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.
Since there are as many hiking philosophies as hiking philosophers, our advice is: Hike your own hike. Some people hike for the views, some for the accomplishment, some for the company, some for the solitude, some to appreciate nature, and some just for the hiking itself. You’ll quickly discover your reasons for hiking and they will guide you to your own hiking style.
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:
We encourage you to follow the practices endorsed by the national Leave No Trace education program:
If you are section hiking and wish to leave a car in Hanover for up to two weeks, you may park in Dartmouth's A Lot on Wheelock st. Contact Dartmouth Transportation Services to confirm and leave your licence plate number and dates of travel.