The Upper Valley offers a multitude of outdoor activities for all levels of experience: Hiking, Biking, Boating, Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing, Sightseeing, And More!
MULTI-USE TRAIL
The Northern Rail Trail
Lebanon, NH to Boscawen, NH
Outdoor Recreation
Description: This 58-mile trail is the longest rail trail under New Hampshire State Parks management. It begins at Spencer Street in Lebanon and ends at River Road in Boscawen. The trail spans two counties and has been worked on heavily the past five years to make it a destination four season trail. The surface on most of the trail is exceptional for walking, jogging and biking as well as wheelchairs, and horseback riding in the spring, summer and fall. (Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are permitted and there are e-bike charging stations at three locations along the rail trail.) In the winter months you can use the trail for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. The scenery is fabulous as it meanders through farm lands lakes and quaint towns. Mascoma Lake, the restored Enfield Depot, Potter Place Depot, Highland Lake and the covered bridge at Bridge Road are must see parts of the trail.
Link: https://www.fnrt.org/
GOLF
Eastman Golf Links
Grantham, NH
Outdoor Recreation
Description: Eastman Golf Links, a semi-private club located in Grantham, NH, welcomes golfers of all levels of play. 18 Holes of Golf with Spectacular Views! Eastman Golf Links in the rolling hills of New Hampshire's Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region has been rated a four-star facility by New England Golf Guide seven consecutive years and consistently voted “Best in the Upper Valley” by readers of the daily Valley News. The semi-private course designed by the renowned Geoffrey Cornish has been delighting golfers since 1973 with its spectacular views, consistently fastidious environmental grooming, and vast selection of programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels. The course and driving range are open to the public 7 days a week from opening day in spring to closing in late fall.
Link: www.eastmannh.org/golf-links
Montcalm Golf Club
Enfield, NH
Outdoor Recreation
Description: Montcalm Golf Club was awarded a Golf Digest award in 2005 as one of the top 10 Best New Private Courses in the country and was again acknowledged in 2007 by the magazine as one of the Best in State. It continually receives rave reviews from members and guests who enjoy the complete privacy and exquisite beauty that is Montcalm. So just what is it that makes this 6,829 yard design so special? The club itself is remote, and the course moves further away from civilization as soon as you hit your first tee shot. Adherence to the Donald Ross philosophy of maintaining as much of the land’s natural character as possible required finding creative solutions for the varied terrain. While the natural layout could easily challenge a PGA professional, playability and challenges are ensured for golfers of all levels.
Link: montcalmgolfclub.com
HIKING
Quechee Gorge
Quechee, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Some 13,000 years ago, as the glacier receded from the ocean waters, the melting waters slowly and steadily cut away the bedrock ridge that has become Vermont’s most spectacular natural wonder, Quechee Gorge. Enjoy beautiful vistas 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River, have a picnic overlooking the waterfalls or get something to eat at the snack bar. Enjoy hiking or walking the trails along the mile-long chasm.
Link: https://vermonttourismnetwork.com/quechee-gorge-vermonts-little-grand-canyon/
Storrs Pond Recreation Area
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The Storrs Pond Recreation Area is operated by the Hanover Improvement Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Storrs Pond is located only minutes from the Town of Hanover, New Hampshire and Dartmouth College. The Area features scenic woodlands, a man-made 13-acre pond and two sandy swimming beaches, a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court and picnic areas.
Link: https://www.storrspond.org/
Holt’s Ledge
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Easy Day hike, 2.2 miles (approx. 2 hours). 13 miles from Hanover - Holt’s Ledge is a precipitous cliff with fine views to the east. The cliff edge is fenced off not only to protect unaware hikers on foggy days, but also to protect the peregrine falcons who nest on the cliff. Before being protected by the Endangered Species Act, peregrines were driven out of New England by the ravages of DDT, which thinned their egg shells and caused the eggs to break before the chicks were mature enough to survive. Holt’s Ledge was one of the first sites in New Hampshire where peregrines were successfully reintroduced. The gentler northern slope of Holt’s Ledge is home to the Dartmouth Skiway, and also the route of this day hike.
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/holtsledge.html
Wright’s Mountain in Bradford
Bradford, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Wrights Mountain Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked, out and back trail located near Bradford, Vermont that features a great forest setting. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/wrights-mountain-trail
Mt. Cardigan in Orange
Canaan, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Cardigan Mountain State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of Mount Cardigan as well as a trail to the summit. Mount Cardigan's 3,121-foot treeless granite summit affords outstanding views of west central New Hampshire, with a panorama that includes Mount Monadnock and the White Mountains, Camel's Hump in Vermont, and Pleasant Mountain in Maine
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/cardigan.html
Balch Hill Natural Area
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The Balch Hill Natural Area has been a favorite of Hanover residents for its great views, picnicking, walking, and bird watching. Ten trails provide easy to moderate routes to the 937-foot summit. Its diverse communities include a former pasture and apple orchard at the summit, and forests of pine, hardwoods, and hemlock on the slopes. Owned by the Hanover Conservancy, the oldest local land trust in New Hampshire, Balch Hill is one of many trails and natural areas open to public hiking.
Link: www.hanoverconservancy.org/
Mount Kearsarge
Warner, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: On paper (aka the map) Mt. Kearsarge in Winslow State Park appears to be an easy, breezy hike perfect for families with young kids. You drive more than halfway up the mountain to reach the trailheads, after all, and there’s a playground adjacent to the parking lot.
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
Groton NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The Sculptured Rocks Natural Area spans 272 acres. Popular activities include exploring the sculpted canyons, picnicking, and hiking.
Link: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area.aspx
Moose Mountain Trail
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The north peak of Moose Mountain, at 2,300 feet, is the highest point within Hanover’s town boundaries. Where cleared pastures once bordered the summit of this long ridge, now the forest has grown back and returned Moose to its wilder past. For those whose picture of Hanover is limited to the busy intersection of Main and Wheelock Streets, this hike is an opportunity to see another side of town and to experience the rural landscape of the Upper Valley.
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/moosemountain.html
Gile Fire Tower
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Gile Mountain Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Norwich, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/gile.html
Vershare Snow-Shoe-A-Thon
Vershire, VT
Festivals & Events, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: A two-mile snowshoe hike for all ages.
Link: vershare.org/calendar-events/snowshoe-a-thon
Valley Quest Books
Local Flavor, Activity
Outdoor Activity
Description: The Upper Valley is full of adventures, and the Upper Valley Quest Book is the ultimate guide.
Link: https://vitalcommunities.org
True’s Ledges
Lebanon NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Rocky gorge (between upstream and downstream parcel boundaries, True’s Brook drops some 50 ft. in elevation along 700 linear feet of shoreline with 3 dramatic overlooks); long-popular local swimming hole; varied plants and animals (aquatic, riparian, and upland species share relatively small area). In 1998, local efforts succeeded in City’s acquisition of this parcel; now permanently conserved by easement to Upper Valley Land Trust.
Link: https://www.uvlt.org/docs/trails/Trues_Ledges_trail_map_from_lebcity.pdf
Boston Lot Lake and Wilder Dam Ledges
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Boston Lot is a forested upland area. The Boston Lot Reservoir, (elevation 638 feet) is ringed by ridges. Several small streams flow into the reservoir, and one stream flows from the dam spillway to the Connecticut River.
Link: https://lebanonnh.gov/448/Boston-Lot-Conservation-Area
Eshqua Bog
Hartland, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Eshqua Bog is a botanical wonderland of cold-climate holdovers--small pockets of bog plant species and a two acre fen--from the post-glacial era 10,000 years ago. This preserve contains a diverse array of bog and fen plants: labrador tea, cotton grass, pitcher plants, showy lady's slippers, larches and buckbean.
Link: www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/eshqua-bog-natural-area/
Carriage Roads (Trails)
Woodstock VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Between 1880 and 1895 Frederick Billings oversaw the construction of 10 miles of carriage roads to access the pastures and young woodlots on the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller property. Carriage rides, in pursuit of scenic views, were a popular pastime in the nineteenth-century. Hikers can enjoy the diverse and picturesque landscape on the carriage roads or the more narrow hiking paths. Traversing the property on the carriage roads one can experience many scenic views, from shady groves of Norway spruce to brilliant green meadows and sunny open woodlands composed of mixed hardwoods.
Link: https://www.nps.gov/mabi/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm
Appalachian Trail
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses 14 states (from Maine to Georgia!) featuring scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers. And, the trails run right through the Upper Valley in Hanover, New Hampshire and Norwich, Vermont!
New Hampshire Link: appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/new-hampshire/
Vermont Link: appalachiantrail.org/explore/explore-by-state/vermont/
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Upper Valley Mountain Biking Association
Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont
Description: The Upper Valley Mountain Biking Association maintains and expands access to multi-use, non-motorized trails in the Upper Valley of NH and VT, including the towns of Lebanon, Hanover, Hartford, Norwich, Plainfield and others. UVMBA has maps of Upper Valley trails ranked easy to difficult of the region.
Link: www.uvmbta.org
Green Woodlands Foundation
Lyme/Dorchester, NH
Description: Green Woodlands Foundation has over 50 miles of single and double track trails that span from Lyme to Dorchester. NH. Free to ride.
Link: www.greenwoodlandsfoundation.org/
Arrowhead Recreation Area
Claremont, NH
Activities offered include mountain biking, and alpine skiing and snow tubing during winter months. The facility is managed by the Wheelhouse Bike Shop and the non-profit Arrowhead Recreation Club. Don't miss the MAXXIS ESC Stan’s Enduro Mountain Bike Races and Trials each July.
BOATING
Sunapee Harbor
Sunapee, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Sunapee Harbor has been a mainstay for vacationers since the 1800’s when the sweltering heat of the cities sent vacationers fleeing north by train to enjoy the cool waters of Lake Sunapee. Nestled along the shores of Lake Sunapee in the heart of the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire, Sunapee Harbor offers boating, kayaking, shopping, waterfront dining, picnicking, fishing, free music, narrated boat tours, ice cream and much more.
White River Canoeing
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: White River is fairly shallow although rocky with some deep smooth areas with MANY small rapids and ledges along the way. It is rated between Class 1 and 3 according to the Appalachion Canoe and Kayak NH/VT guide.
Link: https://paddling.com/paddle/trips/white-river-vermont-1/?lat=43.7195&lng=-72.3981&zoom=11
Link: https://www.sunapeeharborriverway.com
Ledyard Canoe Club
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board. Membership fees apply.
Link: https://www.ledyardcanoeclub.org/
RiverFest takes place each spring with whitewater kayaking races and slaloms.
WINTER SPORTS
The Dartmouth Skiway | Winter Skiing
Lyme, NH
Description: Dartmouth Skiway offers big-mountain challenges in a family-friendly setting with more than 100 ski-able acres spread over two mountains and enough terrain variety to thrill any ski or snowboarding enthusiast. The Skiway has something fun for everyone: a 968-foot vertical drop, full-service day lodge, superb grooming, and exciting terrain features. A special ticket price also means a family can enjoy a weekend of skiing and riding at the Skiway for one great price.
Link: skiway.dartmouth.edu
Whaleback Mountain | Winter Skiing
Enfield, NH
Description: Whaleback is more than a mountain, it is a community. With outstanding (and underrated) terrain, a great beginners area and a whole lot of old-school vibes our goal is to put the fun back in skiing. Enabling family-friendly, affordable skiing & riding is our top priority. As a non-profit we want to give access to skiing to everyone in our community. Our programs include after-school groups, lessons, hosting area ski clubs and the legendary adult race night league.
Whaleback is a testament to the love of skiing, it would not exist without the support of our volunteers, our donors or our incredible staff. If you are looking to get back to skiing's roots then come check us out.
Link: www.whaleback.com
Eastman Cross Country Center | Winter XC Skiing & Snowshoeing
Grantham, NH
Description: Skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts have been enjoying Eastman’s 36km of groomed trails in two scenic areas of varying terrain that are open to the public at reasonable rates for five decades.
Link: https://www.eastmannh.org/ski
Occom Pond | Winter Ice Skating
Hanover, NH
Description: Delightful year-round, but known for ice skating and the Winter Carnival in February (weather dependent – the ice has to freeze solid).
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/natural_areas/occom_pond.html
Skyline Ski Trail
Pomfret VT
Description: The Skyline Trail travels a scenic route through rural central Vermont, crossing numerous farms and pasture lands. The official Skyline Trail begins in East Barnard with a two-mile climb which most skiers avoid. Details are available in the Skyline Trail pamphlet, from the Woodstock Touring Center.
Link: https://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/backcountryskiing/
Lake Morey Ice Skating and Ice Hockey
Fairlee, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Lake Morey's 4.5 Mile skate trail is longest ice skating trail in the US. Pond Hockey Tournaments can also be found along with skate and cross country ski rentals during the winter months at the Lake Morey Resort.
Link: https://lakemoreyresort.com/
RECREATION
Cornish-Windsor Bridge
Cornish, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Historical
Description: The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the longest wooden bridge in the United States and the longest two-span, covered bridge in the world. It is also a classic example of wooden bridge-building in 19th-century America. With copious supplies of timber at hand and a generous reserve of carpentry skills available, bridge builders in early America quickly discarded the masonry arches prevalent in the Old World. Instead, they opted for a revival of timber-truss designs dating from 14th century Europe.
Vermont Institute for Natural Science (VINS)
Quechee, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.
Link: https://www.vinsweb.org/
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park
Cornish, NH
Arts & Culture, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Saint Gaudens' Sunday afternoon concerts (2 – 4 p.m.)
Step into the world of one of America’s greatest artists. Discover the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. See over 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or indulge your hidden talents during a sculpture class.
Link: https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
Concerts In The Park & On The Green
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Colburn Park music in the summer in Lebanon https://lebanonnh.gov/367/Front-Porch-Concert-Series
Lyme Town Band on summer Tuesdays: http://fairleevt.org/event/concert-on-the-common-lyme-town-band/
Pick-Your-Own Farms
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Local Flavor
Description: Seasonal pick-your-own farms offer everything from pumpkins, to apples, to flowers , to strawberries and blueberries
New Hampshire Link: https://www.pickyourown.org/NHnorth.htm
Vermont Link: https://www.pickyourown.org/VTnorth.htm#orange
Fore U Mini Golf & Ice Cream
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: West Lebanon, NH's mini golf court. Come play the course and enjoy the best ice cream in town.
Link: https://foreugolf.com/icecream.html
Light Shrine at LaSalette Shrine
Enfield, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: The spectacular LaSalette light festival has been a local tradition since 1954.
Link: https://www.nhmagazine.com/December-2015/Visit-the-La-Salette-Shrine-Light-Display/
Joseph Smith Memorial
South Royalton, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Description: Guided tours are available to visitors at no charge. Some features of the historic site are self-guided. Plan to spend between 45 minutes and 2 hours visiting the site. The visitors’ center and monument are ADA accessible. Vehicles can access the other areas of the site, except for the walking trail to the top of Patriarch Hill.
Link: https://www.lds.org/locations/joseph-smith-birthplace-memorial?lang=eng&_r=1