This is the last week before school begins. This is a big deal because I’m a teacher and it will be another 10 months before I can enjoy the luxuries of the summer again – one such luxury is spending the morning in peaceful, natural areas with trees and rambling rivers, rather than in fluorescent lights with young students who happily have no concept of inside voices.
So when the fates aligned and a day happened to involve pleasant weather and also happened to be free of tasks this week, my husband accompanied me to explore one of the Shires of Vermont we had yet to really experience: Dorset. Upon driving in, we were both impressed by the beautiful residential homes (and their acreage) as well as the general charm of the main town center near the “Dorset Green”. We stopped for our first of of two hikes near Peace Street, and headed into the Cutler Memorial Forest.
Cutler Memorial Forest
The forest welcomed us with a clear, simple sign (pictured to the left) describing the history of this small trail, as well as exactly what the trail would entail. I appreciate when a trail provides useful information about timing and terrain ahead of time – surprises in the middle of hiking are certainly not always welcome ones. I also appreciate the thought that went into sharing the information regarding the history and geography, as well. After passing by the sign, the trail began with a bridge over the Mettawee River, as well as several pleasant views of its flowing waters. My husband pointed out a spot by the river with a grill and benches which seemed like a nice place for a small get-together during the warmer seasons here in southern Vermont.
After the bridge and the barbecue spot, the trail meandered into the woods. The first part of the trail, along the river, was marked by green diamonds on various trees and, once in the woods, the markers changed to red as the full loop began. The trail was thankfully well-marked throughout most of its simple mile of terrain. The scenery was pleasant with a few flowers, berries and mushrooms adding charm here and there, and the trail itself was smooth and easy for the most part. Butterflies were present and apparently growing up around here, as well – a caterpillar mysteriously landed on my hand when I stopped for water. Thankfully, it was a cute one.
Wooden boards had been placed on several parts of the trail, presumably to help hikers traverse muddy or icy areas, but many of the single boards were either loose or entirely broken in most of these sections. We were still able to hop over without much of an issue, but repairs would definitely improve the aesthetic as well as the safety of this trail. In general, this trail is short and sweet and I’d recommend it as a relaxing walk for all age groups and abilities with the caveat of extra care when walking on the wooden boards.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
I made a little green friend! 
The worst offender of the various wooden boards… 
Sweet view of the Mettawee River.
The PEW Trail
After our lovely little walk in the forest, we drove toward Manchester to visit the PEW Trail, which there was considerably less information about online. In fact, I still don’t know if it’s PEW or Pew or Pew Forest as I’ve seen all three mentioned. I suppose Pew Forest Trail makes the most sense, as that’s the name on the sign that welcomed us to the trail’s parking area. This area was nice, with a kiosk describing how volunteers help to maintain the trail and several walking sticks leaning against it – they were all child-sized walking sticks but the idea was nice. There were also several signs mentioning that dogs are not welcome on this trail, which made my heart hurt a little, knowing that we’d never be able to share our adventure with sweet Fiddle. However, it turned out that it was not really something worth sharing.
The Pew Forest Trail started with some promise. While it did not have the scenery of the previous trail, it was exquisitely maintained at the start of the trail: volunteers had cut logs than had fallen across the path so visitors would not have to step over them (and these logs were not terribly tall to begin with) and the markers all specifically spelled out the word “trail” on them. Despite all of this care at the start of the trail, as we continued walking the level of maintenance steadily declined. We passed through a sunny field filled with wild flowers and after this point there were no more lovingly-cut logs and elaborate markers. Instead the trail started to become a bit overgrown so that plants grazed our ankles.
Very clear marker! 
A log “obstacle” in the process of elimination. 
Nettles for days…
Eventually we ended up in what seemed to be a never-ending parade of stinging nettles which was not ideal as this is summer and we were both wearing shorts. It did reach an end eventually, but at least one fourth of these 1.5 miles were itchy and mildly painful. In addition to the nettles, I also managed to get several bug bites despite wearing two types of bug spray, but this can probably be attributed to the fact that I somehow taste like a world-class dessert to every mosquito on earth. The nettles would be one thing if there was something spectacular or unique about the trail itself, but it was a simple loop in the woods with no particular views and no particularly interesting features. Overall, I was impressed with the level of care devoted to a small portion of this trail, but it was generally a disappointment. It might have even put a damper on my day, if it were not immediately followed by cookies and cream ice cream with whipped cream at our local dairy bar. Thankfully any summer day can be saved by Vermont deliciousness.
Freshly Vermont rating: two out of five stars. ★★☆☆☆