Did you know that Dorset offers some of the best hiking in Southern Vermont ? Please pin for later or share with your friends! for anyone who wants to explore the area. It's time to get outside. Brattleboro, Dummerston, Newfane, Townshend, Jamaica and South Londonderry, VT Phone: 802-362-1655, Fine camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, walking and hiking; motor boats prohibited. The public may visit the farm every day of the year from dawn to dusk. If you have little kids, I recommend sticking to the West River Rail Trail, which goes all the way to the Ball Mountain Dam. Located on Emerald lake and near the Long Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and trails on Dorset Mountain, this park is a favorite for hikers. People may visit the farm, explore the forest, walk on 30 miles of trails or stay overnight in a rustic cabin or lean-to. Equinox Pond Loop. I love seeing kid-friendly options to do outdoor things. Phone: 802-254-2610, Easy 0.5 to 1-mile walks; great views; good for kids. We usually opt for cookies and ice tea. Bennington, VT Difficulty: easy Length of trail: 1.4 miles round-trip Kid appeal: gondola ride, fire tower Dogs: No Fees: It’s $35 for a family of up to eight people to ride up the mountain in a gondola cabin. Hikers with an interest in botany may enjoy a pre-hike stroll on the Boswell Botany Trail at the Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester Center (802-362-1405). Local hiking trails include the Valley Trail, Catamount Trail, Hoot Toot and Whistle Trail and many more. Now let’s head east to the Connecticut River Valley. Difficulty: easy, although the campground trail is kind of steep Length of trail: The lake trail is .5 miles and the campground trail is .4 miles, one way. The sanctuary is a home for pollinators; bees and butterflies and ground nesting birds. You can walk back to the beach and parking lot on the campground roads, or turn around and retrace your steps. If Vermont ever names an official state sport, it really should be hiking (sorry, skiers!). Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … The trail around the lake isn’t difficult, but at 2.7 miles, it might be hard for younger kids to make it around. Three of the mountains around the area are: Mount Ephraim in Springfield; Bromley Mountain in Peru; and Mount Ascutney in Ascutney/Windsor. vermont backcountry skiing, splitboarding and mountain biking in west dover located in southern vermont No motor vehicles. Most are under five miles, and all have a kid-friendly feature to help entice them along. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … Here are just 3 of the best hikes in Southern Vermont. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … These are the best day hikes in Southern Vermont. You may follow the loop to the Equinox Pond for a relaxing afternoon, or make the day of it and hike to the summit of Equinox Mountain, to enjoy panoramic views of Manchester and the surrounding area. I’ve never seen any, but I’m always on high alert now! The Little Rock pond too looks quite promising but the possibility that I may find leeches there scares me!! There are many, many trails in and around Brattleboro that I haven’t explored yet. If you're looking for the best trails around Stowe, Killington or Brandon, we've got you covered. I am too scared of that creature! This is absolutely a wonderful post for families looking to take their kids out on a hike. Get the app Southern Vermont. Stratton Fire Tower from the base of the mountain gains 1,700 feet in elevation, and is 6 miles, round trip. As you hike or bike this trail, you’ll find lots of secluded swimming holes. I have to say that our kids much prefer the lake trail, which hugs the shoreline, with side trails into the three campground loops. The trail, marked with blue blazes, enters the 15,680-acre Lye Brook Wilderness following Lye Brook. We hike the trails in Southern Vermont year-round, so don’t let the temperature discourage you. Hiking sounds like the perfect idea! The lake is just far enough from civilization that it is never crowded, but close enough that it can be a nice day trip for a hike, picnic, and swim. The Putney Mountain trail is easy enough for families, provides awesome views of the Green Mountains to the west, and is one of the premier spots to watch migrating hawks in the spring and fall. Check out: Woodford State Park: A Park for All Seasons. There are two trails up the mountain, from either Rice Road or Black Mountain Road. ... Southern Vermont Hiking. A spur trail at 1.8 miles, on the right, leads to the 125-foot high Lye Brook Falls, one of the highest in Vermont. Difficulty: easy to moderate Length of trail: 3-mile loop Kid appeal: swimming, farm animals Dogs: They are allowed on the trails, but if you want to visit the animals, you should leave your dog at home. My husband and I are still a couple of years away from children, but as avid hikers, we definitely love seeing that the hikes don’t have to end with children. Southwestern Vermont is our home turf, so we have lots of suggestions for hiking in Bennington, North Bennington, and Shaftsbury. The days are long, the weather is warm, and we can cool off with a swim during or after our hike. When connected, sections of the trail will link Brattleboro, Dummerston, Newfane, Townshend, Jamaica and South Londonderry. The Long Trail is all above the treeline and provides nearly 360 views of Trails at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Visit our privacy policy to read more. farm animals, wildflowers, rocks for climbing, none, unless you want a tour of the historic house, At 3,940 feet, Stratton Mountain is Southern Vermont’s tallest peak. More than thirty types of ferns and eighty types of wildflowers grace the pathways here. Looking for more opportunities to hike in Vermont? There are several easy stream crossings, and you may even see the carnivorous sundew plants if you look very carefully along the shore. Knight Point. The best way to encourage my own kids down a trail is with the promise of water for swimming. I would SO love to visit Vermont in the fall months — especially for the gorgeous fall coloring. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … The Black Mountain Road trail is 2.5 miles, but a more moderate climb. Here they are – in my humble opinion – the very best hikes for kids in Southern Vermont: Hikes for Kids in Southwestern Vermont Lake Shaftsbury State Park, Shaftsbury, Vermont. Slopes of Mount Equinox Here's a quick list of Best Hikes in Southern Vermont. The following hikes, rambles, and walks are perfect for novice hikers or families with children. Using old logging railroad grades and old woods roads, the trail travels up a steady gradual slope. Trolley Trail follows an abandoned trolley line, with views of the wetland and the surrounding hills. Twelve miles of trails on 400 acres begin and end at the Welcome Center. Phone: 802-362-1788, 517 Old Guilford Road When my kids were little, we would read a chapter of their favorite book at the top. Just something to be aware of. Trails are open to year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, showshoeing, mountain biking and horseback riding. Also, please note that this post may contain links from which we earn a small commission. Thanks for putting this list together! It’s a 1.8-mile loop to the top of the mountain. Merck Forest Trails are open for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … The Green Mountain Club, a non-profit for the Long Trail, maintains the trails throughout the Green Mountain State to help preserve what all outdoor enthusiasts love. Both towns are full of fun, dynamic things to do and see and places to eat and shop, for adults and children. Short Trail Description [for a complete description, see AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont] Haystack Mountain (3,445 feet) is a recognizable pointed peak on the southern end of a ridge dominated by the ski trails of Mount Snow (3,586 feet) and its own, no-longer-operational alpine ski area. There are many, many trails in and around Brattleboro that I haven’t explored yet. I returned to the Sunset Ledge trail recently after reading about it in the Appalachian Mountain Club’s new Outdoors with Kids: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont guide. I also love the photo of that beautiful tree in Mile Around Woods. There are several hiking trails in Emerald Lake State Park, and if you and your kids are into vistas, I recommend checking out the Vista Trail, which is a steady climb with awesome views of the lake. Difficulty: easy on the rail trail, but a steep climb to the falls Length of trail: 6 miles round-trip Kid appeal: River swimming, playground, waterfall Dogs: on leash Fees: $4 for adults, $2 for kids, Read Next: 7 Memorable Things to do in Jamaica State Park. I don’t have children, but I would go to many of these locations with friends and family. These trails will show you the best side of Vermont with some of our all time favorite treks through the Green Mountain State. The forest loop is exactly a mile long, but you can make the adventure last by traipsing across several fields, or by visiting the. We like taking the trail to the “C” loop because it travels through the wetlands at the south end of the lake, perfect for some kid-friendly birding adventures. See the heading. Also, the Brattleboro Area Trail System has a fabulous. Slippery rocks make the falls dangerous; climbing the falls is not recommended. All rights reserved. All great places to go for day hikes… Short Trail Description [for a complete description, see AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont] Haystack Mountain (3,445 feet) is a recognizable pointed peak on the southern end of a ridge dominated by the ski trails of Mount Snow (3,586 feet) and its own, no-longer-operational alpine ski area. Emerald Lake State Park is nestled in a deep valley between the Taconic Mountains to the West and the Green Mountains to the east. Phone: Molly Stark State Park, 705 Vermont 9 Favorite Springtime Hikes. Olga is a great day hike for folks visiting Wilmington, which by the way, is one of my favorite Vermont towns. Check out our Vermont Vacation Guide for Outdoor Lovers or read these posts: Did you enjoy this post? The sky sure looks cloudy. Today, we’re going to focus on easy day-hiking in Southern Vermont, including trails in Bennington, Manchester, Stratton, Wilmington, Brattleboro, and Putney, After your hike, your kiddos will want to spend some time on the water, and the beach is the perfect spot for relaxing with a good book. Once you reach the summit, you can continue on the West Cliff Trail for a longer hike, or loop around back to your car for a total of 1.2 miles. Manchester sits in the valley on the east side, and there are plentiful hikes to do both around the base of the mountain as well as up it. Loved reading about each of those hikes and things that the kids can do while trekking. Luckily, there’s a shortcut. I would love to visit Woodford State Park and take a swim after a hike. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … Difficulty level: easy to moderate Length of trail: 2.7 mile loop Kid appeal: swimming, playground, boat rentals Dogs: on leash Fees: $4 for adults, $2 for kids, Want to learn more about Woodford State Park? Other hikers have seen leeches in Little Rock Pond, but I never have, and we’ve been there dozens of times. From the north side of Route 30, it’s a 5.4 mile round trip hike to the summit and back. Tell us! Wilmington, VT, 05363 If There Are Only 11 Hikes You Ever Do In Vermont, Make Them These. Ascutney, a beautiful monadnock overlooking the Connecticut River Valley, but if you’re hiking with small children, or you want a more relaxing day trip, you can drive right up the mountain to a summit parking area. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … Enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view from the summit and take in the beauty of southern Vermont. Being a big kid myself, I’d love to try the rope swing in Emerald Lake State Park. This is a great hike to aspire to, but it’s probably not suitable for young children, unless they are avid hikers already. The Chocolate Barn at Lake Shaftesbury State Park sounds fab too! Once at the top, the summit trails are easy and fun to explore, with incredible views, a fire tower, and a hang glider launch pad. Manchester, VT The best views in southern New England await you at the top, but don’t be surprised if you also find the strongest winds and thickest fog. The hike is an easy loop but with a big payoff — a fire tower with a 360-degree view of southern Vermont and northern Massachusetts. Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … Plan a romantic getaway, visit enchanting landscapes and landmark homes of the famous.There are parks, farms, woods and open spaces for hiking; galleries, exhibits and studios for local arts and crafts; and live theater, music and performance. There is a much smaller area on Camel's Hump, but Mt. The Green Mountains runs north to south through the center of the state. Star Gazer Farm is conveniently located to several hiking hot spots. A walk on Molly Stark P Park trails makes a nice half-day outdoor adventure for families and others. We’ve been trekking and meandering the, The best way to encourage my own kids down a trail is with the promise of water for swimming. The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Looking for a nice hike to a pristine mountain lake? Older kids will appreciate that they are actually climbing a mountain, but it’s not so hard that it’s frustrating. We have some of the best hiking in the country. Here are five hikes that offer big rewards for two miles or less of walking one-way. The Hiland Hall gardens have been meticulously restored and are located behind the main house. During summer weekends, and every day during the fall foliage season, you can hop aboard the gondola at Stratton Mountain Resort. Vermont is beautiful in all four seasons, and exploring the mountains and valleys on foot is one of our favorite pastimes. Top. The hike around Lake Shaftsbury is more of a ramble — a mile in length, meandering through the woods, then wetlands, than back into the woods, with a constant view of the lake. I visited in the summer a few years ago, but need to head back. Vermont State Parks open May 1, marking the beginning of hiking season. This 84-acre park is small but well-loved. Explore. As the fall foliage season approaches, we’ve decided to compile a list of ten of the best hikes in southern Vermont so that you and your family can make the most of your trip together. There are more than 30 miles of hiking trails to explore, plus cabins for camping. I recommend making an afternoon of it – the Park McCullough House is open for tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May to October. It’s 6 miles round-trip — 2 miles on the rail trail, and then a 1.1-mile climb to the base of the falls. Vermont is beautiful in all four seasons, and exploring the mountains and valleys on foot is one of our favorite pastimes. 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