Things To Do
Hike Gile Mountain - Easy 2 miles
More of a walk, but a Norwich classic and a must-do for those who haven't done it. About a leisurely mile each way, with a fire tower at the top boasting views of Norwich and Hanover in the distance, with the White Mountains visible to the north on a clear day. Go down Main Street and take a left on Turnpike, which will turn to packed dirt/gravel. Just over 5 miles in you will see the parking lot on the left. About 12 minutes from town. Our friends and family tried to find any reason to do this hike: visiting loved ones, leaf peeping (autumn foliage), sunsets, an excuse not to study, or just because. There was even a group of us in the beginning of medical school that would do this hike every Friday morning for sunrise before class.
Stroll Pine Park
A lovely stroll in the pine forest behind the golf course. Park at the Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC) House and go to the far north end of Occum Pond. You have to follow the paved golf course path north just past where it turns left and you will see the trail start there. It is labeled in on google as Girl Brook Circuit. This is where we went on many runs and walks throughout our time in NH/VT. When we first met, Katie lived in a house across the river on the VT side and Nick lived on the other side of the golf course in NH. Katie would sometimes swim the river, run the park and show up at Nick's door barefoot grinning from ear to ear as Nick's heart fluttered at the prospect of winning over this barefoot beauty. During the winter sometimes she would brave the frozen river and use this trail system to get to class, while Nick would typically stay home and complain about the cold weather with his fellow roommates.
Connecticut River Kayaks, canoes and SUPs
Rent equipment from the Ledyard Canoe Club. The river is usually pretty tranquil and easy to navigate. We used to get on the river often in the spring and summertime, by ourselves, floating with friends, or finding rope swings to put to the test. One time Katie and Nick paddled upstream on stand up paddleboards and then laid down on them becoming preoccupied with the beautiful clouds and sunshine. An undetermined amount of time later, we woke up as our paddleboards ran into the tree banks downstream, waking us from what ended up being a wonderful and unique slumber.
Stroll Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Green
Walk the beautiful campus and relax on The Green for some good people watching. Grab a coffee from town or a baked good from Lou's on Main Street beforehand.
Stroll Mink Brook/River Trail
Just behind the neighborhood in "downtown" Hanover, a trail that goes down a small hill and follows a small inlet of the Connecticut River. Park at the end of Maple Street and you will see it. This is where we went on our first walk together. We had climbed a tree overlooking the river. Consumed with talking and getting to know each other, before we knew it the sun had set and we had to make our way out in the dark
Hood Museum of Art
Located directly on the college campus, the Hood Museum has been valued by students and upper valley residents alike for its broad range of Native American, European, Asian, and African arts. This includes six Assyrian stone reliefs from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II (est. 900 BCE) and, a recommended favorite, the dominating fresco by José Clemente Orozco "The Epic of American Civilization" (1932–34), honored as a National Historic Landmark. [ From the Museum Website: ] Dartmouth's collections are among the oldest and largest of any college or university in the country, but it was not until the Charles Moore–designed Hood Museum of Art opened its doors in 1985 that they were all housed under one roof and made available to faculty, students, and the public. When first accredited in 1990, the Hood Museum was already described by the American Association of Museums as a "national model" for college and university museums.
Boston Lot Lake
Too many activities? If you just want to relax locally this is a beautiful lake just south of Hanover. Drive south on Main Street (Hanover) and park in the lot on the left just across from the dam in the river. Follow the short-ish trail east and you will hit the lake. There is a grassy lawn to spread towels out and have a picnic if you care to bring supplies. The swimming is great and there are trail systems shooting off in every direction for hiking or running if in fact you do decide you like activities. Katie used to do laps across the pond while Nick practiced not drowning. Where he shined more was running through the trees in just-a-little-too-short scrub cutoffs trying to not look like an employee of the hospital.
Hike Smarts Mountain - Moderate 7-8 miles
25 minutes from Norwich, another classic local hike with a few options from the parking lot. One trail leads up a nearby ridge before turning towards Smarts, the other goes flat along a creek for a few miles. Both are wonderful, and converge at a stream crossing prior to the march up to the top. A fantastic fire tower awaits at the top with arguably the best views of any nearby hike. We have done this at all times of year and it never disappoints. If you're feeling really ambitious try to turn it into a progressively inclined run, just be sure not to twist an ankle!
Hike Mount Cube - Moderate 7 miles
About 35 minutes Northeast of Norwich. Go to the top of this lovely mountain via the Appalachian Trail. Park on the side of the road. It's about 6.8 miles out and back, with wonderful views on a rocky vista at the top
Hike Mount Moosilauke - Moderate/Hard 7-8 miles
The most classic and well-loved hike in the Dartmouth community, used by many to welcome new students, commemorate big events, and reunite with friends. There are multiple trails starting from all around this mountain but the most popular starts at the Dartmouth-owned Moosilauke Ravine Lodge and makes a loop from there. Be sure to bring water and at least a wind breaker for the top. Just over an hour northeast from Norwich. Stop in Fairlee at the Whippi Dip in Fairlee on the way back to celebrate with an ice cream cone the size of your head.
Hike Holts Ledge via the Appalachian Trail - Easy 3.5 miles
20 minutes from Norwich, an easy crowd pleaser that tracks along the back side of the Dartmouth Skiway. As the name suggests there is a nice ledge at the top with good views of the nearby surroundings.
Hike Mount Cardigan - Easy/Moderate 3-4 miles
45 minutes from Norwich, a 3-4 mile crowd pleaser with good views. Flat rocky surfaces on the second half of the hike contributing to great views.
Hike Camel's Hump - Moderate 6-7 miles
One of our favorite hikes, the third tallest peak in Vermont with fantastic views. There are few trails around this area including out and back and loop hikes starting from the Monroe trailhead. An hour and twenty minutes from Norwich taking you on a beautiful drive through Vermont. Easy access to Burlington, Montpelier and Waterbury. An excellent jaunt if you want to also explore Vermont breweries.
King Arthur Flour
Yes, they are based right here in Vermont. Wonderful baked good, breakfast, lunch, and a beautiful surrounding area to enjoy and mill about and contemplate the odd sensation of a caffeinated food coma.
Trail Running Galore
There's nothing like the spongy Upper Valley soil, mixed with just enough roots and rocks to guarantee a few falls if you're really going for it. This is really some of the best trail running around and one of the reasons why we love this area. The possibilities are endless. If you want recommendations for anything from short and easy to long and challenging just ask us.
Rock Climbing at Rumney
Slap rock much? Pull granite? Do your friends call you. schist-head? Then climb here. It is an hour from Norwich. Excellent climbing with mostly bolted sport routes but a decent amount of trad options as well. Pay the parking fee to avoid getting a ticket. Mountain Project is pretty good with this area. The higher you go the better views and smaller crowds but honestly its all pretty great.
Whippi Dip
Affectionately reffered to as "The Dip" by our friend group, this is a magical shack on the side of the road that serves up surprisingly good food and local ice cream cones the size of your head. We dare you to order a large. Try to find any reason to stop here, particularly when heading back from hiking Moosilauke, Mount Cube or climbing at Rumney.