3 Exciting Outdoor Summer Activities in the Upper Valley
Spring has officially arrived here in the blooming Upper Valley, signifying that it’s time to start planning your upcoming summertime escape to The Norwich Inn, one of the top-rated hotels near Dartmouth College. In a matter of weeks, the Upper Valley will once again be a lush, kelly green wilderness filled with seemingly endless outdoor adventure possibilities. We welcome all sorts of guests here in Norwich, VT, during the summertime, many of which are self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiasts who explore our glorious mountain ranges in a wide variety of ways. When they’re not sipping on one of our award-winning Jasper Murdock Ales, touring Dartmouth College, or savoring a freshly-baked pastry at King Arthur Flour, they’re found deep in the heart of the Upper Valley on a kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing expedition. To ensure that your stay with us is picture-perfect, we’ve compiled three of our guests’ favorite summer activities.
Hiking
Vermont and New Hampshire are known for offering outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of summer activities, most notably hiking. The Norwich Inn, home to one of the best breweries in Vermont, is minutes away from mountain hikes, lakeside strolls, and the famous Appalachian Trail. Our favorite local hike is the Gile Mountain Trail, located six miles north of our historic Vermont Inn on Turnpike Road. The Gile Mountain Trail is an easy 1.4-mile, out-and-back hike to the summit, which provides visitors with panoramic views of the glorious Upper Valley on top of the Fire Tower. The trail itself is quite easy, but to reach the Fire Tower’s peak, you must trek up 324 stairs – it’s unquestionably worth the journey!
Nearby Boston Lot Lake is the perfect daytime stroll for dog walkers, families with young children, or couples looking for a romantic, secluded space for a picnic. This 2.4-mile loop is flat, scenic, and moderately popular among locals. We recommend parking in the lot along Main Street in West Lebanon, NH. Arguably our favorite Appalachian Trail hike is Holts Ledge in nearby Lyme, NH – it’s more challenging than Gile Mountain and Boston Lot but undeniably rewarding and beautiful.
Kayaking, Canoeing, or SUPing
The tranquil Connecticut River, which separates Norwich, VT, and Hanover, NH, transforms into an outdoor enthusiast’s playground during the summer months. Canoeing is easily one of the top three summer activities here in the Upper Valley, especially along the Connecticut River. The Ledyard Canoe Club provides visitors with canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals at a fantastic price point. Despite being quite wide, the Connecticut River’s flow is slowed by strategically-placed dams which create watercraft-friendly basins. Paddlers of all skill levels will have no issues traversing these slow-moving currents. The river gorge itself is fully-enclosed by towering forestry. If you’re looking for a lazier but equally beautiful canoe trip, we recommend Storrs Pond Recreation Area.
Rock Climbing
The sport of rock climbing certainly isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy scaling natural rock walls or those who’re searching for a new challenge, please give Vermont Adventure Tours a call! Vermont Adventure Tours has a team of skilled, professional guides that lead tours into the heart of the Upper Valley. One of their locations rests in nearby Quechee, VT, which is only a short drive from The Norwich Inn, one of the only luxury hotels near Dartmouth College. Vermont Adventure Tours also offers rappelling, paddling, caving, and hiking expeditions.
Historic Hotels near Dartmouth College
After exploring the jaw-dropping Upper Valley’s natural beauty through a variety of exciting summer activities, retreat to The Norwich Inn for refreshing craft beer, fine dining, and a sunset stroll along our colorfully-landscaped grounds. Pair your grass-fed filet mignon or parmesan risotto with a traditional English-style cask ale on our outdoor patio. Our instant-classic Whistling Pig Red Ale satisfies all beer palettes. To learn more about our historic inn or to book a well-deserved summertime getaway to Norwich, VT, please give us a call today at 1-802-649-1143, or simply visit NorwichInn.com.
