The Appalachian Trail at Dartmouth

The Appalachian Trail at Dartmouth
January 26, 2026
April 10, 2026
Baker-Berry Library, Reiss Hall

Curated and designed by Max Seidman

Amplify
Community
Four students walking along a path through the woods with mountains in the distance.

From Hanover to Moosilauke

Since 1929 the Dartmouth Outing Club has maintained over 50 miles of the Appalachian Trail right in Dartmouth’s backyard, from Hanover to Mount Moosilauke. The Trail spans over 2,200 miles, but Hanover is one of only ten towns where it runs right down its main street—and the final one for hikers headed north.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, this exhibit guides you through snapshots of six locations along the DOC’s stretch of the Trail that have been enjoyed by—and challenged—hikers for over a century, with commentary from Appalachian Trail hikers and Dartmouth community members alike.

And as the weather warms, you’re encouraged to go experience the trail for yourself and welcome the hikers as they pass through town.

Exhibit Poster

Hanover

trail angel 
noun. 
A volunteer who provides hikers with rides, shelter, food, or maintains trails.
 

Hiking in New Hampshire was wicked hard, but there’s a mutual respect with the people who live there. They want to help. Especially in Hanover, the trail angels are game changers.

—Cari Pattison, Section Hiker, thetrek.co/author/cari-pattison/

Working on trails is physical labor, but it’s very gratifying because you’re connecting with the trail in a different way. You’re actually forming it yourself. It feels really good for your soul.”

—Claire Kull ‘28

Hanover on the AT Interactive Map

Velvet Rocks

trail name
noun. 
A pseudonym used by a hiker on the trail, either chosen by the hiker themself or by other hikers, and often deriving from their traits or history.

You’re out there to hike, but the community draws you in. The great thing about the Appalachian Trail is you can be a kid right out of high school, you can be 70 years old, you can be a lawyer, or a doctor, or a garbage collector. And nobody cares. You all sit around and eat together and it’s a wonderful thing. Can’t wait to go again next summer.

—Buzz

Velvet Rocks on the AT Interactive Map

Holt's Ledge

trail magic 
noun. 
Unexpected acts of kindness or generosity given to hikers, often provided by trail angels or fellow hikers.

Camping one night we heard people coming. They offered us food. We expected ziplocs with some trail mix. Instead, the guy was like, ‘Would you like a cold beer? There are 23 more of these. We also have warm cheese pizzas, and ice cream sandwiches that are still frozen.’ We kept thinking: is this real? Can this be happening? We continued to hang out with them until 11pm eating and talking about the trail. That’s what you hope for about the trail—a sense of community.”

—Jess and Dace, The Oklahomies

Holt's Ledge on the AT Interactive Map

Mount Cube

Three students sit to watch the sunset from Mount Cube

When I got to Smarts Mountain, and then Mt. Cube, my first thought was ’ Oh my goodness, why is nobody talking about this mountain?’ Then you realize once you get to Moosilauke, they’re not talking about it because there’s a lot more to come. Smarts and Cube are a wonderful introduction to the White Mountains.”

—Ursula

Mount Cube on the AT Interactive Map

Glencliff

I’ve hiked all over the world; I’ve done Machu Picchu and hiked in Nepal. Moosilauke has a wonderful view—but it’s a tough, rocky trail, harder than many I’ve been on. The White Mountains are even harder, and the Presidentials are the toughest hiking I’ve done anywhere in the world.

—Judy Payne, 75, Hiker and Hanover Trail Angel

Glencliff on the AT Interactive Map

Moosilauke

Two hikers cross a bridge in the woods with the sun behind them

You always remember the places with strong emotions associated with them, like a high high or a low low. The times when you dropped f-bombs. The times when you cried. And the times when the view would just take your breath away because it was so magnificent. When you have a clear day like I had on Moosilauke, it just makes everything worth it to get to that point.

—Phoenix Rising

Moosilauke on the AT Interactive Map

 

Curated and designed by Max Seidman, Exhibits and Graphic Arts Designer

With photographs from Adrian Bouchard, Eli Burakian '00,  Katie Lenhart, Beam Lertbunnaphongs, Brian McDonough, Sophia Scull '25, Alex Wells, the Dartmouth Outing Club, and the Dartmouth College Photographic Files

Special thanks to Dakota Jackson, Senior Director of Visitor Engagement, Appalachian Trail Conservancy; Ryland Ianelli, Still Image Digitzation Specialist; Bill Young; and the Dartmouth Outdoor Programs Office

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