West Lebanon and Hanover Greenway
THE VISION: A three mile trail that brings the people of West Lebanon and Hanover together.
The WaHG trail satisfies a critical need identified in local & regional plans, and would allow people to make ordinary trips without the use of a vehicle.
This WaHG helps ‘close the loop', creating a network with the Mascoma River Greenway and Mt. Support Shared Use Path to connect Lebanon, West Lebanon, and Hanover.
Beyond this critical need, the WaHG is poised to attract visitors and bring further value to the Upper Valley.
WaHG Feasibility Study Project Overview
The WaHG feasibility study is exploring the opportunity to build a safe walking and bicycling connection between West Lebanon and Hanover. The study will identify a preferred alignment and provide a roadmap towards construction.
Goals
▪ Identify proposed alignments for the construction of an off-road/on-road multi-use trail between West Lebanon and Hanover.
▪ Connect existing facilities, village centers, and trail networks.
▪ Identify potential conflicts, including right-of-way, utilities, and natural and cultural resources.
▪ Provide cost estimates and a phasing plan for implementation.
Thank you to the more than 120 attendees who were able to participate in WaHG Open House in person! To share your thoughts on Potential Routes email WaHGTrail@gmail.com. To download the posters and maps presented at the August 27th, 2025 WaHG Open House, click this link. To watch a video introducting the Feasibility study at the Open House click the youtube video Play button below.
What are the benefits of the WaHG Trail?
Paths Provide Mobility
The WaHG Trail would provide vital mobility for those without the ability to drive themselves.
"1 in 3 people in the U.S. cannot drive. In many communities, that means limited access to housing, jobs, services, and spending far too much time and energy getting around." - America Walks
Paths Inspire
01
Healthy Community
The WaGH invites connection. It brings people in touch with communities, whether they want to meet friends, visit the library, shop at a store, go to practice, work, school or just explore. Providing safe paths for walking and bicycling increases health and equity, allowing those who can't or don't drive to reach their destinations.
30% of the population in most communities do not drive.
Active Transportation Transforms America
Increasing walkability makes communities safer and supports social cohesion.
Every $1 investment in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in direct medical benefit.
02
Economic
Benefits
The WaHG creates a mobility network that will benefit local economies. People want to live and work in areas that support their desire for outdoor recreation and trips by bike or foot. Active transportation options attract businesses, raise property values, and increase local spending.
9 of 27 existing New Hampshire public rail trails generate ~$18.7 million in economic activity annually (with ~$2.7 million in taxes, ~164 jobs).
NHTRC Rail Trail Funding Initiative
Bicyclists spend 24% more than drivers at local businesses.
Active Transportation Transforms America
Research shows that homes near trails often have higher property value, with a price premium ranging from five to ten percent in most studies.
The current ROI of active transportation infrastructure is $34.1 billion annually and has the potential to grow to $138.5 billion annually.
03
Sustainable
Future
The WaGH encourages mode shift by allowing people to reach destinations without a vehicle. Reducing vehicle travel reduces wear and spending on our roads, as well as cuts emissions, noise pollution, and microplastic pollution in our air and water from its single largest source, tire wear.
13% of commuters near shared-use paths commute use active modes of travel rather than driving.
A 5% increase in the walkability of a neighborhood is associated with a per capita 32.1% increase in active travel, 6.5% fewer miles driven, 5.6% fewer grams of nitrous oxides (NOx) emitted, and 5.5% fewer grams of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted
Journal of the American Planning Association
Paths Protect Wildlife
Paths Connect with Care
Greenways can become "gene-ways" helping wildlife travel less dangerous paths.
Paths Protect Sensitive Environs
Well-placed trails preserve sensitive nesting, denning and native plant areas.
Paths Offer a Better Way to Live with Nature
Ways for people to travel outside a vehicle results in fewer wildlife deaths, less pollution, less disruptive noise and more intact habitats.
Paths Create Jobs
Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce
Read more about the incredible benefits of shared use paths at Headwaters Economics.
WaHG
COMMUNITY GROUP
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT:
Connecting communities with non-car travel options, while improving the safety of people walking and bicycling. Foster commuter and recreational travel, while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT:
Identify and construct an improved greenway from West Lebanon to Hanover.
WHY:
There are no existing safe options for non-motorized travel between the densely populated areas along NH Route 10 of West Lebanon and Hanover.
Local & Regional Plans
Donors & Community Support
Supports &
*Financial Backers
Liam Abbate
Jason Achmoody
Lara Acker
Mathew Allen
Reed Anderson
Bonnie Arnold
Dwight Aspinwall
Dan Barnett
Elizabeth Barry*
Yolanda Baumgartner
Charlotte Bernini
David Bibeau
Evan Bick
Julien Blanchet
Colin Bogart*
Jay Boren*
Sherry Boschert*
Charles Brackett*
Barney Brannon*
Lou Bregou
Richard Brittain
Bill Brown
Haynes Bunn*
Ethan Call`
Nancy Carter
Todd Caruso*
Jonathan Chaffee
Berkeley Chamberlain
Christina Chamberlain
Daniel Chamberlain*
Jennie Chamberlain*
Karin Chamberlain
Zoe Chamberlain
Kim Chewning
Todd Chewning
Roger Clarkson
Chet Clem
Devon Cloutier
Jonas Cole
Tim Cox*
Kevin Cornell
Andrew Craighead*
Anthony Cressman*
Jon Criswell
Matthew Culbertson
Richel Cuyler
Joanna Davidson
Mike Davidson
Jim Damren
Helen Deng
Henry Dionne
Amelia Donahey
James Donahey
Jim Dorsey
Cameron Deremer*
David Dostal
Heather Drinan
Geoff Dunbar
Rosemary Edzie
Chris Egner
Jessy Elfstrom
Lauran Emerson*
Erik Endrulat
Joel Eshbaugh
Rachel Isaacs-Falbel
Austin Feula*
Noel Figart
David Finnegan
Jordyn Taylor Fitch
Debra Franklin
Steve Fulginiti
Laura Gillespie
Patrick Glauthier
Sandy Gmur*
George Gohanna
Suzanne Gott
Elli Goudzwaard
Martin Grant
Lauren Groves
Valerie Gutierrez
John Haffner
Roberta Hambleton
Amber Hanna
George Hanna
Christianne Hardy
Scott Hausler
Ayden Hayes
Tracy Hazen
Cameron Henkel
Mike Hennessy
Melissa Herman*
Lynn Higgins
Jason Hill
Yasmin Hilliam
Daniel Himmelstein*
Joshua Himmelstein
John Hink
Kevin Hoelscher
Kimberly Huot
Thale Jacobs*
Helen Jarnagin
Jeffrey Kauffman*
Uschi Kauffman*
Charles Kearns
Sandy Kelsey
Nissanka Kiridena
David Koch*
Donald Kollisch
Emily Lacroix
Jeanette Lacroix
Allison Lambert
An Le
Cady LeBlanc
Bob Leach*
Bruce Levine*
Dave Lindberg
Chance Lindsley
Michael Liu
Connor Looney
Roger Lohr
Mark Lotterhand
Kate Lyon
Robin Maddalena
Timothy Manganello
Justin Mankin
Britton Mann*
Nicolás Macri
Matthew Marotto
Amye Mason
Shawn Mason
Trenton Meckenstock
Chris Miller
John McCann
Lachlan McCann
Marlene McDonald
Michael McGillen*
Petra McGillen
Aaron McKenna
Marianna McKim
Edward Meyer*
R Todd Minsk*
Lianne Moccia
Martin Mosdal
Danny Moore
Bob Moses
Brian Moses
James Murphy
Keri Niles
Alix Norris*
Jesse Norris
Brendan Nyhan
Thomas Officer
Sarah Olson
Joanne Ophals*
Nate Osheyack
Rebecca Owens
Susan Pagan-Hilton
Sue Painter*
Pooja Panwar
Peter Parent
Zach Parker
Katherine Paul
John Pepper
Juan Perez
Irina Perreard
Laurent Perreard
Laura Petto
Jason Pettus
Parker Pflaum
Margery Phillips
Gabrielle Plaia
Scott Prescott
Caitlin Pries
Sarat Pudi
Kevin Purcell*
Maxine Purcell*
Shannon Purcell*
Tracy Purcell
Jennifer Rataj*
Carl Renshaw
Keith Richardson
Catherine Rieke
Katherine Roach
Trey Rogers
Nelson Rooker*
David Rosengarten
Bree Rosewood
Bob Rougvie
Carol Rougvie
Jeremy Rutter
Bess Schmidt*
Mindy Schorr*
Alleah Schweitzer
Dr. Angela Santavicca
Jeffrey Shapiro*
Adam Sharp
Noah Skogerboe
Emily Sarnacki
Sarah Slater
Colin Smith
Connor Smith
Ross Smith*
Doug Sonsalla
Zach Soucy
Deborah Springhorn
Greg Spitz*
Rob Starkey*
Charlie Sullivan
Amanda St. Iveny
Drew St. Peter
Annette St. Peter
Breck Taber
Heidi Talbert
Vin Talento
Trevor Gittes Taplin
Holly Taylor
Max Terzano
Deborah Testa
William Thomas
Jared Toon
Lauren Tormey
Devan Tracy
Jake Twarog
Gretchen Walsh
Kasia Warburton
Jim Wasser
Fred Wainwright
Natalie Wainwright
Hannah Walker
Hannah Watkins
Cousens Weir
John Wheaton*
Anna White
Anne Wilson
Samantha Wray
Wendell Wu
Christel Wolfaardt
Jeff Wutzke
Percy Young*
Samantha Yarmis
Rai-Ching Yu
No amount is too small. Every dollar of support counts!
Thank you all for working to create a more connected and sustainable community!
Community Perspectives
Christina Chamberlain
"I live in Lebanon and would love a more direct and safe route to Hanover!"
Scott Prescott
"Recreation and commuting. Riding, running or walking on rt 10 is quite dangerous"
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Christel Wolfaardt
"It will bring calm to route 10 and improve quality of life."
Danny Moore
"I commute to work by bike and the bike infrastructure would enable many more like me to ride safely and comfortably around the Upper Valley."
Richel Cuyler
"There are no existing safe options for non-motorized travel between the densely populated areas along NH Route 10 of West Lebanon and Hanover.”
Bruce Levine
"It makes total sense."
Matthew Moratto
"I support bikeability."
An Le
"More path connecting Hanover and Lebanon. More environmental friendly. ”
Joshua Himmelstein
"I'd love to have this connectivity that doesn't depend on driving. These projects have a big return in the community!"
Sarah Olson
"This sounds like such a great idea!! What a fantastic resource."
Susan Pagan-Hilton
"I would like to see green spaces in our community.”
Gabrielle Plaza
"I had traveled to Boise, Idaho which is known for its “Greenbelt” a 25 mile pathway which follows the Boise river north and south. Since I moved back to the Upper Valley from Boise’s Treasure Valley, I have been hoping for a pathway like this."
Kevin Hoelscher
"Need a real path between the two towns. Maybe can go through Boston Lot, around the back side of Sachem. By the powerlines. Could possibly reconnect to Route 10 by Mini Brook Nature Preserve. OR alternatively head east from Sachem along the Trout Brook Trail and exit onto Route 120 by the intersection of Gile Drive and Medical Center Drive."
Todd Minsk
"I challenge the common belief that an automobile (of any form of propulsion) is required to have a comfortable and successful life in North America. Any infrastructure enhancements, and improvements in public transportation, that help convince and aid the population to avoid automobiles deserves support, this project and any other endeavor with the same goal, worldwide.”
John Haffner
"Our communities thrive when they are connected in multiple ways. I want to see an Upper Valley with more greenways and more ways of getting around for all road users!”
Debra Franklin
"I work at Alice Peck Day and it’s nice to have a riding trail around the area."
Dan Barnett
"This is a wonderful initiative for the entire Upper Valley community!"
Bob Leach
"I'm an avid cyclist and live on Crafts Avenue in West Lebanon (near the Lyman Bridge). Biking in any direction from here is dangerous, so I haul my bike in my car to go on bike rides to Hanover, Norwich, Thetford, etc. A way to get to Hanover from here would be fantastic and a life-changer."
John Wheaton
"I’m a big supporter of human powered mobility to access entertainment, shopping and staying active, especially on my bikes. I want to help."
Michael McGillen
"I look forward to a continuous trail from Hanover via West Leb to the Rail Trail in Lebanon!"
Elizabeth Barry
"This would be a great benefit to the communities!"
Jennie & Daniel Chamberlain
"Paths empower people! Enliven places! And build community! Connecting West Lebanon and Hanover is vital for health and well being of the Upper Valley."
Daniel Himmelstein
"To an intricate web of greenways and trails such that any valley dweller can bike, ski, or run to the commerce of Lebanon or the towers of Hanover! "
Tim Cox
"Joining my neighbors supporting the effort to connect our communities and the wider region. The time to do this is Now!"
Percy Young
"I hope this project will enable safe walking and biking access between West Lebanon and Hanover."
Lauran Emerson
"Bike trails are the best!"
Andrew Craighead
"Our community needs this!"
Haynes Bunn
"This would be fantastic for the Upper Valley community. Close the loop!"
Sandy Gmur
"I would love to see this become reality!"
Karin Chamberlain
"I ride my bike along that route and do not always feel safe. Having a safe route for commuters and the general public will encourage more people to use their bikes (leave their cars behind). Greenways also build community through interaction with people you might not otherwise meet!!"
Joanne Ophals
"Great cause."
Ross Smith
"Let's Celebrate the Bike and our own two feet:)"
Alix Norris
"WaHG is a much-needed resource for Upper Valley cyclists!"
Jeffrey Kauffman
"This would be a much needed safe corridor for exercise, but also could allow shopping without using a car."
Austin Feula
"Fantastic cause! Need a great trail connection thru this area!"
Amelia and James Donahey
"A dedicated pedestrian connection between Leb and Hanover will make walkers, runners, cyclists and children in our communities safer!
(Last year we saw a stroller hit by a vehicle on this stretch of road!) "
Kevin Cornell
"Walkability, bikeability, and public transportation is the key to building strong towns and the foundation for healthy and safe communities."
James Murphy
"I love the idea of connecting further the Upper Valley with this greenway as route 10 is always so congested and the health and environmental benefits are obvious."
Anthony Cressman
"I've always wanted to bike to Hanover from my home!"
Todd Caruso
"I would use the trail for bicycle transportation!"
Devan Tracy
"The Upper Valley needs more options to safely commute by bicycle .”
Keri Niles
"Will help cut down on vehicle traffic in the area if we can get from West Leb to Hanover for work and school! I would like to use the trail myself!"
Rachel Isaacs-Falbel
"A more accessible way to get from home to work, which would encourage me to use my bike!"
Trevor Gittes Taplin
"Enabling community members to safely commute between Hanover and West Lebanon without having to use cars would greatly improve the overall well-being of the community!”
Helen Jarnagin
"I would love to have a way to safely commute from West Lebanon to Hanover on my bike. Right now, it's very unsafe to do so!"
Steve Fulginiti
"I would love to be able to commute to Hanover by bike! A safe cycling path is the only barrier right now."
Martin Mosdal
"Biking and walking is greener, healthier, safer and more community oriented than cars! Let's get it done”
Dave Lindberg
"Great idea!!"
Cousens Weir
"A greenway connecting Hanover and West Lebanon would bring recreation opportunities and is simply practical. It is silly it doesn't exist already."
Natalie Wainwright
"Helps bring communities together, reduce our carbon footprint, and encourage people to be more active and enjoy the beautiful nature we live in.”
Fred Wainwright
"Improve quality of life and reduce car traffic."
Noel Figart
"Anything that has safe walking and biking trails to connect the Upper Valley has my approval. I love the Northern Rail Trail and the Mascoma River Greenway, so this would be a welcome addition."
Anna White
"Multimodal transportation"
Samantha Yarmis
"I recently moved to West Leb and love cycling in the area, but it is difficult to get past Hanover on my bike. I generally have to cross over into WRJ and go up route 5 in VT instead. Having a safer way to get to/past Hanover would make it much easier for me to get around by bike and would encourage many other people who are less confident riding on busy roads to get outside as well. I sadly can't make the meeting next week but am very excited to see where this goes!"
Zoë Chamberlain
"I have ridden this path before, and it's a super useful connecting road, but right now it feels dangerous. It would be awesome to have a safe path!"
Donald Kollisch
"I used to ride my bicycle on the road between West Lebanon and Hanover but no longer feel safe."
Tracy Hazen
"I love to access trails for walking or running for my own personal fitness."
Vin Talento
"Need to do something about the dangerous (to cyclists and pedestrians) stretch of Rt 10 between Wilder Dam and the Campion athletic field."
Heidi Talbert
"Live at Quail Hollow and we all would like to be able to walk into Hanover - no sidewalk between Quail H. and Gould Rd/Sachem V."
Hannah Walker
"We are new to west Lebanon and have an office in Hanover and would love the opportunity to travel by bike!"
Mike Hennessy
"Getting outside is important to me, this would be a great opportunity for the community!"
Roger Clarkson
"I think it's a great opportunity!"
Roberta Hambleton
"I will live in Quail Hollow until they carry me out, I'd use this trail when conditions permit, to get to WLeb or Hanover by bike or hike. How about secure XC ski trip-time storage at both ends for multimodal winter trips? A maintained spur link to DHMC Medical Drive would help me and many others. Rte 10 is a danger for bikers and hikers. Having a safe offroad alternative would also enhance safety on Rte 10. We also need an unbroken WLeb connection to the Mascoma Greenway + Northern Rail Trail for pleasure and exercise, and to enjoy activities at Mascoma Lake and points east and south. Could a trail beside the RR tracks, WLeb to the Greenway work? Plan that into the Dry Bridge reconstruction. How can I help any/all of this happen?"
Carol Rougvie
"Walking and biking from West Lebanon to Hanover is hazardous. Many people use this route both on foot and on bicycle for essential reasons. The current lack of sidewalks and adequate bike lane creates dangerous situations for both drivers and those walking and biking."
Ayden Hayes
"Feels like a no brainer and I despise needing a car to get somewhere"
Lauren Tormey
"We live on granger circle off Main Street in Hanover and go to west leb via Main Street almost daily, sometime multiple trips a day! We have a young child and would love to walk with her on this path. We would be more likely to bike to the store and use our car less. Now it is not safe to do that."
Bob Rougvie
"minimal sidewalks on Route 10 - very dangerous conditions for walking or biking! Route 10 is not wide enough to accommodate both bikes and autos."
Allison Lambert
"Would love to be able to safely travel the area by bicycle!"
Christianne Hardy
"I frequently walk Rt 10 between my home in Quail Hollow and Hanover and it isn’t safe! And I would bike to the commercial centers of West Lebanon and White River if there was a safe way to do so!"
Richard Brittain
"Live in WRJ. Work in Hanover. Big fan of existing Northern Rail Trail."
Margery Phillips
"I gave up driving last year. I am a Hanover resident near Mink Brook and Rte 10. I walk everywhere. With a new trail, I would be able to walk safely to visit friends that live near Sachem and, especially, Quail Hollow. I humbly request that dogs be leashed at all times, otherwise I would not be comfortable using the trail."
Jean Brandt
"For safety"
Thale Jacobs
"This section of road is heavily used by foot and bicycle traffic... as well as cars. It is very much needed!"
Cameron Deremer
"Would love to see this come true!"
Deborah Testa
"I am a huge believer in dedicated trails to exercise and travel without sharing the road with trucks and cars"
Katherine Paul
"Great for community building, and for fun!"
Patrick Glauthier
"Would be a great resource for travel, exercise, recreation."
Suzanne Gott
"Due to cancer I am now a flat path hiker, this new trail would be great!!"
Robin Maddalena
"I support expanded bicycle/walking access around the Upper Valley. My dream is to cycle a bike path for grocery shopping. I've rode to Price Chopper a few times from Lebanon but that hill up from the path is a barrier."
Kimberly Huot
"Everyone needs to get outside more. To walk, to bike, to enjoy the fresh air. Let’s not let technology dominate our world. As an elementary school teacher of 16 years, I’ve seen the changes in children. They crave time with people off their devices. And sitting is the new smoking. Let’s get outside SAFELY! Walking and biking on roadways is just not safe anymore. Too many distracted drivers. Let’s build this! 💪🏼"
Jessy Elfstrom
"Car-free commuting is good for our planet! Expansion of public recreational areas is good for our community! Adds value to living, working, and eco-tourism in the Lebanon/Hanover area.!"
Jennifer Rataj
"This path offers a safe way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and allows our community to minimize our reliance on motorized transportation."
David Koch
"It would be great to travel safely along this route. I am always concerned when I see people using the road because there is almost no shoulder. This would fix that and be a beautiful way to get outside. "
Reed Anderson
"What a great thing to not need a car to travel from Hanover to West Leb. Riding or walking route 10 is not safe."
John Hink
"this project will promote a healthy neighborhood and lifestyle"
Devon Cloutier
"its important to the community!"
Helen Deng
"I support this because there are miles of unused railroad lines through the twin state region and New England that could be utilized to make it easier for people to get around without fear of traffic and other accidents by going on main roads."
Dwight Aspinwall
"Route 10 is dangerous for bike/ped"
Lianne Moccia
"The connection between West Lebanon and Hanover is an essential commuting and travel route. The current road is dangerous and anti-cycling. This project would be a great addition to the livability of the area."
Peter Parent
"I support this because there are miles of unused railroad lines through the twin state region and New England that could be utilized to make it easier for people to get around without fear of traffic and other accidents by going on main roads."
Jeanette Lacroix
"Anything that could help to reduce traffic and utilize unused areas for more recreational activities is great."
Emily Lacroix
"I want to be able to safely bike between my work (Hanover), my son’s daycare (West Lebanon), and home (Lebanon)!"
George Hanna
"I live near the Northern Rail trail and I have seen first hand how much the quality of life in our community depends on these thoroughfares. Parks and fields get use during certain times. Greenways and rail trails experience a steady stream of people all day and into the evening. People run, walk their dogs, bike to commute, bike to exercise, and generally socialize."
Parker Pflaum
"I live in West Leb and work in Hanover and my partner and I prefer to have non-vehicle options to connect the two places."
Marianna McKim
"Bicycling gives independence to young people, those without cars, and people who wish to commute in an eco-friendly way. It also feels great! A safe route between West Lebanon and Hanover will connect and improve both communities."