Hanover Trails Challenge – Get Outdoors and Explore!
The Hanover Trails Challenge is back for its 11th year, with a few changes to make it even easier to get out and enjoy the trails this summer. These family-friendly hikes are a great introduction to Hanover’s natural landscape for people of most ability levels. Registration is now completely free, and all of this year’s maps are available for download below. Access them anytime on your mobile device, or save and print at home.
This year’s Trails Challenge runs from June 15 to September 22. Complete any 6 of the hikes below to be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses, with a drawing held on September 27. To be eligible for the drawing, please download, complete, and submit (by mail or email) your Trails Challenge Checklist by September 22.
Help others get in on the fun – share photos of your family at trail destinations on social media, tagging @HanoverConservancy on Facebook and Instagram!
Register today, and consider making a gift to support Hanover Conservancy’s efforts to protect land and water for public access and recreation.
While out on the trails, please be respectful of all property rules, and follow the guidelines listed on your checklist. And as always, Leave No Trace!
The Hanover Trails Challenge is a co-sponsored program of The Hanover Conservancy and Hanover Parks and Recreation.
Save or print the trail maps below to find the destination markers for this year!
Thank you to these fantastic businesses for donating raffle prizes:
King Arthur Baking Company
Hubert’s Family Outfitters
Umpleby’s Bakery and Cafe
Base Camp Cafe
Blue Sky Restaurants
Stateline Sports
Ramunto’s Brick & Brew
The Nugget Theater
Still North Books
Main Street Kitchens
Balch Hill
For more than 50 years, the Balch Hill Natural Area has been a favorite of Hanover residents. Explore this easy 1 mile loop to the summit for great views and big trees (including the Grafton County Champion red oak!).
Britton Forest
Enjoy tranquil woodland trails on the western slope of Moose Mountain. Britton Forest offers quiet path through great wildlife habitat, with a moderately challenging 1-mile loop past a large glacial erratic.
Fullington Farm
Explore this short walk along the Connecticut River for a beautiful trip through important river and meadow habitat. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes open for a wide range of bird species!
Hayes Farm Park & King Bird Sanctuary
Just behind the Etna Library, Hayes Farm Park and the King Bird Sanctuary offer gentle trails and rich wildlife habitat to explore. Stop in the library and check out a nature guide, then set off on the trails for an adventure close to home.
Hayes Farm Park & King Bird Sanctuary Challenge map and directions (pdf)
Greensboro Ridge
Just east of downtown Hanover, Greensboro Ridge provides important wildlife habitat for species like black bear, bobcat, and spotted salamanders. It also offers great recreational opportunities and connects to the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy the mossy ledges and peaceful forest along this 1.6 mile loop.
Lower Slade Brook
The Jim and Evalyn Hornig Natural Area at Lower Slade Brook offers tall trees and picturesque water features, only a few miles north of downtown. Be sure to close your eyes and let the sound of cascading water surround you!
Mayor-Niles Forest
On the western slope of Moose Mountain, Mayor-Niles Forest offers a moderately-challenging 2-mile lollipop trail in the upper Hewes Brook watershed. An optional side trail provides access to the scenic White Ledges.
Mayor-Niles Forest Trails Challenge map and directions (pdf)
Mink Brook Nature Preserve
One location, with double the Trails Challenge destinations! Mink Brook Nature Preserve has long been a family-friendly destination with easy trails winding along the gentle shores of Mink Brook, and through lush, open forests. Keep an eye open for some of Mink Brook’s newest residents: a busy family of beavers.
River Trail at Mink Brook
Follow Mink Brook to its end as it empties into the Connecticut River by taking this winding path over land owned by the Town of Hanover. This easy, 1.5 mile out and back hike can be completed along with the nearby Mink Brook Nature Preserve challenge, or explored on its own.
River Trail at Mink Brook Trails Challenge map and directions (pdf)
Tick Protection Tips: Consider using insect repellent with DEET to deter ticks. Tuck pant legs into socks, or wear field boots or gaiters. Wear light colors so ticks are easier to spot. And always do a thorough tick check when returning from a hike.
