the Hanover Country Club's gold course, Occom Pond is a favorite destination for walkers and joggers . A road loops around the pond for a mile.

Pine Park

Choose your walk through the 90 acres of pine trees well into their second century of life. Joggers have worn their own "unofficial" trails to follow, or you can find your own spot.

Oak Hill

Designed primarily for cross-country skiing, unpatrolled trails are open every day from 7:30 until 5 pm. Note the warning that "All skiers ski at their own risk."

Storrs Pond

From May through September, it is home to a members-only swim club. In the other months, its hilly landscape welcomes the walker seeking outdoor peace.

Gilman Island

Accessible only by boat, Gilman Island is very close to campus and yet seems isolated and peaceful. Titcomb Cabin can be reserved by contacting the Ledyard Canoe Club at (603) 643-6709.

Gile Mountain

Just over seven miles from Hanover, Gile Mountain offers an accessible, easy hiking trail to the top. After a mile and half walk to the firetower, on a clear day you will see the White Mountains and much of the Connecticut River Valley.

Mount Cardigan

Mount Cardigan is 25 miles from Hanover, and the 3.3 mile hike to its rocky, 3,155-foot summit is considered to be of moderate difficulty. The view is panoramic, from rural New Hampshire to the summits of the White Mountains in the distance.

Mount Ascutney

Twenty-four miles from Hanover, a hiker who follows the nearly seven-mile trail to the top will stand atop an ancient volcano that once towered 20,000 feet high.

Mount Moosilauke

More than 4,800 feet high, the summit of Mount Moosilauke may have the best view in the White Mountains. The mountain region includes 30 square miles of glacier cirques, cascades, ravines, rock slides, old logging roads, and lush woods. The Moosilauke Ravine Lodge is a favorite "base camp" for those who like a good meal and warm shower at the end of an active day.

Fishing

Pike, perch, sunfish, trout, catfish, and even salmon—the anglers from the Dartmouth Outing Club recommend some fishing spots in Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme, and Vermont.

Cole Pond Trail

Eastern brook trout make their home in Enfield's 17-acre coldwater pond, which has a maximum depth of 59 feet. Fly fishing is the only type permitted.