Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in the Woods, inspired Larry Litten of Hanover, N.H. to begin hiking the A.T. Although he was an experienced hiker, Larry was not very familiar with the Trail running through his own town. Hiking the A.T. led Larry to volunteering, and his efforts have benefited both A.T. hikers and his local community.
Already a volunteer maintainer for the Dartmouth Outing Club, where he has the best section of the Trail in New Hampshire (it ends at a local brew pub), Larry’s recent efforts are impacting both hikers and the town of Hanover. Inspired by the services provided to hikers he saw while on a recent trip to France, Larry founded the Hanover Friends of the A.T. and, armed with advice gleaned from hikers, the group set out to transform Hanover into a hiker-friendly town. Hanover now offers hikers hot showers, laundry facilities, email access and tips for resupplying and taking advantage of the services Hanover offers. The group has reblazed the route through town.
Larry is working with his committee to educate the town about hikers, particularly thru-hikers, who may look rather shaggy by the time they reach Hanover. Led by Larry, the Hanover Friends of the A.T. started an education campaign, by giving presentations at the local library.
Hanover has a “National Treasure running through our town,” says Larry, and thanks to his efforts, more people are beginning to appreciate the Appalachian Trail. He has found it is “so rewarding to see people get involved and be rewarded by getting engaged.” Thanks to Larry and his group for their efforts!
Comments:
Anonymous @ 9/20/2010 5:39:55 PM
Thanks for your great work to benefit the A.T. and hikers, Larry! You've set a wonderful example for other towns.
Laurie Potteiger
Anonymous @ 9/20/2010 8:50:29 PM
Super! And I plan to check out Larry and his Hanover friend's work (and the AT) when I come through on the New England part of my long road trip - likely next week.
Anonymous @ 9/21/2010 1:31:13 PM
Thank you Larry for all that you do for the A.T. and ATC!
Anonymous @ 9/21/2010 1:31:49 PM
Thanks Larry! You, your helpers, and all the work you do are what makes the AT possible. Your efforts are a great example!
Anonymous @ 9/22/2010 7:18:11 AM
Thank you for all you do for the AT, Larry. The ATC could not manage without our wonderful volunteers!
Anonymous @ 9/22/2010 7:40:59 AM
Thank you for all your hard work!
Tim
Anonymous @ 9/22/2010 11:51:17 AM
What a great service for hikers and for raising awareness in the community. Thank you, Larry - and thanks to the Hanover Friends of the A.T.
Susan Daniels
Anonymous @ 9/22/2010 12:45:30 PM
Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication. It is wonderful to know that we now have another hiker friendly town along the A.T.
Anonymous @ 9/23/2010 8:53:31 AM
Thanks for your work to show off a wonderful New England town to all those hikers just passing through (and sometimes thru).
Dave Tarasevich
Anonymous @ 10/15/2010 3:26:57 PM
Hanover has traditionally been a difficult town to resupply at not to mention staying there with the exception of the nearby shelter just north of town. I think what you have accomplished will be of great benefit to all hikers and take a lot of the hassle out of visiting Hanover allowing us to have a much more relaxed time while there. Thanks Larry for making the effort on your part for all of us hikers on trail.
Tom Conover aka Silver
Anonymous @ 10/26/2010 2:02:06 PM
Thanks, Larry, I hope to work with your organization when I move to NH, hopefully next year.
Irma Graf
Anonymous @ 11/8/2010 11:36:07 AM
Larry has been the catalyst for our group, and we couldn't have done it without his leadership. The town, and hopefully hikers, will benefit greatly! - Hanover Outdoors, Hanover, NH
www.hanoveroutdoors.com