Oak Hill Outer Loop

This moderate route begins and ends at the Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover, NH, following a series of forest roads and singletrack through the Oak Hill Natural Area. From the parking area, head east to enter the conservation lands. After a steady climb through mixed hardwoods, stay right at the early junction to remain on the Outer Loop. The trail skirts a low ridgeline with filtered views of Moose Mountain and the Connecticut River Valley, especially in late fall when leaves are down. Several cutoffs and connectors offer shorter options or detours to interior trails. The route travels across conservation lands owned by the Town of Hanover and passes through easement-protected private parcels and Dartmouth College forest holdings. Expect rolling terrain with a few sustained climbs and the occasional rocky or rooty section. Seasonal wetlands and intermittent streams may appear after rain or snowmelt, but there are no reliable drinking sources. Wildlife sightings—deer, owls, and porcupine—are common, especially in early morning or evening. This area is open year-round, but spring mud and winter ice can make footing slick. The trail’s gentle ridgeline and forested setting make it a quiet alternative to more rugged day hikes in the Upper Valley.