The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hanover

The Wheelock Trail offers a serene and accessible escape into nature, winding through the peaceful forests of the Mink Brook Nature Preserve. You'll follow Mink Brook, enjoying the gentle sounds of the water and the lush greenery that surrounds you. Keep an eye out for wildflowers that add splashes of color to the path, and you might even spot some local wildlife like black bears or wild brook trout in their natural habitat.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) hiking route, with a minimal 166 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking about 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for beginners, families with young children, or anyone looking for a gentle, refreshing walk. The trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for year-round enjoyment, though conditions may vary with the seasons.

Located in Hanover, Vermont, the Wheelock Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the local ecosystem. Its flat terrain and clear path make it a welcoming option for those new to hiking or seeking a less strenuous adventure. The preserve setting ensures a quiet, traffic-free environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

The Mink Brook Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, tracing the banks of its namesake brook through a varied landscape. You'll wander past a vibrant display of wildflowers and ferns, moving from open brookside views into a peaceful upland forest of white pine and hemlock. The path is generally easy, with a packed gravel surface, making it a serene experience for all.

This easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) hike, with only 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 43 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing. The trail is well-suited for families and beginners, with significant portions, including the River Trail, being wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Access is straightforward from Hanover, New Hampshire, providing a convenient natural retreat.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the Mink Brook Trail system is vital for protecting habitat for wild brook trout and other wildlife, including over 70 recorded bird species. It's part of a larger network of trails that establish a greenbelt from the Connecticut River to Moose Mountain, offering a glimpse into the region's natural and historical significance, including remnants of Wheelock's mill.

The Storrs Pond Ring Trail offers a delightful, easy loop around the scenic Storrs Pond, perfect for a quick nature escape. This 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hike, with a modest 147 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 44 minutes to complete and guides you through varied landscapes, from peaceful woodlands to open fields and a distinct pine plantation. It's a fantastic choice for a family-friendly outing or a gentle stroll to clear your head.

Located just minutes from downtown Hanover, the trail is part of the larger Storrs Pond Recreation Area, where parking is available. While the path is mostly accessible, be mindful that clay soils can make some sections slippery after rain. If you're planning a winter visit, note that some parts of the trail may be groomed for skiing, and hikers should avoid these specific areas.

Beyond the Storrs Pond Ring Trail, the recreation area is a hub of activity, offering swimming beaches, a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, picnic spots, and even disc golf. It also connects to an extensive network of trails leading to Oak Hill and Balch Hill, providing options for all ages and abilities, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Balch Hill Natural Area loop offers a delightful, accessible hike through varied forest, culminating in expansive views from its open summit. You'll traverse packed earth and dirt paths, meander through stands of pine, hardwood, and hemlock, and might even spot some local wildlife. The experience is one of peaceful immersion in nature, with the reward of panoramic vistas over the Green Mountains of Vermont and other peaks from Balch Hill itself.

This easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hiking route involves a gentle 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 25 minutes. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a quick, refreshing outdoor activity near Hanover. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and its proximity to town means you can easily fit this scenic walk into your schedule at any time of day.

Balch Hill is more than just a pretty view; it's a testament to over 50 years of local conservation efforts, preserving its natural beauty and ecological importance. The summit, once a pasture and apple orchard, is the only unforested peak in Hanover open to the public, offering a unique historical landscape. Keep an eye out for impressive trees, including the Grafton County Champion Northern Red Oak, which is easily 200 years old.

The River Trail loop from Hanover offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the banks of the Connecticut River and Mink Brook. You'll wander through tall pine trees, encounter sections with timber steps, and enjoy picturesque views of Vermont across the river, with the Ledyard Bridge visible upstream. Along Mink Brook, the scenery shifts to a serene pine forest dotted with moss-covered logs and rocks, creating a tranquil atmosphere for your walk.

This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking route, with a gentle 172 feet (53 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 55 minutes to complete. While mostly flat, there is one steep hill with steps near the Maple Street connection, adding a moderate challenge to an otherwise easy path. The trail is dog-friendly, allowing your leashed companion to join you, and parking is generally available near the trailhead.

One of the key features of this trail is its continuous riverside location, providing constant scenic beauty. It's a relatively short and accessible loop, making it ideal for a quick outing. However, depending on wind direction, you might notice some odors from a nearby wastewater treatment plant, particularly near the mouth of Mink Brook.