QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: N/A
- Trail Mileage: ~1.2 miles in network, 0.3 mile to view
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: moderate
- Sights: views, swimming pond
By Sam Shirley
Rising to the northeast of Howard Pond in Hanover, this small trail network on the slopes of Dimmock Mountain features well-maintained trails and lovely views of Howard Pond and the Androscoggin River Valley. Please be sure to respect this private property that the owners generously allow public access to.
From the trailhead, the unmarked trail makes a short, but somewhat steep climb to the junction with the blue-blazed loop trail. This loop trail can be followed in either direction, and a short connector trail across the middle of the loop makes a figure-eight loop or a shorter loop hike possible. The loop trail passes through mostly mature forest with numerous short ups and downs along the way.
The highest point on the loop is at its easternmost part. Here, there is a fire pit with benches and a restricted view of the Mahoosuc Range. Branching off north from the loop is a short spur trail leading to a small stone structure which is called “Fox Farm” and is labeled as an “early American artifact,” according to a faded sign. Be sure to not accidentally follow the blue blazed spur leading downhill to the trail maintainer’s residence at the far western part of the loop.
At the loop’s southernmost point is Howard Pond Overlook. This minor subpeak of Dimmock Mountain features cliffs with beautiful views. You can see across Howard Pond and to many of the mountains east and south of the viewpoint. The hike from the trailhead directly to this view is roughly 0.3 miles. The whole hike, if you do the loop and spur, is just about 1.2 miles.
If it’s a hot day, the swimming area on Howard Pond across the road from the trailhead is the perfect spot to cool off after a hike.
Directions: From the center of Hanover, head northwest on Howard Pond Road. At 1.3 miles from US Highway 2, there will be a large gravel pull off on the right side of the road (the Howard Pond Dam will be visible through the trees to the left). Park here. A hundred feet into the woods is a gate with a “Keep Out” sign. Walking toward this gate, you will see the unmarked footpath leading uphill to the left before you reach the gate.
