By WILL ROSS
BRANDON—The perennials are beginning to sprout, the grass is returning to a lush green, and rivers are rushing with melting snow. The sights and sounds of spring are upon us, and with them come warm sunny days perfect for getting outside and exploring the many natural areas and trail systems in our local area.
Our forests, rivers, lakes, and meadows offer a wide variety of terrain to traverse, and there are many trail systems to accommodate folks hoping to get out for a hike. The Green Mountains are truly an ideal place for recreation and have plenty of opportunities for people of all skill levels to get out and play in nature. Whether you’re curious to try hiking as a new hobby, are just looking for a peaceful walk in the woods, or are a seasoned thru-hiker, Vermont has plenty to offer.
Let’s explore some of the trail systems that surround our area, provide some tips on navigating the forests, and touch on how to get out and explore nature with minimal impact.
The first trails we explore will be the easiest. They are shorter in distance without too much elevation gain. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, these trails are not too physically demanding and are very approachable for folks of all ages and ability levels. They will get progressively more challenging as we continue, so think about which ones would be ideal for your skill level.
First, we have Lefferts Pond in Chittenden. Lefferts Pond is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that follows a footpath through the woods of Chittenden. The trail winds beneath the canopy and ends up at the northern tip of Lefferts Pond, giving a great view of the Green Mountains reflecting across the water. This hike usually takes around 30 minutes to complete. To reach the trailhead, just follow Wildcat Road in Chittenden until the junction with NF Road 412, and you will reach the Lefferts Pond overnight parking pull-off.
The Pittsford Rec Trail System is another great place for a nice walk. This 2.1-mile out-and-back begins alongside Sugar Hollow Brook and then departs to wind its way through the woods. There are some hills to climb along the way, but nothing too strenuous. This hike will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. While there is no stellar overlook, it is a great way to casually immerse yourself in the natural landscape. You can reach the trailhead by parking at the Pittsford Recreation Area and crossing the bridge on foot.
Another approachable trail is the Robert Frost Loop, located in Ripton. This 1-mile trail meanders through a mix of forest and meadow, and there are signs featuring some of Frost’s poems along the way. This is a great hike for people of all ages: much of it is boardwalk or crushed stone. The trailhead is located in a lot off VT Route 125, just across from the Frost wayside.
Now let’s get into some moderately challenging trails that are perfect for an excursion into the forest. First up is the Falls of Lana. This trail system is located in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area and provides many different places to explore. Whether you hope to climb all the way to Silver Lake, explore the river down by the waterfalls, or reach a scenic lookout over Lake Dunmore, the Falls of Lana has it all. The official Falls of Lana loop is 4.5 miles and has a decent amount of uphill trekking, though the views are certainly worth it. It typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete, and the trailhead is located in Salisbury on Route 53, just before Branbury State Park when heading north.
Falls of Lana is not the only local trail with a great view however, Bald Peak in Pittsford is another moderately challenging trail. This 1.5-mile out-and-back climbs up a steep hillside through the forest to the top of Bald Peak and features two vistas that overlook Rutland, Pittsford, and north Chittenden. The hike typically takes just over an hour, but it is easy to relax at the top and take in the view for just as long. The trailhead is located just across from the parking area on Barnard Road.
If you are hoping to find a longer hike, look no farther than the Chandler Ridge and Leicester Hollow loop. This 10-mile loop provides more challenging access to Silver Lake. It follows a gentle incline through the forest, with a handful of nice views along the way. Eventually, you reach Silver Lake and circumnavigate the perimeter before heading back down the hill. This hike typically takes upwards of 4 hours. The trail begins at the Minnie Baker trailhead, located on Lake Dunmore Road in Forestdale.
Another trail that is on the challenging side is Gillespie Peak via the Long Trail. This 5.8-mile out-and-back climbs over several peaks and traverses along a ridgeline in the Joseph Battell Wilderness. The first peak is Mount Horrid, and though it is not technically part of this trail, it is well worth it to venture off and take a break on top of the great cliff to overlook the valley to the west. There are not too many views beyond this; however, you can certainly catch glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the trees. This trail typically takes around 4 hours to complete, and the trailhead is located just across the road from the parking lot at the top of Brandon Gap.
When hiking, no matter the difficulty, it is always important to know before you go, so look at maps, have a good idea of what to expect, and know your limits. It is also important to bring supplies for longer hikes, such as water, snacks, lunch, and extra layers. Keep in mind that trail conditions change seasonally; the spring is mud season, so some trails may be very thick with mud or washed out entirely.
Also, keep in mind the impact that you have on these locations. As hikers, it is our responsibility to ensure that these areas stay pristine for future generations, so make yourself familiar with leave-no-trace principles, carry out what you carry in, and abide by the regulations of the local trail system.
The few trails listed here cover only a fraction of all the trail systems in the greater Brandon area, so there are plenty more to discover for yourself. You can find additional trail systems online, at a local ranger station, or by talking with other hikers. So, go exploring! Enjoy the transition from winter to spring, and always keep your eyes peeled for your next scenic stroll, epic discovery, or great adventure!
