Hanover brings nature trails and cultural sites together in one travel itinerary: the Appalachian Trail runs 13.9 miles through town, while the Mink Brook Nature Preserve showcases a stream landscape and protected habitats. Webster Cottage and the Hood Museum of Art’s public programs add historic architecture and art. This gives you a range of themes to consider as you plan—from the route of a long trail to nature and cultural attractions.

Trails and Natural Areas in Hanover

The Appalachian Trail reaches Hanover via the Ledyard Bridge, follows Main Street, and passes the Dartmouth College athletic fields behind the Mobil gas station on Route 120. It leaves town at Goose Pond Road. This route offers specific landmarks to help you navigate the 13.9-mile section through Hanover.

The Ridge Trail offers a different perspective: in Hanover, it runs 4.5 miles along the ridge of Moose Mountain. Along the way, there are views of Mt. Washington, Mt. Cardigan, and Mascoma Lake; in winter, the view also extends to Killington Peak. This gives you two distinct options: a long trail section through town and a ridge route with named viewpoints.

Both distance and route help distinguish the two trails: at 4.5 miles, the Ridge Trail is shorter than the 13.9-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in Hanover. If you’re primarily interested in the ridge and its viewpoints, the Ridge Trail offers these features. By contrast, the Appalachian Trail crosses more of town, with landmarks ranging from the Ledyard Bridge to Goose Pond Road.

The Mink Brook Nature Preserve lies south of downtown. Some of its trails run parallel to Mink Brook and pass areas with a mix of still-water pools and fast-flowing sections. The preserve protects habitats for wild brook trout, bears, and many other living things. The stream, its different water sections, and its protected habitats give this natural area a different focus from the Ridge Trail, with its ridge and long-distance views.

Pine Park is Hanover’s oldest nature preserve and covers approximately 100 acres. These two facts distinguish Pine Park in different ways: its long history as a preserve places it within Hanover’s story, while its approximate area gives an idea of its size. If you’re interested in the area’s history, you can also include the Rope Ferry Trail. It follows a rediscovered section of the original Rope Ferry Road, established in 1766.

Historic Architecture and Public Programs

Webster Cottage connects a specific place with Hanover’s architectural history. Reverend Sylvanus Ripley and his wife, Abigail Wheelock Ripley, built the cottage in 1780. The Hanover Historical Society, in collaboration with Dartmouth College, offers tours of the building at 32 North Main Street in Hanover. If you’re planning to visit the cottage during your stay, check the tour schedule in advance.

The Hood Museum of Art offers a diverse range of public programs. These include tours, lectures, and discussions, as well as drawing and storytelling activities, mindfulness programs, family days, workshops, and social events. The public programs are free and open to everyone. The cultural offerings range from opportunities to listen and exchange ideas to activities where you can get creative yourself.

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