Hiking

See also

• Cabin & Trail (DOC club)
• Hikes near Dartmouth
• Leave no Trace
• More Hikes
• Hikes on Moosilauke

Northern New England’s mountains are criss-crossed with hiking trails, woods roads, and animal paths. Within a short distance from Dartmouth are many different types of hikes — from the Appalachian Trail which cuts through downtown Hanover before ascending back into the woods, to rocky paths through the alpine vegetation above the Mount Moosilauke treeline, to the wooded trails of Vermont ducking past corn fields and grazing cows. And there are still large wooded areas to explore, like the Second College Grant.

Hike Safe

We support the Hiker Responsibility Code, developed and endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

You are responsible for yourself, so Be Prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear: Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start. Bring the Ten Essentials
2. To leave your plans: Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.
3. To stay together: When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
4. To turn back: Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
5. For emergencies: Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
6. To share the hiker code with others.

Leave No Trace

We encourage you to follow the practices endorsed by the national Leave No Trace education program:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
• Pack It In, Pack It Out
• Properly Dispose of What You Can’t Pack Out
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Use and Impact of Fires

Natural Areas

As far as the Dartmouth Outing Club goes, Hanover is where it all begins. Forever intertwined with the college campus and all its activities, Hanover is the center for the DOC's outdoor facilities and programs. Robinson Hall, for example, located in the center of campus and just south of the Green, houses the Dartmouth Outing Club offices, as well as Dartmouth Outdoor Rentals. Included in this section are not only the descriptions and locations for various DOC facilities, but also some of the natural areas around Hanover. These natural areas continue to expand and provide the community with more and more opportunities to enjoy the beauty, peace, and solitude of the outdoors.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail: A 2,100+ mile trail which runs from Georgia to Maine. The Dartmouth Outing Club maintains over seventy miles of the trail and its shelters

Hanover Trails:The Town of Hanover has an extensive network of trails and a free, downloadable map that you can view here or purchase a hard copy in the town office.

The Bema: Natural amphitheatre close to campus.

Occom Pond: North end of campus with winter skating.

Pine Park: Running trails and ungroomed cross country ski trails in winter.

Balch Hill: Short walk with views of the campus.

Storrs Pond: Members-only swim club in summer, scenic trails during off-season.

Oak Hill: Cross country ski trails in winter, walking and mountain biking in summer.