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Velvet Rocks is a ridge E of Hanover with velvety moss on rock ledges. The USGS applies the name to the westernmost bump near the shelter and not the higher knoll .7 miles E. The Appalachian Trail passes over the E knoll and near the middle bump, and the shelter connector goes over the W bump.
This description tells you how to climb all three bumps, using parts of the old and new routes of the Appalachian Trail and two connector trails.
Distance: Varies with route: about 2.8 miles round-trip as described
Elevation gain: About 1000 feet as described
Maps: USGS Hanover
Location: Dartmouth - Lake Sunapee Region
NH 2003-2004 map K-3
DeLorme NHA&G 32-J2 - Hanover
Hanover is on the Connecticut River near I-91 exit 13
Trailhead: S side of East Wheelock Street opposite Balch Hill Lane (no parking lot or sign), elevation about 750 feet
43.709°N, 72.263°W (WGS84)
From I-89 exit 18 in Lebanon NH, go N on NH Route 120 toward Hanover for 4.6 miles and turn R on East Wheelock Street, continue .9 miles to trailhead on R
Far End: High point of Velvet Rocks ridge, elevation about 1243 feet
Owner: private and Appalachian Trail corridor
Maintainer: Dartmouth Outing Club
Special regulations: unknown
From East Wheelock Street, the trail (a former route of the Appalachian Trail and sometimes called the Old Velvet Rocks Trail although not signed as such) follows a wide path uphill in mature woods. At .2 miles, the Ledyard Spring connector diverges L.
After another .1 miles, the former A.T. turns L while the shelter connector continues ahead.
From the junction with the shelter connector, the trail crosses a tiny dip to a rocky ridge, then descends very steeply to a 4-way junction in the col:
Continue ahead on the Appalachian Trail North, which soon climbs to the ridge of the middle bump. The highest point is perhaps 100 yards R in the woods, with no views. The A.T. descends slightly, then begins the ascent of the highest knoll. About .6 miles from the 4-way junction, an opening L in the scrub that may be marked with green flagging tape indicates the top of the Trescott Road connector.
The A.T. continues uphill more gradually less than .1 miles to a ledgy area which is the highest point of the ridge. From here, it is 2.0 miles to where the A.T. reaches Trescott Road. The easiest route back to the starting point is to return to the 4-way junction in the col, then take the Ledyard Spring connector back to the old A.T. and turn R.
Unknown
Map Notes: The USGS map does not show the correct trail locations and the DOC sign at the E end is outdated
Velvet Rocks Shelter
Sign at 4-way Junction (E end inaccurate)
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