I think either tire size and bike is fine. The upgrade you'll probably want to make to ride those woodchip trails are to more puncture-resistant tires like Continental Gatorskins.
As far as distance is concerned I've got stock 35mm tires on my hybrid and have no problem riding 15-20 miles at 10-15mph on flats with little wind or tire resistance, it does feel slower than my road bike but that's because it literally is. But then again when on my hybrid I'm usually taking it easy and not training or doing intervals.