
Just Keep Swimming
With summer weather creeping into Hanover, one of our favorite activities for the end of spring term is swimming! Hanover and the Upper Valley boast incredible lush landscapes and by the end of spring term, most of the trees and flowers are in full bloom. One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking views of New Hampshire is to spend time outside, swimming.
Swimming has been apart of Dartmouth culture ever since the implementation of the 50-yard swim test. This test is a graduation requirement and most students complete it before heading out on their First-Year Trip. However, if you don't know how to swim there's no need to worry! The College offers swimming lessons that students can elect to take if they want some extra practice.
Regardless of your swimming ability, spending time exploring the Upper Valley is a memorable part of anyone's Dartmouth experience. Read on to discover the best places to take an (extended) study break and get outside!
- No. 1
Ledyard Canoe Club and Swimming Docks
At the Ledyard Canoe Club, students are able to rent canoes and kayaks to spend lazy hours out on the Connecticut River. Students can also elect canoeing and kayaking classes that serve to fulfill the Physical Education requirement. If water activities aren't your favorite, the club has a number of hammocks and lounge chairs set up on the shore, so you can relax and maybe even open a new book!
A little further down the College officially operates Swimming Docks. During the summer term, these docks are patrolled by lifeguards and are a popular place to cool off during hot summer days.
- No. 2
Mink Brook
Located on the southern edge of Hanover, Mink Brook Nature Preserve is a 112-acre tract of land that serves to protect the habitat of trout, bears and other wildlife. However, if you follow the Mink Brook trail out from the south-west end of Maple Street, it will bring you to a large, open expanse of the Connecticut River. Here, students can swim and use the famed rope swing that has been hanging from a large tree for years. There are beautiful views of the treed shoreline of the River.
This swimming hole is not patrolled by life guards and students must exercise caution while swimming alone!
- No. 3
Wilson's Landing
While located a short 5-minute drive off-campus, Wilson's Landing is one of Dartmouth student's favorite places to swim. Constructed as a public dock where locals can launch their boats, there are a number of picnic tables and parking spaces on shore. While students must be aware of boat traffic in this part of the Connecticut River, from Wilson's Landing you can see right across the river to Vermont.
This is one of my favorite places to go after a long day of classes and homework because it is usually less crowded than the swimming spots of campus. Removed from the busy everyday life of campus, Wilson's Landing acts as my personal retreat and escape.