Velvet Rocks

Hike Description

1. From the Mobil Station by the Hanover Co-Op, follow the gravel road along the south edge of the Dartmouth sports fields (look for the A.T. white blazes).
2. At the southeast corner of the fields, the A.T. heads into the woods. The Trail begins a short climb through hemlocks with several switchbacks.
3. At 0.8 miles, take the blue-blazed side loop trail (left fork) for 0.2 mile to Velvet Rocks Shelter. The trail continues up the ledges behind the shelter for 0.3 mile before descending steeply and rejoining the A.T.
4. You can either head right, south on the A.T., to return to town for a 2.6 mile hike, or go straight to head north on the A.T. to the top of Velvet Rocks. If you choose to continue, in another 0.6 mile, you’ll reach another trail junction.
5. Keep going past the junction for just a few yards to reach the top of Velvet Rocks.
6. Views are hard to come by through the pines, but the mossy area makes a great place for exploring.
7. Turn around and stay southbound on the A.T. into town to complete your hike.