There is no shortage of beautiful ponds here in Southern Vermont, and no shortage of charming trails that surround them. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of visiting four lovely and pond-focused trails in this ever-idyllic state: the Branch Pond in East Arlington, the Grout Pond Trails in Stratton, Little Pond in Woodford, and Little Rock Pond in Danby.
Grout Pond Trails
I had the pleasure of visiting the Grout Pond Trails in the Green Mountain National Forest on an extremely pleasant early October day in 2020. This was the Saturday of a long weekend and the area was more crowded than I would like upon our arrival, particularly in pandemic times, but it was most definitely worth the trip.
My concerns about the crowd were quickly alleviated when realize how spread out the area was. (There was also a bathroom at the trailhead, which definitely drew in plenty of people!) Once we were officially on the pond loop, there was not another person in view.
No matter which trails you’d like to check out, the 2.6 mile-around pond loop is the start, a gentle, flat hike which had a magical quality to it due to the combination of the bright fall foliage and the colored leaves strewn about on the ground. There are campsites around the pond, which on this supremely picturesque weekend, were one hundred percent occupied.
There are bridges galore at Grout Pond. 
Grout Pond in October. 
These trails are perfect for dog rolling in the fall.
After walking around the pond loop for awhile, we were ready to try the East Trail, but a sign kindly informed us the trail was very wet and muddy and therefore not recommended, with the word “very” literally underlined on the sign. Though I would have liked to explore this area, I have a sincere appreciation for the clear warning provided. Since we couldn’t go East, we headed toward the West Trail and had better luck. There, the ever-adventurous Fiddle, my husband, and I had an excellent time walking over smoothly rolling hills, crossing a few cute bridges, taking in those autumn woodland aromas, and generally enjoying the best weather of the year in this beautiful area. Though this trip was a great time, I am certainly highly interested in visiting again, to see how the experience changes with the season.
Freshly Vermont rating: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
Branch Pond Trail
The Branch Pond Trail is a trail I visited awhile ago, later in the June of 2019. However, I can remember it clearly despite the fact that experience itself was over a year ago. It was quite memorable for a few reasons, including the fact that I had just finished my first year as a full-time teacher in Vermont and the fact that our dear corgi Fiddle, at 7 months old, did some off-leash hiking for the first time.
A windy starts to the trail. 
Fiddle showed us he was a good listener on the Branch Pond trail. 
Some tricky terrain.
To reach the Branch Pond trail, you first have to drive along Kelley Stand Road for awhile before reaching the trailhead in East Arlington. Driving along this section of road really feels like you are leaving civilization behind and entering a new dimension of nature. The trail begins by Branch Pond and heads toward Bourne Pond (which I’ve also seen spelled Bourn Pond – not sure which is correct) for a little over 5 miles.
Though the official mud season was past when we made this trek, mud was still a major feature of the trail as a whole. The trail was muddy from the very start, and despite owning very sturdy hiking boots, I managed to end the experience with socks full of wet mud. The plant life and terrain changed a few times in the trail, especially toward the end of the trail when the hike involved lots of traversing over rocks in water. I distinctly remember holding on to my husband’s back as the rock hopping combined with severe muddiness of my shoes presented quite the challenge.
Since no one else was on the trail, we let Fiddle off his leash for a lot of it. A puppy back then, this was his first time enjoying an adventure with such freedom and he loved it. I was so proud to see how well he could stay with his “pack” despite the distractions nature might present to a dog.
When we reached the Bourne Pond area, it was not easy to see the pond but we are able to find some good rocks to sit on to eat sandwiches and ensure we had energy for the journey back.
When did arrive back at the start, Branch Pond was quite literally sparkling in the sun, a perfect reward for making it through all of that mud.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Little Pond Trail
The Little Pond Trail is one of the easier hikes here in the Shires of Vermont. It is mainly flat and the full distance of heading to the pond and back again is approximately 5 miles. Located in Woodford, Vermont, this is great trail for all ages, and, based on my two experiences visiting the area, not crowded at all. (This is a major plus when walking with an overly friendly corgi who decides every passing stranger is an opportunity for pets and belly rubs.) It also appears to be considered a good trail for snowmobiles (or at least part of it is), but I can’t comment on any of its winter charms as of yet.
The trail begins in a heavily wooded area, with clear signage at the parking lot entrance. However, it moves to a more open area before the first quarter mile is over, which involves walking through roads, passing someone’s private property (signs are posted quite visibly so you don’t end up on said property), and then passing the undoubtedly memorable “shark rock”, a large boulder that is painted to look like the fearsome ocean predator.
Most of the trail involves walking along a wide path with tall, verdant trees and plants adorning its sides. I have visited this area twice – once in June and once in September – and each time there were large puddles in the middle of the wide path that you would need to walk around, though it was no too much trouble; no rock-hopping or feats of acrobatics needed. Each time I also had the pleasure of viewing wildlife flourishing in these puddles, which was quite neat; salamanders and tadpoles certainly appreciate the watery environment of this trail.
Fiddle has approved this trail as great for corgis. 
Little Pond in summer.
The last half mile of the trail changes from the wide paths and reverts to the way it was in the beginning, heavily wooded with the narrower paths usually associated with your typical forest hike. This last half mile also is a slight change from the flatness of the previous two or so miles, but its hills are mild and the terrain, while a bit bumpy with roots, is something the average person could easily traverse without trouble. The trail culminates in a splendid view of Little Pond, which most people would likely want to stop and take in (and take photos of!) for awhile.
While this may not be the most breathtaking or challenging trail I’ve encountered here in Vermont, this trail is a sweet, simple, and relaxing jaunt.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Little Rock Pond Trail
The Little Rock Pond trail, though similar in name and length, is different from the Little Pond trail in some key ways. This trail involves a more moderate level of challenge and a pond that often used by the general public for swimming and, for those brave enough, jumping off cliffs into the deep blue water. This trail is found in Danby, Vermont and offers overnight camping for $5 (day hikes, as in most Vermont areas, are free).
The trail circling the pond. 
A most unique bridge. 
The advertised “little rocks”…
The trail begins on a portion of the Long Trail, which in this section is itself part of the Appalachian trail (making the Little Rock Pond experience a true Inception of trails). There is, at least when I visited in August of 2020, a portable toilet conveniently located by the parking lot and entrance. There are some mild inclines on this section of the trail, and a few interesting bridges placed over the bubbly Little Black Brook, which runs throughout this white blazed section of the trail. The most noteworthy bridge is certainly the steel I beam, something I’m assuming was placed by one ingenious and helpful hiker years ago. There also wooden boards placed in areas that are likely to get muddy during a rainy day or the “mud season” of early spring. Some of the terrain is notably rocky.
The trail changes at the pond loop. Here, you can see tent sites where people are camping and the blazes change from white to blue, as this area is an offshoot of the Appalachian trail with beautiful pond views available from all sections. The trail itself also becomes more difficult, with the terrain becoming bumpier due to various roots and a few sections that involve some minor rock scrambling. There are also a few clear areas that visitors can use for swimming. We took a break for a swim at the spot pictured above, and the water was the absolute perfect temperature on this late summer day. (Fiddle joined us, too, though my husband had to hold him in the deeper waters as he’s not quite one of those dogs who was born to swim.) It felt like being a kid again, swimming out to a little island and exploring it in a bathing suit and water shoes, hair dripping wet in the summer sun. While we were swimming, we could see a group of actual children in the distance jumping off one of the cliffs, each landing with a splash and a smile.
This was a lovely experience on a trail that provided a reasonable level of challenge combined with a high level of uniqueness and beauty.
Freshly Vermont rating: five out of five stars. ★★★★★