South Esker

We are working with our Town partner, the Hanover Conservation Commission, to permanently protect the South Esker, a 14-acre forest on the Connecticut River at Hanover’s southwest corner.  The Town has owned the land since 1971, when we helped purchase the parcel. Towering forests laced with trails offer a cool summer retreat near the river, in a place marked by the passage of the glacier.

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A Network of Natural Lands Near Downtown

The South Esker is part of a mosaic of natural lands acquired through the Hanover Conservancy (then known as the Hanover Conservation Council). These include our own Mink Brook Nature Preserve (1999) and the Town’s Mink Brook Natural Area (1973) and Tanzi Tract (1967). Like these neighbors, the South Esker offers a network of well-loved public foot trails and a peaceful waterfront retreat. 

They’re all an easy walk from downtown Hanover, Dartmouth College, in-town neighborhoods, and Sachem Village. Inundation of this area by Wilder Dam has changed it significantly.  At right, compare this 1939 photo of the area with the one above.

How to Get There

The well-marked trailhead is located on the drive through the Pine Knoll Cemetery, before you reach the water treatment plant. Another trailhead is located at the far end of Spencer Road, as it turns into a gravel drive. Parking for 2-3 cars is available here.