One of the main reasons my husband I decided to move to Vermont from the “big city” was to be able to spend more time outdoors enjoying nature. This is an opportunity that we have absolutely taken full advantage of since our move, and I’m incredibly grateful that exploring new hiking trails is something we have been able to continue to do despite the trials of the coronavirus pandemic. Trails are great adventures indeed, but sometimes you want a more leisurely outdoor experience. This is where parks come in. There are three very noteworthy parks, each one we’ve visited quite often, that I’d like to highlight here: the Arlington Rec park, of course located in Arlington, Vermont, as well as the Greenberg Headwaters Park and Willow Park, both located in our town of Bennington, Vermont.
Arlington Recreation Park
The main reason my husband and I first decided to visit the Arlington Recreation Park, back in the much more care-free summer of 2019, was the fact that part of the park is a dog park. At this point in his puppyhood (he was about 8 months old then), our loveable corgi Fiddle had not had too many chances to socialize with other dogs, so we thought trying out a dog park would be a good idea. Of course, when we arrived the dog park was completely empty, not one other canine to be found. We still managed to have a good time letting Fiddle run freely around the dog park in a way he does not usually get to, considering our current lack of a yard. There is a lot of space for a pup to play here and Fiddle clearly enjoyed it, even if he was playing with usual humans instead of making new dog friends.
Arlington Rec Park boasts a spacious and, usually, very empty dog park.
Aside from the decently-sized dog park, there is a lot to admire about this charming town park. When you first enter, there is a modest pond with a relatively shallow area roped off for kids to enjoy a swim or playing in the water. (Fiddle enjoyed taking a splash in this pond after his dog park adventures.) Surrounding the pond is various playground equipment and structures for children to enjoy, as well as signs and structures encouraging guests to try out a “fitness challenge” while visiting the park. The landscaping is notable, especially in the spring and summer with a wide variety of brightly-colored flowers blooming. There are a few swinging benches throughout the big field that constitutes the entrance to the park, and those are always a fun time.
One of several swinging benches at the park.
A pond for swimming and playground fun.
The Battenkill River on a sunny summer day.
Further into the park, there is an absolutely lovely nature trail that is located along the path of the Battenkill River. Though the trail is not long, it is well maintained and offers several chances to take in a beautiful view of the river. If you go far enough on the trail, you will reach an area that is restricted due to being a “research farm” for “industrial hemp” but thankfully signs are posted clearly to avoid any confusion.
By now, I’ve visited the park four times, twice before the pandemic and twice in its midst. In the time of the coronavirus, this Arlington Rec Park offers a peaceful reprieve from the stress and anxiety of our current times. A visit here is a great way to bring some outdoor beauty and leisurely fun to anyone’s day.
Freshly Vermont rating: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
Greenberg Headwaters Park
The Greenberg Headwaters Park is not a park in the same sense as Arlington Rec or Willow Park; it’s a series of trails located in the town of Bennington, apparently only recently available to the public.
A Headwaters Park trail on a bright autumn afternoon.
This park is very special to me, as it includes a variety of hiking trails that I can very easily walk to from my home, something that is still revolutionary in my mind as a former New York City resident. In addition, the trails are all quite easy and flat so it works well for trail running, as well.
There are a few entrances to this park in town, with one being the Beech Street field. This entrance is a great place to start your exploration, especially if you have a dog, as it includes a portable toilet as well as dog waste bags and a bin to place your yucky, used bags.
Within the trail system, there is a decent variety of scenery, including views of wetlands, a bridge over the Walloomsac River, and meadows that become startlingly green in in the spring and summer. In some areas the trails are marked clearly, but in other areas they are most decidedly not. This is fine for people who live nearby, like myself, and can get to know the woods, but it’s more easy than it should be for a more occasional visitor to get lost.
A wetlands view.
A snowy path.
The super green-ness of summer.
In general, this park is a gorgeous place with easy and pleasant trails. I enjoy visiting at least once a season, as the scenery here certainly expresses the seasons well. It’s also one of the few trail systems I will still visit in the winter as the ease of its trails works well for the ice and snow. However, I do wish it was more clearly marked within.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Willow Park
As an elementary school teacher, I first heard about Willow Park from the kids in my class; it is absolutely all the rage with the under 10 crowd. From my perspective as an adult (and a dog owner), I am a bigger fan of the Arlingon Rec Park (the landscaping, the river!), but this is unquestionably a great place for kids and families to play, and a splendid park in general.
There’s a lot to check out at Willow Park; thankfully there’s also a helpful map!
The playgrounds in Willow Park are very unique and charming, with lots of emphasis on wooden structures. There are a lot of walking paths throughout the open fields, as well as a disc golf course – something I have seen people taking advantage of pretty much every time I have visited the park. There also specific fields for playing specific sports, including a soccer field and a softball field. Several picnic areas, with many tables, as well as places to possibly grill some food in the warmer months, are an important attraction of the park.
There is also a small nature trail that packs in a lot of lovely arboreal scenery and even some moderately hill-y terrain in its short distance. This nature trail has earned a soft spot in my heart, this being the first place my husband and I took our corgi puppy on a “trail” back in the snowy February of 2019.
Fiddle’s first adventure!
A peaceful place for a picnic, with a great view.
The nature trail is short but pretty, especially in the fall.
During the start of the pandemic, Willow Park closed all of its playgrounds, tennis courts, and anything similar, while leaving its trails and walking paths open. I took a walk here in March (a very socially distant walk, as no one else was present at all) and the desolation of it all was heartbreaking, considering how lively it had been during my last visit, which had been in October of 2019. Though the virus numbers have only gotten worse, everything here now appears to be open again, for families to use at their discretion.
Sign of the times: an empty playground in the spring of 2020.
I have been back to Willow Park since the pandemic began, mainly to walk along the nature trail or to finish up a long run on the paths. The last time I visited, this past October, it was pretty crowded for the situation, with a lot of families and children likely trying to soak up as much as outdoor experiences as they could before the dark winter of the pandemic would begin.
I am hopeful that the next time I visit will be in better times, and that children and families will be able to enjoy themselves here without worry. I also hope that Fiddle can have fun here, too – though he does enjoy a leashed walk through the trail, I think he’d be quite happy to hear that a dog park may be on the way as a new addition.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
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.
A lovely autumn day on the Grout Pond Trails.
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.
A shimmering view of Branch Pond.
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.
Clarity of signs is important!
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.
We had a great time swimming to, and exploring, this rock island.
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. ★★★★★
In the past year, I have had the fantastic opportunity to head to Manchester, Vermont and visit the Equinox Preserve three times. The first time, my husband, my energetic corgi Fiddle, and I explored all of the lower trails, as well as the absolutely gorgeous pond. The second time Fiddle stayed home and my husband and I got a great workout by climbing to the summit of Equinox Mountain (and, of course, back down). Finally, we brought Fiddle back to check out the trails in the middle (and to return to the pond because, man, is it beautiful). Each one of the 914 acres making up this stunning and well-organized area is a delight. It is a completely free way to spend a few hours or a whole day basking in the loveliness of Vermont nature.
The Lower Trails
If you look at the map of the Equinox preserve trails, you will see a great variety of trails with little elevation. These trails include the West Union trail, which is the entrance, as well as the easygoing Flatlanders Pass, the short but sweet Aspen trail, and the peaceful Red Gate and Snicket trails, and the awe-inspiring Pond Loop.
Floral life by Equinox pond.
Fiddle enjoyed the relaxing lower trails.
Can’t get enough of that pond-related prettiness.
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All of these trails are clearly marked and the map at the entrance provides helpful information. There are even suggested routes based on the time you have available, with the Flatlanders Pass to the Pond Loop being suggested for those that have an hour to spare. As mentioned (and pictured!), the pond is an especially noteworthy sight, looking especially grand surrounded by rolling green mountains stretching far into the horizon. We visited these trails during the month of May, which worked well as the weather was comfortable and the flowers were freshly blooming. I would love to come back and explore this area during another season – I imagine the pond would also be highly impressive to set sight upon during a Vermont winter.
The Middle Trails
A sunny path on the Trillium trail.
If you’d like more of a challenge than the pond loop and its neighbors, but aren’t up for a full mountain-climbing adventure, the preserve has a few longer trails with a bit more elevation that can meet those terms. These “middle” trails include the Mount Bluff trail, the Trout Lily trail, the Maidenhair trial, the Trillium trail, and the SVAC loop.
The Mount Bluff trail is noteworthy due to the fact that it connects to “Robin’s Lookout” – this route is recommended by the organization for anyone with around two hours to spare. From this lookout, you can take in a scenic view of the Battenkill Valley.
The SVAC loop includes outdoor art!
Very clear signs and markings are consistent throughout the preserve.
A trillium plant on the Trillium trail.
The Maidenhair trail includes some slight hills and the Trout Lily trail offers the chance to get more quickly from the Flatlanders Pass to the Mount Bluff trail, or vice versa, though the speed also comes at the cost of hills. The Trillium trail is generally wide and flat, allowing for a nice amount of sun while still providing cover from the surrounding trees. You can find the plant it is named for growing throughout (it’s so nice when things in life just make sense, isn’t it?).
The SVAC loop is neat, as its central stop is the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Considering that we enjoyed all of these trails during the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not experience what the interior of this art museum has to offer, but this is another reason I would like to return. Taking an art break in the middle of one’s hiking day seems like a unique spin on an outdoor adventure. There are some outdoor sculptures around the establishment, which can be appreciated whether or not you visit the full museum.
The Blue Summit Trail
The view from the summit of Equinox Mountain.
The Blue Summit trail is the trail to take if you’d like to climb Equinox Mountain. While it’s not Everest, it definitely takes a certain level of physical fitness and energy to tackle. According to the organization, this trail is recommended if you have “all day” but it’s doable in 4-5 hours, depending on how many breaks you take. (As you can probably tell, I am not a fast hiker – it’s hard to be when there are so many lovely things to take photos of all over every trail!)
The trail starts with a gradual incline but as you go on, the incline becomes steeper and flat sections are few and far between. The round trip of this hike involves 6.3 miles, and those first 3 miles are steadily uphill. Your legs will feel it for sure.
The sweetest and saddest monument to a beloved dog.
Signage at the summit.
The spring.
There is a reprieve a little over halfway up the mountain: there is a flat area with a bench and, a little walk away from the bench, a spring (pictured), where water bursts forth from a pipe. (As with all areas of this preserve, the way to the spring is clearly marked.) My husband and I happened to be climbing this mountain on one of the hotter days in late May, and appreciated how icy the water from the spring felt against our sweat-covered skin. The spring appears to be strategically located, as, following our cold water adventure, the trail seemed to be steeper than it was before (though perhaps it only seemed this way due to exertion).
The summit, in normal times, looks like it should provide some reprieve after the strenuous uphill journey, with restrooms and an indoor area constructed in relation to a monastery. I would have liked to find out more about this connection between the monastery and the mountain, but the inside of the viewing area (including restrooms) was closed due to the pandemic.
There were some relaxing aspects to the summit despite the indoor sections being closed; there were signs describing the views and several picnic tables. We sat at one of these tables for our usual hiking lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches plus a variety of snacks.
Before heading back down the mountain, we walked from the summit to “Lookout Rock”, which provided a pretty view, though it was similar to the view from the summit. On the path between the summit and the rock, my heart hurt deeply from passing by a gravestone of a beloved canine, who was murdered by a hunter in 1955. Etched on the stone was a poem about a dog’s love. While this affected me greatly emotionally, it did also give me some extra motivation to get moving back down the mountain to head home and spend more time with my wonderful dog while he is here with me. Considering that going downhill is more of a challenge for me than going uphill, this was helpful. When we completed the full trail, it felt like a true accomplishment.
All three of my experiences visiting the Equinox Preserve were very positive. I feel fortunate to live near such a spectacular section of Vermont nature.
Freshly Vermont rating: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
The Haystack Mountain summit: a lovely view on a lovely trail!
During this past summer of 2020, I did my best to discover as many new trails in the nearby area as possible. As you can probably tell from the existence of this blog, I absolutely love spending time outdoors and exploring the natural beauty of the picturesque state where I am now a resident. However, spending time in the outdoors seemed especially important during this particular summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic; I was acutely aware that an unusual and challenging school year lay ahead for myself as an educator, and was equally aware of the potential for a lot more time indoors than usual taking place this coming winter.
The point is: the Haystack Mountain trail was on my list of places to explore during the summer. I should note right now that there are two Haystack Mountains (that I am aware of; perhaps there are even more?) in Vermont: one in Pawlet and one in Wilmington. I visited the Haystack Mountain in Wilmington with my husband and my always-adventure-ready corgi, Fiddle, in late July 2020.
The start of the Haystack Mountain trail in Wilmington, VT.
Fiddle enjoyed the wet rocks.
The woods surrounding the trail.
Getting to Wilmington’s Haystack Mountain involved some less-than-paved roads that made us quite thankful that we were hiking in the summer, rather than during the potentially treacherous mud season. We arrived relatively early in the morning and only saw one or two other cars at this time, so it was fairly simple to maintain social distance during the ascent (the descent was another story). We also had the fortune of good weather on our side, with the sun shining brightly in the summer sky, though the ground was still somewhat wet from the previous day’s rain.
The start of the Haystack Mountain trail is a simple, flat gravel road that is very barely inclined. This road constitutes approximately the first half mile of the 5-mile trail. On the positive side, this gives you some time to get going before any serious hiking challenges (for example: roots, rocks, and steep hills) appear. On the less than positive side, it’s not as visually appealing as the rest of the trail, though this is still Vermont and there’s still green mountain state beauty to be found throughout this whole mountain trail.
After that first half mile, the Haystack Mountain trail gets a lot more lively; it gets steeper, with many roots and rocks throughout. Personally, I brought hiking poles to help with the balance on the unstable ground, and I was glad I did. (Even if you don’t bring poles, I would suggest at least making sure to wear a decent pair of hiking boots.) The plant life surrounding the trail also gets more interesting as you get deeper into the woods, There are wild flowers, ferns, berries, and more, as you head up to the summit. The trail narrows as you ascend, as well. We were generally going single file after that first half mile.
When you reach this sign, you are very close…
Roots and rocks abound.
Plant life on the trail: berries!
There is a sign that indicates when there is a mere 0.3 miles left to the summit, which you would see after hiking the for about an hour and a half, a little over two miles. The section of the trail following this sign is the steepest and most challenging part of this mountain adventure. However, I suppose if the short legs of a corgi can handle it, it could be worse! I was fine going up, but needed some help from my husband getting down, which is a regular pattern of mine when hiking (I believe it’s because uphill = using your leg muscles, while downhill = using your core muscles – I need to work on some core strength…).
Once we we reached the summit, the view was, of course, beautiful, with the green mountains seeming to roll on for miles and miles as we looked out. Another pair of hikers were up there, as well, and it seemed like there was room for our two groups but not much more. We stopped to eat sandwiches for lunch and just as we were finishing, a line to the summit started forming with multiple groups arriving. In normal times, the crowding would be an inconvenience, but it’s especially something to be aware of during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, considering how difficult it can be to maintain social distance.
Happiness after reaching the summit!
The descent was less than ideal in several ways. First of all, despite having hiking poles, I managed to get distracted for a moment (I’m never going to talk to my husband while on a downhill incline again!), slip on a loose stick, and fall backwards right on to my tailbone. This resulted in a less than comfortable hike down, and it ended up taking a few weeks (!) to fully recover. That was one thing and the crowds were another. Due to the fact that the trail was very narrow, it was a bit of a challenge to have to step aside frequently, not only for social distancing purposes, but simply so hikers could pass us or vice versa. Considering all of this, I was relieved when we reached the wider, gravel area once again.
Overall, I am glad I had the opportunity to explore this trail. I do not blame the trail at all for my fall! It’s a good workout with much natural beauty to offer, and an especially lovely view at the summit. The hike takes about three hours overall, so you can enjoy the adventure without it taking up your whole day. However, I would caution anyone who is planning to visit to consider how narrow the trail is and how little space there is at the summit. I’d imagine this trail is best to visit during the early morning hours on a weekday, if possible, or perhaps during the very early morning or late afternoon on a weekend. The views at the top are absolutely worth the challenge.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Back in those beautiful, carefree pre-pandemic days, I had a big goal set for myself for the summer of 2020: I was going to run my first marathon right here in Vermont, the Mad Marathon. (I’ve previously run several 5Ks and 10Ks as well as two half-marathons, so do not worry for my sanity; this plan did not just materialize out of nowhere!) Of course, the pandemic did, in fact, begin, and I didn’t have any desire to do a virtual marathon, which was what was offered as a substitute. However, as part of my potential marathon planning, I had booked two nights at Grunberg Haus Inn for a place to stay before and after the race that never, in actuality, happened. As luck would have it, this charming little lodge reopened a month before the July dates we had booked, so my husband, our corgi Fiddle (always ready for any adventure!), and myself figured we’d try going despite the lack-of-marathon, and have a relatively social distant weekend away.
It ended up being quite an excellent time, with not too much of a difference in restriction than any trip or vacation we’ve been on with our dog in tow. Here are the highlights of our adventures in Waterbury and Stowe:
Little River State Park
It was a rainy Saturday morning when we arrived at Little River State Park, which is located in Waterbury, Vermont. There is a $4.00 (per person) fee for visiting this park, as there are often fees with state parks.
I had been checking the weather way too frequently before our arrival, so I was well prepared with quick-drying clothing, a rain poncho, and a brand new hat that would pull the double duty of providing shelter from the rain as well as shade during the sunny times. Our corgi, Fiddle, who is now one-and-a-half years old, was undeterred by any inclement weather we encountered for this whole weekend and happily got himself wet regardless of whether water was falling from the sky or not.
Enjoying my new rain/sun hat.
Fiddle is always happy to get wet.
The rush of Stevenson Brook.
We had been planning to hike a trail called the Stevenson Brook trail, but on our pursuit of this trail, we also happened across trails such as the Nature Trail, the Dalley Loop, and the History Hike. They all appeared to be connected and it was not clear to me where one trail ended and the other began. That being said, they all were easy, mostly flat trails, which was appreciated when the ground was slippery from the rain. The History Hike aspect involved many signs explaining about what farms had been standing in this park in the past, and who lived and worked on these farms. The Stevenson Brook featured throughout all of the trails, and its rushing sounds were pleasing to the ear on a misty morning. It wasn’t too long on the trail(s) before the rain cleared up and the sun started to shine. Overall, it was a pleasant time and a decent workout, with some education related to local history infused throughout.
Grunberg Haus Inn (& Cabins)
After a morning in the woods, it was time to check in to our lodging for the next two nights, which was the Grunberg Haus Inn (the full business is called the Grunberg Haus Inn & Cabins, but we stayed at the inn, so there you go). On the website, this inn is listed as part of Waterbury, but according to our car’s GPS the location of the inn was Duxbury. (Further research has shown me that Duxbury and Waterbury have the same zipcode. I am still not clear if Duxbury is part of Waterbury or if they are separate towns – please feel more than free to leave a comment if you have that answer!) Upon our arrival, my husband and I were both impressed by the lively personality of the outdoor decor, as well as the welcome we received from the two dogs who live there.
The inn is owned by a married couple and their two dogs, a cute little dachshund named June and a magnificent Alaskan malamute named Neko, are considered mascots of the property – I even drank my morning coffee from a cup with Neko’s image on it. One of the two owners, Duane, was the person on call during our stay – it was likely only necessary for one person to be around to take care of the guests as there were not many guests. He had a super relaxed and friendly vibe, and he was happy to help in any way we needed, such as letting us borrow an extra water bottle for a hike when Fiddle’s water bottle broke.
Aside from ourselves, there was a family with kids staying in the inn the first night that we stayed, and a pair of young ladies staying in the cabins the second night. The small amount of guests allowed for very easy social distancing, though I am hopeful that, as time goes on, the Grunberg Haus Inn & Cabins will eventually return to their pre-pandemic guest numbers.
A breakfast parfait, featuring the most delicious yogurt of all time.
A comfortable place to sleep.
A sweet spot on the deck.
Our room, just like the exterior, was full of charm and kitsch, and even though there was no AC, the way the fans were arranged allowed for us to stay comfortably cool whether it was day or night. A second fan was provided for Fiddle, which was appreciated, as, like most dogs, he gets hot easily. Right from our room, we could walk out on to a deck which had lovely views of the nearby woods. My husband and I spent both evenings on this deck, spending hours just talking, eating, drinking, and playing games while Fiddle relaxed nearby.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some restrictions applied. Since we are Vermont residents, we did not need to sign up for a text alert system, but travelers from certain out-of-state areas would have needed to do so. Hot breakfast was also not available, but Duane provided us with many other breakfast options, such as granola bars, fruit, English muffins, and so on. He also personally made us each parfaits each of the two mornings we ate at the inn; these were incredible, as they were made with Cabot Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt – quite the contrast to the plain nonfat store brand Greek yogurt I regularly have for breakfast during the week.
Two great friends. (Please note that the water on the floor is from my husband spilling a water bottle; these are good dogs who know where to go!)
I must add that our time with Neko, the lovely fluffy lady pictured above with Fiddle, was especially memorable. The Grunberg Haus website specifically states that you should be comfortable with the presence of their dogs so you can take this into account before you book. However, in our case, her presence seemed to be much more ubitquitous than normal, as she really liked Fiddle (and, really, who could blame her?). During our first afternoon/evening at the inn, she was with us the whole time, sniffing things in our room and playing with Fiddle. This was undeniably cute. Later, when night came, she was knocking her head on our room’s door at 4:00 AM, whining to get in with us. About an hour later, she broke the hinge of the door, burst into the room, and jumped on our bed, which was quite the morning surprise. (Fiddle was sleeping in his own separate area on his dog bed, and seemed most confused.) When we shared the story with Duane, he was surprised (as we all were), but he also helped us out by ensuring that Neko was locked out to sleep in her own house, rather than the inn, the next night. She was clearly acting out of love, but it was quite nice to get a full night’s sleep the second time around. Aside from that one moment, our stay at Grunberg Haus was super relaxing in a way that I really needed, after dealing with many personal challenges this summer, including a serious tick-related illness in June.
Prohibition Pig
In terms of Waterbury restaurants that were open for outdoor dining: The Pro Pig was the spot. During the summer last year, we went on a camping trip in Maine with Fiddle, and only ate at establishments with dog-friendly, outdoor seating. So, sticking with the outdoor dining was nothing new for us, though there are now some minor differences in how we do it now, such as the fact that we wear masks when we are not eating, or when one of us walks inside to use the indoor restroom.
One of my favorite beers of all time: “Raspberry Swine Cooler”.
A “pollo asado” plate.
Chips with your choice of guac, queso, and salsa.
The Prohibition Pig has a restaurant section and a brewery section; the outdoor area is part of the brewery section. This is no longer on the menu at the moment (to my great dismay), but when we were here for dinner not too long ago, a sour raspberry ale called “Raspberry Swine Cooler” was available. It was the perfect fruity taste for the evening, and I loved it enough to purchase another can of it to take back to the inn and drink later, while bonding and relaxing on the deck.
The brewery food was a mixed Mexican/American style. My husband and I ordered the chips that came with three options of sauces, all of which were delicious. My husband enjoyed a Cuban sandwich for his dinner, while I opted for the flavorful “pollo asado plato”, which included chicken, black beans, rice, and tortillas. I really liked the portion sizes here: I left feeling pleasantly full, not the type of full where you can barely move, which I feel like most restaurant portions encourage.
In terms of pandemic-related restrictions, all servers wore masks, and disposable menus forks, and plates were used. Tables were arranged outside to encourage distance, though the place seemed to be as packed as it could get while staying within the set restrictions. It was a nice experience, taste-wise, and felt relatively safe, as these things go.
Moss Glen Falls
The titular falls of Moss Glen.
On Sunday, we decided to spend most of our day in Stowe, Vermont. Our first stop in this area was the popular Moss Glen Falls trail.
At the beginning of the trail, the air was heavy with mist and there was a feel to it that reminded me of a rainforest. At first, there was clear signage and a path through various tall plants that added to the jungle-esque atmosphere. The falls itself came into view quite early (before the first mile was up), and it was indeed a majestic sight, with a powerful roar to it to match its gushing force. Yet, after climbing up a steep section near the falls, covered with roots, it was not clear where exactly to go next to remain on this particular trail. A sign below this steep section had specifically stated “stay on marked trails” but I personally saw no markings once we began to climb the root-covered hill near the falls. Eventually, my husband, Fiddle, and myself found ourselves on a wide, flat trail that we believed was the next part of the trail, but, again, there were no markings that we could see. It was still a pleasant walk, with the shade greatly appreciated on a hot morning. We walked along this woodland trail for a good while, with Fiddle stopping to roll in the mud from the previous day’s rain every now and again. The birds were lively and we had an encounter with a little toad, which is always fun. Heading back ended up being a slight challenge, as the only way to avoid walking down the steep hill full of roots involved following a lone arrow and needing to circumvent someone’s personal property. This trail was beautiful and the way the most difficult part is followed by a longer, easier part can be helpful to less experienced hikers. That being said, some clearer signs and markings would be even more helpful.
Idletyme Brewing Company
After getting a few good miles under our belts on the Moss Glen Falls trail, we headed to Idletyme Brewing Company, a Stowe brewery/restaurant for a post-hike lunch. Much like the Prohibition Pig, it was as packed as it could be considering pandemic-related conditions. We sat at an outdoor table where we had a nice view of the rustic, outdoor bar as the bartenders mixed drinks. Like the bar staff, the multiple servers who helped us here all wore masks, and wore them correctly. Here, unlike the Prohibition Pig, silverware and plates were not disposable, though the menus still were.
The food we ordered ended up being a heavy amount, but it was all completely delectable. Personally, I tried their signature Idletyme IPA, which was, as their menu described, a crisp drink with a bitterness to it. I enjoyed it, but I was still obsessing over my love from the previous day’s raspberry ale, so nothing would compare. My husband and I shared the “spicy dry rub” wings for an appetizer, which was just the protein hit we needed for our break in between hikes. For my entree, I ordered the “creamy mac-and-cheese” which I had the opportunity to make extra “creamy” by adding truffle oil to it. It was unbelievably delicious, though once that savory goodness was finished, my stomach was bursting.
Creamy mac and cheese with truffle oil…yes, please.
Perfectly cooked wings.
The “Idletyme IPA”.
That being said, I would absolutely eat (and drink) it all again if given the choice – it was a great meal.
The Wiessner Woods
Thankfully I had some time to digest my epic lunch on the car ride over to the Wiessner Woods, of which 79 acres of are owned by the Stowe Land Trust, following a donation from the Wiessner family in 1992.
All of the trails in the Wiessner Woods were easy; there was absolutely no rock-hopping and there were no steep ascents or descents. There was, however, beautiful scenery everywhere we looked on this well-maintained trail system.
Welcome to the Wiessner Woods.
Maps were available for one to take at the start of the trail, and they detailed several landmarks: a meadow overlook, a vernal pool, a spruce-pine-hardwood forest, and a “gnome home”, where a gnome statue is hidden in a tree. We saw the pretty meadow overlook and experienced the lovely smells of the evergreen forest, but the vernal pool had understandably dried up due to the fact that we were traversing these woods in July. As for the gnome home, I was extremely bummed out that we somehow missed the gnome (or perhaps someone had taken him?). My husband made an effort to make me feel better about the grievous omission from our trek by sticking the trail map in a tree, pointing to a picture of the gnome on the map, and insisting that “we found the gnome”!
Adventures await…
A perfect sunny moment.
Forest beauty.
One especially cool feature of the Wiessner Woods is the fact that, as one walks along the well-marked trails, opportunities to take side trips to private trails present themselves. The privately owned trails are open for anyone to visit, though the signs do say “assume your own risk”. It seems that one always assumes their own risk when hiking, but perhaps this warning relates to the fact that these’s no map for these trails, as there are with the publicly owned portions of these forested lands.
We followed one of these private trails to a gorgeous meadow, with amazing views of the green mountains, as you can see in the gallery above – the risk was worth it, for sure.
Overall, these woods were a delight to visit, with stunning beauty throughout and everything, even on the private trail, clearly organized with care obviously taken with regard to maintaining its beauty, as well its visitor-friendly qualities.
So many stars!
The Wiessner Woods was our last big weekend adventure, before heading back to Grunberg Haus. The weekend itself was a great Vermont experience, discovering a lot more within towns we’d manage to visit but briefly in the past.
Freshly Vermont ratings:
Little River State Park: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Grunberg Haus Inn & Cabins: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
Prohibition Pig: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
Moss Glen Falls: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
Idletyme Brewing Company: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
The geese appreciate the beauty of Lake Paran in the summer months.
In the village of North Bennington, one of the main attractions is Lake Paran, along with the Robert Frost Trail that begins (or ends, depending) at the lake. At one end of the trail is the lake and at the other, in Shaftsbury, is Robert Frost Stone House Museum. Though I have yet to visit the museum, I’ve visited the lake and trail multiple times, sometimes on my own, sometimes with my husband, and sometimes with my husband and my adventurous young dog, Fiddle. Both the lake and the trail have many wonderful qualities, but both also have shortcomings as well.
The Lake
While things have undoubtedly changed since the pandemic, Lake Paran is generally open for swimming and canoe rentals on weekends starting Memorial Day Weekend and during the weekdays starting mid-June, closing after Labor Day. The admission is $3.50 for adults and $1.00 for kids, which is a fair deal. The hours, however, are not clearly stated on the website, and I learned this the hard way: showing up for a 10:00 AM swim on a blistering summer day, only to then find out that the lake is not open for swimming until 11:00 AM. After later searching “Lake Paran hours” I eventually discovered that during the dates mentioned previously it is open from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
I visited the lake for swimming at least once during each of my (two) summer spent living here in Vermont. The first time was just glorious – the water temperature was perfect, the crowd was very small (two other adults in the water, each focused on their own exercise), and it felt like the purest form of relaxation to see a tree-lined landscape everywhere I turned. The second time I visited, I arrived for a swim at the same time a summer camp session was going on. The water still felt amazing, but it felt a bit awkward to be swimming on my own while camp activities were taking place nearby. In addition to more clarity on the hours, I do feel like the general public would benefit from further information on when summer camp sessions are taking place, so people can plan their solo swims or family trips accordingly.
The lake itself is set up nicely for swimming; a shallow end and a spacious deep end are roped off for safety. Lifeguards are on duty during the lake’s hours and I’ve witnessed staff working to clean up the lake before the swimming hours begin. There’s a floating raft in the middle of the lake that can be used for jumping into the water or simply taking a break while you’re swimming in the deep end. The beach area is small but large enough for some fun in the sand for kids looking to build a sand castle or otherwise enjoy their beach toys. It’s a sweet escape and one that will undoubtedly be missed by many this coming summer if the current situation requires keeping it closed.
The Trail
The Robert Frost Trail start, or ends, at Lake Paran. There is a helpful sign welcoming visitors to the trail and supplying information at this point, as well as at the other end near the museum in Shaftsbury. The trail is two miles long and generally easy to traverse, as trails go.
A welcoming sign.
Green and grassy paths abound.
Flowers adorn the trail in the springtime.
Though it’s only a short trail, the terrain changes enough to make it interesting. The section by the lake is memorable as there are many wooden boardwalks and a variety of gorgeous views of Lake Paran from different vantage points. There is a bridge over Paran Creek right in the middle of the trail that provides a perfect place to take in a beautiful view and/or pause for a moment on the benches as needed. The trail is still open for walking during the current pandemic, and I have taken advantage of this fact recently. The following view was a breath I sorely needed to take in on one particular stressful day of remote teaching (technical difficulties have since improved):
Sunny beauty was greatly appreciated after a less than ideal work day.
Another aspect of the Robert Frost trail that I absolutely adore is the section where you can choose a “tougher” or “easier” option. This is a small fraction of the trail (after you choose, it’s only a few minutes until both sections come back together to the main trail), but you have to appreciate that the a trail named after the author who wrote “two paths diverged in a yellow wood…” involves making a choice like this.
There are two major negative aspects to this calm and idyllic trail and those aspects are, simply, ticks and wasps. While my dog Fiddle had a blast every time he visited this trail, he never managed to return from the adventures without at least one tick, if not a boatload, crawling on his fur. I would recommend wearing long pants and making sure to check yourself (and if you have a dog, check them especially!) for ticks following a walk on this trail. As for the wasps, my husband and I have come across multiple wasp nests here and one memorable walk on the trail involved him literally running away from them, almost like a real-life Animal Crossing situation (thankfully he got away in time and did not end up with a swollen eye…). In addition to care taken with regard to ticks, I would also recommend anyone visiting keep their eyes open to this wasp situation. In general, I have found this is more of a summer issue and have had many delightful, wasp-free, walks along the trail in the spring.
Fiddle loves the Robert Frost Trail, but unfortunately, so do ticks…
The Robert Frost Trail and Lake Paran are both abundant in natural beauty and a sense of peace and calm. However, there are drawbacks to both, and it’s best to plan your visit accordingly.
Freshly Vermont rating: four out of five stars. ★★★★☆
It’s that time of year where the cold and the gray seem to go on forever. I’m also just recovering from the flu as I write this, which only contributes to a general feeling of bleakness. So, there’s no time like the present to look back on sunnier times and reminisce over the joys of endless hours outdoors in greener pastures. Today I’m thinking about about my two adventures at the park in Manchester, both times accompanied my usual party of a husband and a corgi.
Our first visit was back in June 2019, very shortly after my school year was over, a time when the possibility for adventure feels delightfully, deliriously, endless. I had a very specific plan in mind for the day, which involved getting donuts from the famed Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts and letting my puppy Fiddle experience a dog park for the first time. The donuts were exactly as advertised: freshly made and calorie-laden in the best of ways. I had no regrets about the piles of coconut shavings left on my shorts after the morning of devouring that took place in our car. The dog park didn’t fit my expectations so well; it was a weekday morning and the Manchester Dog Park, located within the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, was totally empty. Fiddle, however, was not deterred. He took advantage of the large, enclosed grassy space and ran in circles over and over, until he could barely contain his unbelievably adorable, floppy. tongue-out corgi smile. Even though he made no dog friends, we were impressed by the amount of space available, the ability to separate small and large dogs, and the abundance of doggy bags available for any pup’s #2-related needs.
Only boy at the dog park; having a total blast nonetheless!
After my husband and I myself were getting dizzy from Fiddle’s seemingly endless revolutions around the dog park, we decided to explore the rest of the area. We walked across a large meadow where we came across a sign that said “Manchester Rail Trail” and we started walking along with it (apparently later the trail will open for bikes, but for now it is available for a nice walk). The sign also fairly warned us that this trail was in its earlier stages and not yet complete. Despite this warning, we were suitably impressed by how the trail passed through a a charming pine forest and by the Riley Rink, which we miraculously came upon at the exact moment I was in need of its public restrooms. Since it was a cloudy day with rain on the forecast, we didn’t run into too many other people, and the mist in the air gave the area a slightly fantastical feeling. We walked along until it was unclear as to whether we were on this supposed “rail trail” or not, and then we headed out for further adventures on the Branch Pond trail (there’s no energy like “summer just began” energy for a teacher), a tale for another day.
Just two friends on a misty June day.
Cloudy but lovely.
Woods within.
This sprawling Manchester Park was visited by us again, in late September. Due to the difference in energy level (beginning of the school year is a whole other feeling), this time it was the only event of the day. Also, this time, Fiddle made a friend! This was our third attempt to let Fiddle have a “dog park experience”, after also trying it out at the Arlington Rec Center, and it was the first time we saw another dog. Fiddle loved running around with an energetic and friendly mutt even more than had enjoyed doing so solo, which was great to see.
My husband and I were curious to go further on the “rail trail” after several months had passed, but our journey proved that it was still not completed. We did go a bit further than before, and ended up walking by someone’s property, where we witnessed horses calmly grazing and some signs protesting the trail’s very existence. I took the time to read, photograph, and consider the sentiments.
I read a bit further on the issue here. I will admit that it’s difficult for me to sympathize with a person’s concern that people are walking by and it feels like they are in this person’s yard (they are not). As someone who lived in New York City for over thirty years and currently lives on a main road, “people walking by” has been a fact of life for me since I was born and it’s mostly been fine. As long as these people walking by are law-abiding and peaceful, I don’t see the harm. That being said, I do understand arguments related to the needs of the horses on the trail as well as the costs being undertaken by the town. Still, I think taking something old and decaying like this old railroad bed and transforming it into something that can be enjoyed by all, for no cost, is an admirable goal. I don’t see a reason the quiet beauty of this area should not be shared, just as the general park surrounding it is is. Having beautiful trails to traverse, and parks for our dogs to run around in, is such a big part of what makes Vermont what it is and this trail-in-progress shouldn’t be an exception.
Freshy Vermont ratings:
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park (and dog park): five out of five stars. ★★★★★
Manchester Rail Trail: four out of five stars for now, perhaps more to come. ★★★★☆
The Valley Trail is one of several trails that I’d had the privilege of visiting more than once, both times with my adventure-ready husband and my dear intrepid corgi, Fiddle. The trail is approximately 9 miles long and with one end in the town of Wilmington, VT and the other in the town of West Dover, VT. I enjoyed experiencing this trail on one of the first warm April days of 2019, and one of the last warm ones in later September 2019. In the spring we checked out the river-centric Wilmington section and in the fall we discovered the section located within the lovely but strangely desolate West Dover.
The Deerfield River in Wilmington, VT – late April 2019
Our spring visit to Wilmington was a cheerful one, which took place during my spring break off from school. Back in April, puppy Fiddle was a mere 5 months old and any old walk or hike was a thrill to him, as he could stop and roll his fur all over patches of ice that were slow to melt after the winter chill. Being outside was a thrill to me, too, after months spent mainly indoors during various snowstorms, whiteouts, and plain old cold. Before heading on to the trail, we walked around Wilmington a bit – it’s a super cute town that is constantly on the top of my mental list of “places to return to without the dog”. (There are charming shops, sweet little inns, and a significant number of restaurants and eateries – I hope to tell you all about these things when I do manage to make a visit sans-Fiddle!)
The Valley Trail, starting from Wilmington, meandered around views of the Deerfield River and various meadows, with sojourns through wooded areas as well. In all areas, the terrain was easy and the views were lovely. Due to the timing, our trek was incredibly muddy, but it is rare for someone to avoid experiencing this in a Vermont April. Despite the mud, we ran into a few other people braving the season to enjoy the first warmth of the year – it is definitely one of the simpler places to get muddy, as far as trails go. We enjoyed the views and the feeling of fresh spring air for a good six hours or so, hiking energetically up newly green hills, with Fiddle pulling my dear husband down them at puppy-speed. There were lots of small delights throughout, such as the sad “Vintage Motel” sign pictured below, small man-made bridges, and a portion that most literally went through a person’s backyard, chicken coop included. It was a fantastic April adventure.
Appreciating some spooky signage!
Fiddle needed to appreciate every patch of ice that he saw…
Spring meadow views on the Valley Trail were gray yet lovely.
We returned to this varied and gorgeous trail in September. September is a hard month for me as a teacher – getting back into the school swing takes significant time on evenings and weekends, yet Vermont is at its absolute prime, beauty-wise – especially in later September. However, one sweet Sunday worked out in my favor and I was able to journey back to the Valley Trail with the husband and Fiddle, Fiddle being 10 months old at this time – significantly larger and not much more mature (though still beyond adorable). The vibrant leaves and 65-degree weather felt like a special and exclusive privilege on this day – a privilege well-earned.
Extreme yellow foliage on the Valley Trail near West Dover – late September 2019
This time we traveled through the portion of the trail located near West Dover. During part of the trail, you can elect to travel through this town, which we did. It was fascinating. Almost every establishment in the whole town was closed on this Sunday afternoon. Perhaps it is because this was Sunday, but a quick Wikipedia search tells me that the population of the whole town of Dover (including the non-West part, I’d imagine) is about 1410, so perhaps not. We passed random covered wagons in the grass and an abandoned-looking ski shop with incredibly devilish-seeming mannequins gracing the windows. We were in town around lunch time, so we were keeping an eye out for somewhere to eat. Every restaurant we passed was closed, with the exception of The Saloon.
This restaurant was the opposite of the rest of the town: everyone was here, everyone wanted to chat! We saw a table outside and asked about eating with our dog. The restaurant does not technically allow dogs, but the owner helpfully gave us a place to eat out back. A super friendly waitress spoiled Fiddle with pieces of bacon and talked about Escape Rooms with us. We were technically in the “smoking” section out here, and various men of various ages stopped out for a smoke. I’m not a fan of cigarettes by any means, but I was nonetheless impressed with how friendly each gentleman who came out was, how much all these outwardly-tough seeming manly dudes fawned over a cute puppy. The food was pretty good too – I enjoyed some mozzarella sticks, which were appropriately greasy, as well as a house chili that had a good mix of spicy and savory flavors. I also had to get a cider from the bar, since they were carrying Citizens Cider, which is one of my favorites (to be fair, at least 7 brands of cider are “my favorites”). This was a really good time, though I can’t get over how bizarre it was that this place was bustling like this. (Note to businesses in this area: being open on Sundays seems like a sweet idea, profit-wise…).
Bubbly cider at the cheerful Valley View Saloon.
Ten-month old Fiddle in his fall glory!
The world’s creepiest ski shop…
After this tasty and entertaining lunch, it was back to the trail. Lots of people were also out with their dogs appreciating the majesty of fall on this trail. Much like the Wilmington section, the trail took us through a variety of terrain, including fields, woods, and bridges, with clear markings throughout. The Deerfield river continued to make an appearance. Aside from the beauty of the trees, we managed to appreciate the small loveliness of nature as well, such as colorful caterpillars and wildflowers enjoying their last appearances before the temperatures would drop in October. Throughout the whole experience, there was a feeling of serenity for me, and appreciation of how amazing this (still relatively new) state we live in is, to offer so much within just a mere 9 miles.
The views were quite peaceful.
Freshly Vermont rating of the Valley Trail (admittedly influenced by the stop at the Saloon): five out of five stars. ★★★★★
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.
Information, walking sticks, and no dogs allowed. 🙁
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. ★★☆☆☆
Since moving to Vermont, I’ve had the pleasure of hiking on a frequent basis, both within my town of Bennington and beyond. The “White Rocks” trail is one of the trails I’ve spent the most time on, and I’ve had the chance to experience it in several seasons. Each time was a positive experience.
“White Rocks” is a section of the Bald Mountain Trail, located in Bennington, VT. Basically, you stop at the beautiful lookout (pictured above) and head back from there, rather than going for the summit. I’ve completed this section once, with my husband, though we’ve also gone for shorter bursts on this trail with our corgi puppy, Fiddle, as it is perfectly dog-friendly. Sometimes when I’m out for a run I stop at the beginning of this trail just to take in the sight of it.
Fiddle gives this trail 5 stars!
The trail begins with going up some steps, passing a kiosk, and then heading over some small hills that may be covered with wildflowers, depending on the season. One of the neatest parts of the trail takes place before the first mile is even up, as one passes through the “free expression tunnel” underneath the nearby highway, with various graffiti of interest on the walls – not your usual hiking trail scenery, for sure! It’s strange to hear cars whizzing by during this portion of the trail, but it’s also neat in its own way.
Wildflowers in summer.
The “free expression” tunnel.
A simple path.
After the tunnel, the “White Rocks” trail turns more into your typical hiking trail, though it is a pleasant one. It’s all uphill, but it’s a moderate uphill at worst in this section. Much of the trail is heavily wooded, with a few small clearings throughout. There are a few streams to cross, but it’s nothing challenging (and I say this as someone who is not a fan of rock hopping) and, of course, these are appreciated by Fiddle, who needs to cool off after working his short little corgi legs to the max.
You can just step across, thank goodness.
Just before reaching the lookout, one will find out exactly what this “White Rocks” nickname is all about, as white rocks very literally cover the ground. From here, there’s a few steeper climbs as the paths become rockier, but it’s all worth it for that magnificent view of Bennington and its surrounding mountains at the end of this section. I have fond memories of eating sandwiches with my husband while taking in this view – nothing helps a peanut butter and jelly sandwich feel more exciting like awe-inspiring natural beauty! It’s all downhill from there, unless one were to go on and complete the full Bald Mountain Trail.
A rocky, yet lovely, path.
As advertised, some white rocks!
Overall, “White Rocks” is a good workout, with a decent variety of terrain and fantastic views. It takes a few hours to reach the lookout but it’s possible to complete the hike in a morning or an afternoon.
Freshly Vermont rating: five out of five stars. ★★★★★
