Balch Hill Natural Area

Passing the Torch at Dartmouth Pow Wow

Managed by the Hanover Conservation Council, The Balch Hill Natural Area has varied types of vegetation including open grass, shrub edge, apple trees, pines, hardwoods and hemlocks. The summit has views of Moose Mountain, Mount Ascutney and Gile Mountain. It is reputed to be an excellent spot for bird watching and is in the region of the unique Connecticut River Birding Trail. Six different trails will take you to the summit. Parking is available at the corner of Grasse Rd. and Trescott Road. The night view from the parking area is said to be spectacular as well.

The HCC has developed a management plan for the area to provide guidance for stewardship of this beautiful natural area. Central to its mission is the preservation of the pasture and vistas at the top of Balch Hill; the provision and maintenance of foot trails; the conservation of native plants and animal diversity and the protection of wildlife habitat.

The Management Plan has information on geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife. Management policies regarding viewshed, vegetation, wildlife, trail construction and education are included. A copy of the Management Plan in available at the Council office, Town of Hanover, Dartmouth College Real Estate office, Howe Library and the Upper Valley Land Trust.

The Whisper of Winter Wood (Redux) Haiku

Mixed media image hand-painted monochrome with Haiku. This image is part of a developing series on climate change.

This image can be purchased in the following forms: 

A signed limited edition original with a certificate of authenticity. Edition of 25 prints on fine art rag paper with archival inks $495, Click here.

Open Edition print 12"x14 $20.00 Click here

Open Edition print 12"x14 $20.00 

Open Edition print 20"x23" $48.34 Click here

23" x 26" Poster  $34.34 click here

Langdon Park

Getting some air on the tabletop jump

A haven for stunt bikers or those who long to try their hand at it, Langdon Park also offers a wonderful spot for a peaceful and quiet bike ride or walk.

Few people actually know about this great spot in Plymouth (and some will be understandably annoyed at this article). It is a hidden treasure in Plymouth, tucked away along the Baker River just north of the National Guard Armory.

If your family is like ours, you'll find Langdon Park is a perfect spot for a family with a mix of biking tastes. Sometimes its tough to find something that provides something for both the aesthetics and the risk takers in the family but this place does just that.

There are plenty of flat and pleasing paths for those who just want to get a bit of exercise in a beautiful spot, and for the daredevils there are challenges galore off nearly every side path throughout the park. In addition, it's clear that Langdon park's terrain is an evolving one, created, modified, changed and maintained by the many bikers who use it.

Directions to Langdon Park:

Interstate 93 to Exit 26. Bear right immediately off the ramp toward Plymouth. At the end of the ramp take a right toward Plymouth's main St. Follow Rte 3 South 1/2 mile over the green bridge. Just after the green bridge there are two dirt entryways into a lot beside the National Guard Armory. Turn into the second (it's safer) and park at the back of the field near the Baker River. The path leading to Langdon Park is right there.



Huskey Freestyle: Cards and prints here