My Favorite Running Routes in Hanover
As a distance runner, I was fortunate to have easy access to a wealth of running trails at home – whether it be on dirt, asphalt, around the lakes, or in the park. My high school track days may be over, but I came to Hanover knowing I wanted to keep running, for the sake of fitness as well as my mental well-being. After getting some advice from my First-Year Trip leaders on what places to check out, I decided to just put on my GPS watch and give it a go!
Running has been the most effective way for me to explore the Upper Valley and familiarize myself with the scenery while getting the opportunity to get away from campus for a little while (which, as much as I love Dartmouth’s campus, is really important). If you're looking for a community of people to run with, the Dartmouth Running Team and Dartmouth Triathalon Team are awesome club opportunities — and all levels of ability are welcomed! Whether you plan to run with a club team, with friends, or by yourself, I’ve compiled a list of three easy routes that I’ve found the most success with. There are hundreds more out there, ranging from a half mile to twenty, that you can find with a simple Google search. The ones listed are great for beginners and made by yours truly. Check them out below!
- No. 1
Occom Pond/Golf Course
My very first run in Hanover took me around Occom Pond, a quaint body of water near my dorm hall that’s used for picturesque ice-skating in the winter. A popular running spot for its one-mile circumference, I appreciate Occom Pond for its peacefulness and lack of vehicle traffic. This route adds on a quick loop through the Hanover Country Club’s golf course, which has winding trails, both dirt and gravel, open to walkers and runners.
- No. 2
Daytrip to Norwich
This trail steps it up a notch, taking you over the Connecticut river to Norwich, Vermont, a town about a quarter the size of Hanover. The map may look like you’re running in the middle of the highway, but there are asphalt pedestrian paths on both sides of the streets. This trail was my first venture into Vermont, and Norwich is a charming town that’s worth the visit. Since it’s an out-and-back, you can easily customize the mileage as you see fit!
- No. 3
Lyme Road Rendezvous
My personal favorite, this trail follows Lyme Road past Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and further north into Hanover, passing small cafes and elementary schools along the way. While there are some steep spots, I find this trail the easiest to build up some speed – and on the way back, it’s mostly downhill!
- No. 4
D.I.Y.
If you’re indecisive like me, you can make a bizarre combination of all of them, for optimal sight-seeing!
