Discover Hanover: Nature, Trails, and History

Hanover offers clear options for a stay focused on nature, history, and art. These include trails through town and along a mountain ridge, conservation areas with different natural features, and historic sites. The Hood Museum of Art complements these themes with public programs that are free and open to all.

Nature and Waterways

Mink Brook Nature Preserve lies south of downtown Hanover. It protects habitats for wild brook trout, bears, and many other living things. Some of its trails run parallel to Mink Brook and pass areas with alternating stretches of still and fast-moving water. Visitors interested in streams and protected habitats will find two features here that define the character of the preserve.

Pine Park is Hanover’s oldest nature preserve and covers approximately 100 acres. The two preserves have different focuses: Mink Brook centers on habitats and water zones, while Pine Park is distinguished by the age of the preserve and its approximate area.

Trails and Navigation

The Appalachian Trail runs 13.9 miles through Hanover. It enters town over the Ledyard Bridge and follows Main Street. Beyond the Mobil gas station on Route 120, it passes the Dartmouth College athletic fields; it leaves Hanover at Goose Pond Road. This makes it possible to follow the trail’s route using specific streets and landmarks in town.

The Ridge Trail runs 4.5 miles along the crest of Moose Mountain in Hanover. It offers views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Cardigan, and Mascoma Lake. In winter, views of Killington Peak are also part of the experience. In terms of distance, the Appalachian Trail’s stretch through Hanover, at 13.9 miles, is longer than the 4.5-mile Ridge Trail. The route descriptions also differ in their focus: landmarks help with navigation on the Appalachian Trail, while the ridge route and its views define the Ridge Trail description.

Hanover’s History

The Rope Ferry Trail follows a rediscovered section of the original Rope Ferry Road, which was laid out in 1766. The historic road’s route connects the trail to Hanover’s early history, while its name links the road and the trail.

Webster Cottage was built in 1780 by Reverend Sylvanus Ripley and his wife, Abigail Wheelock Ripley. The Hanover Historical Society, in collaboration with Dartmouth College, offers tours of the cottage. The address is 32 North Main Street in Hanover, New Hampshire. Contact the Hanover Historical Society before your visit to ask about tour dates.

Art and Public Programs

The Hood Museum of Art offers a wide range of public programs that are free and open to all. These include tours, lectures, discussions, drawing activities, storytelling events, mindfulness activities, family days, workshops, and social events. This makes public arts and cultural programs another distinct option for a stay in Hanover, alongside its nature trails and historic sites.

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