Dana Giordano '16, a member of the women's cross country team, loves running on trails, especially in Vermont.
"If you get to the top of Bragg Hill, it's an amazing sight," Giordano said. "We call it the Sound of Music because it makes you want to sing the Sound of Music."
Annie Oppenheim '15, who plans to complete her fourth marathon next month and who often trains for them while at Dartmouth, loves running in Norwich for its quiet streets and year-round beauty. When asked about her favorite lesser-known route, Oppenheim named running on Hopson Road, which braches off Beaver Meadow Road (see the Turnpike Road route description). "It's really beautiful and private, and you never see cars," she said.
From short jogs to extensive loops, the Upper Valley is actually something of a mecca for those who like to run outdoors. But running for the uninitiated can be intimidating regardless of the setting. For those tired of running on the treadmill at the gym because you're scared of getting lost on a run around Hanover, the Mirror has raced (pun intended) to your aide. This guide to nearby running options will have you gallivanting throughout the area and getting confused for a member of the cross country team in no time.
NORWICH LOOP (TURNPIKE)
Mileage: 5.7 miles
Directions: Run down West Wheelock Street across the river and keep going straight until veering left on Turnpike. You'll then turn left onto Moore Lane and Beaver Meadow, which will loop you back into downtown Norwich.
The scoop: How many schools feature running trails that let you jog to another state and back? The Turnpike Road Norwich Loop is the perfect run for someone who wants to challenge themselves a bit with the big hill on either side of the river all while observing the already stunning fall foliage.
RIP ROAD
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Directions: Take Lyme road out to the rugby fields and turn right on Reservoir Road. Make a right on Hemlock and then you're on Rip, which takes you back to East Wheelock Street.
The scoop: A somewhat social run that takes you past the rugby fields, Rip Road is perfect for someone new to Hanover running who doesn't want to find themselves miles from campus and gasping for water. The hills are moderate, so don't freak out, but you can make it harder by taking Reservoir Road to Grasse Road before returning to East Wheelock.
PINE PARK
Mileage: 4.0 miles
Directions: Standing at the edge of the golf course near the DOC House on Occom, take the path to your left into the woods. Keep following the path and all the forks on your right will take you back.
The scoop: A nature-heavy run only minutes from campus, Pine Park follows the river behind the golf course for a ways, so don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of the crew team out on the water. Beware of the trail once it starts getting rainy, however, as an abundance of mud after storms is Pine Park's downside.
STORR'S POND
Mileage: 6.0 miles
Directions: Run past the rugby fields and the Co-op and make a right directly across the street from Rivercrest Road. The trail will take you into Storr's Pond, a recreational area past the golf course.
The scoop: The hills are tough, but you can run them to your hearts content or hardly at all before returning to the paved roads.
MONTSHIRE
Mileage: up to 9.5
Directions: Take your first left once you cross the river, pass the museum and then head out onto the trails. There are several different routes you can take, so distance will vary.
The scoop: Taking you past the Montshire Museum in Norwich, these hills are not for the faint of heart. Beware of wet leaves and obstacles, as those who aren't careful of the roots and plants on the trail might find themselves with a twisted ankle.
MINK BROOK
Mileage: 3.8 miles
Directions: Take Park Street past the athletic fields as it turns into Route 120. Turn right onto the Quinn Trail and keep going across Main Street and then along the river. You'll end up on Maple Street, which takes you straight back into town.
The scoop: A beautiful trail that runs along both Mink Brook and the Connecticut River, this route takes you past the Cemetery Water Treatment Area and spits you out in residential Hanover near CVS. Stop by the beautiful Nathan's Garden on Maple Street on your way back, or if it's warm, take West Street down to the river and jump in!
