Trescott Water Supply Lands

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Laced with Class VI roads and stunning views, the Trescott lands offer a marvelous area for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing Horseback riding Mountain biking
Length
13.00 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Hanover (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Road, Unpaved, Snow, Ungroomed
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The Trescott Water Supply Lands feature miles of recreation trails on both maintained class VI roads and maintained trails, plus unmaintained trails and temporary logging roads.

Recreational users are welcome except within 250 feet of reservoirs (see the map photo below for areas closed to the public). Users may enjoy these activities: walk/hike/run, snowshoe/ungroomed ski, bike, leashed dogs, horses, photography, nature study, and hunting in season.

PROHIBITED uses: motorized vehicles, dogs off leash, swimming, fishing, boating, camping/open fires, alcohol, disturbing historic sites, and access within 250 feet of reservoirs.

Other restrictions:

  • Pick up after pets
  • Open dawn to dusk
  • Use at your own risk
  • Stay off trails when muddy

Other Information

The Trescott Company owns 1,165 acres here in the upper watershed of Camp Brook. The Company was established in 2010, and is an equal partnership between the Town of Hanover and Dartmouth College.  The Town of Hanover separately owns 178 acres containing the reservoirs and water filtration plant, all of which are closed to the public.

Professional foresters manage the lands to ensure a healthy forest and pure water for tomorrow, and public recreation. Hunting is necessary to protect native tree growth from over-browsing by deer.

History

In the 1800s, ten farms thrived here on fine soils and ready access to water. One became the town’s Poor Farm, where the community’s indigent citizens lived and worked. The farm included an ice-cutting operation and busy sawmill. Local children attended the one-room District No. 4 School at Mason’s Four Corners.

Disastrous fires in 1880 and 1890 revealed the need for a better water supply for fire-fighting. In 1893, the village precinct and college formed the Hanover Water Works Co., damming Camp Brook and buying 50 acres for a reservoir.  News of a typhoid epidemic in Ithaca, NY, prompted buy-out of the entire watershed by 1912. The farms were dismantled and human occupation ended, but their cellar holes and impressive stone walls remain.

The 2007 Patriot’s Day Windstorm blew down much timber that had been planted to protect water quality. Reforestation efforts, including control of invasive plants that followed the blowdowns and protection of rare plants, continue under a new forest management plan.

The Trescott Lands Recreation Committee has been appointed by the Trescott Company to manage responsible public recreation of this area, while protecting our drinking water.

Trail Manager

For more information, please contact the Hanover Trails Committee:

Hanover Trails Committee
41 South Main Street
PO Box 483
Hanover, NH 03755
Phone: (603) 643-0742
hanovertrails@gmail.com
View website

Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Avoid the introduction or transport of non-native species. Clean, drain, and dry water equipment when moving between water bodies.

Trailhead Information

There are 2 primary trailheads to access the property.

1. Trescott Road Trailhead

  • From Downtown Hanover and the Green, drive east onto East Wheelock Street and up the hill 1.7 miles to the junction of East Wheelock, Grasse, and Trescott Roads. The Balch Hill trailhead will be on your left. Continue straight as East Wheelock changes name to Trescott Road, and drive 1.2 more miles to the Trescott gate where the road makes a sharp bend.  There is a parking area on the left (north side) with a kiosk.
  • From Etna village, turn west onto Trescott Road and drive 1.3 miles to Trescott gate at bend in road.

Park at the marked trailhead parking area near the kiosk. Please do not block the gate.

2. Dogford Road Trailhead

  • From Etna village, go north 1.1 miles on Hanover Center Road.
  • Turn left on Dogford Road and continue 1.1 miles until the road bends to the right.  There is a parking area on the left.
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