Dartmouth & the Appalachian Trail: A Legacy of Wilderness and Stewardship
The Appalachian Trail—spanning more than 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine—stands as one of the most iconic hiking routes in the world. But few sections of the trail are as deeply intertwined with a local community as the stretch that runs through Hanover, New Hampshire—and Dartmouth College itself. The story of Dartmouth and the Appalachian Trail is more than just one of shared geography. It's a tale of vision, conservation, and a century-long commitment to outdoor adventure.
A Trail with Roots in New England
First proposed in 1921 by Benton MacKaye, the Appalachian Trail was born from a bold idea: to create a footpath that would connect people with nature and serve as a refuge from the industrial pressures of the modern world. Completed in 1937, the trail now winds through 14 states, and some of its most dramatic and rugged terrain lies in New England. In particular, the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the wilds of Maine present both physical challenge and scenic grandeur, offering a vivid expression of the A.T.’s raw beauty.
Enter Dartmouth: A Campus with a Compass
Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, sits right on the route of the A.T. In fact, hikers strolling through town on West Wheelock and South Main Streets are still following the white-blazed trail that thousands traverse each year. This proximity isn’t coincidence—it’s history.
The Dartmouth Outing Club (DOC), founded in 1909, predates the trail itself and holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the country. Long before “thru-hiking” became a rite of passage, the DOC was mapping, maintaining, and promoting outdoor experiences in the mountains of New Hampshire. When the Appalachian Trail was in its early planning stages, DOC members were among the first to blaze and build sections of the route, particularly in the White Mountains.
Trail Stewardship as a Way of Life
What began as trailblazing has become a generational tradition. Dartmouth students continue to play a vital role in the care and preservation of the trail. Whether clearing brush, repairing footbridges, or welcoming weary hikers to town, the DOC remains a cornerstone of the A.T.’s presence in the region. This commitment reflects the college’s broader ethos of outdoor leadership, environmental responsibility, and active engagement with the land.
Where the Trail Meets the Town
Today, Hanover is one of only a handful of towns where the Appalachian Trail passes directly through the main street—and that passage is more than symbolic. It’s a living reminder of how one college helped shape one of America’s most ambitious conservation projects. For hikers, it offers a warm and welcoming pitstop. For Dartmouth, it’s a source of enduring pride.
Whether you’re passing through or putting down roots, walking the streets of Hanover means walking in the footsteps of a great American journey—one that Dartmouth helped pave.