hiking trails of hanson

Rocky Run Conservation Area

The Rocky Run Conservation Area with it's hiking trails

form a ring inside of it's own property,

but are part of a larger hiking route that links

two other towns and their hiking trails to form an even larger loop.

The property is located on the Hanover/ Hanson town line on State St. in Hanson.
The Indian Head River flows through the area creating the two town's natural boundary line.

There is a small parking area on the Hanover side with a small trail down to a peninsula within the river.

Formerly I had thought this peninsula

WAS the property. Disappointed, I did

not pay much attention to Rocky Run.

Though an exploration of this small

peninsula should be included as part

of your hike at this conservation area.

Information about Hanson conservation property isn't as available as it is in other towns.

I found Rocky Run by an exploration of Tucker Preserve in Pembroke, one of the other properties forming the three town hiking trail loop.

The Wildlands Trust has a kiosk with a map at this property location and the map includes the full loop.

There it shows an access trail leading along the river and connecting to what they simply refer to as Hanson Conservation Land. Knowing that this "conservation land" is Rocky Run, I was now excited!

Before the hike at Rocky Run,

take the path down to the peninsula

within the Indian Head River.

Some wonderful views of the river

flowing beneath the bridge

over the Indian Head River!

You will find a small network

of trails on this peninsula,

helpful to fully explore this

little piece of scenic property!

The trails lead to the side

of the river where a possible

boat launch could be made.

Or just a good viewing point!

The down river view at

the tip of the peninsula!

The mileage includes the explore of this peninsula.

At the small parking lot, 

located at what is Cross St in

Hanover, and crossing the town

line, a short walk back into Hanson

on the opposite side of the Indian Head

River, a jersey barrier will be found partially in the forest and beyond is the trail leading into the Conservation.

No signs announcing the property will be found here. To access this property it is suggested to cross the street and use the side walk over the Robert Hammond Memorial Bridge. The street is very narrow over the bridge and not a safe way to travel.

Some beautiful views of the Indian Head River can be viewed at this bridge that those riding in a vehicle most likely don't get the chance to admire.

Past the bridge and following to the end of the guardrail.....

Cross again to access the path in.
The trail in is wide here and starts with a slight downhill grade. The river on the left cannot be seen but is usually heard.

Shortly down the hiking trail it will start

to climb moderately and soon meet at

.24 with a black chain link fence.

Left side falls away as you climb the hill

up to the fence. Blocked views of the river

will appear at this point. 

At .28 a small granite post is found on the trail.

Shortly after a trail junction.

The shorter loop trail leads straight and the intersecting trail that leads to the right will take you on a full tour of the property.

Caution here if going straight.

In the summer it is much easier to follow the trail.

There are many small trails that leave this main trail.

In the fall and most likely in the winter when trails are not as defined you can lose your way. Not a real problem here as the forest is pretty open. But there is much rocky and almost cliff like areas to be cautious about.

Going right and following along the fence, another path leading to the left will take you back to the trail that went straight.

At .36 another intersection. 

Going right is blocked by a fence. Go left on a continued cart path sized hiking trail. Found a faded golden blaze on a tree.

The forest is maintained on the left here and dense vegetation on the right.

At .44 another trail leads to the right not as cleared looking. This is an access trail for a neighborhood street. It runs about .20 and has two ending points.

One at the end of either a road or shared driveway.  Then it continues and ends at a private property. 

Along this hiking trail are faint trails to the stream the area is named after, Rocky Run. 

Very rocky along the hill side down to the stream and potential for more trail development along here! 

Found a ridge above the stream and a faint trail that would make a wonderful scenic loop.

After investigating this trail and

back out on the main cart path

at .89 taking a right, shortly after

on the left a trail leading down to

an open area that looks like many trees had been cut down.

In the middle a fire ring.

Continuing on the trail it leads downhill and through a very large downed tree that was cleared just enough to pass through.

At .95 the small path to the

right that leads over Rocky Run

by way of rocks.

Smaller trails lead to the left uphill,

our way is straight, but starts to

increasingly make a sweeping left turn.

The trail becomes narrow with the Indian Head river on the right and the hill side on the left.

The hiking trail leads through

vegetation and becomes rocky and rugged.

At one mile the trail leads through an area

that has been abused.

Here are rocky outcrops and cave

like openings in the rock.

Trails lead up to the top where the camp ring exists.

The trail leads away to the right continuing on a rugged path.

It passes an area that almost looks like a rock wall leading into the water. Start of a former damn?

All along this way there are several trails leading up hill.

At 1.13 miles of our journey this trail will lead uphill away from the river as well.

It almost leads up like a switchback (zig zag pattern ) up the hill.

Comes into an area of many small trails. One leads down to an overlook area over the river but with limited views.

Soon the trail will lead out to the chain link fence started at. 

View of Indian Head River

from lower rugged hiking trail.

There are a couple of areas to access the Indian Head River or alternately access Rocky Run from the river.

One of the areas where caution is needed!

1. South Shore Hiking Trails
›
2. Hanson
›
3. Rocky Run Conservation