Green Mountain Club

Maintaining & Protecting Vermont's Long Trail Since 1910

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Duxbury Road Hikes

Duxbury Road / Bamforth Ridge hikes for HikeVT

Let’s HikeVT! These easy, moderate, and difficult trails all start on Duxbury Road in Bolton, Vermont. The first three start at the Bamforth Ridge parking lot, while our accessible recommendation starts at the at the Winooski River Footbridge parking lot. 

  1. Gleason Brook Bridge on the Long Trail – EASY
  2. Duxbury Window on the Long Trail – MODERATE 
  3. Bamforth Ridge Shelter on the Long Trail – DIFFICULT 
  4. Winooski River Footbridge – EASY, ACCESSIBLE

From Long Trail/Bamforth Ridge Parking Area on Duxbury Road: 

GLEASON BROOK BRIDGE ON THE LONG TRAIL – EASY

» 1.2 mi round trip, approx. 200 ft elevation gain

This is a fun, short hike popular with small kids. From the parking area, hike .6 miles south on the Long Trail to the bridge over Gleason Brook. Relax by the stream and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest! Note: This is an easier option than other hikes, but the footpath is still rugged and walking surfaces may be unstable. 

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DUXBURY WINDOW ON THE LONG TRAIL – MODERATE

» 3.2 mi round trip, approx. 800 ft elevation gain 

A great option on a clear day! From the parking area, hike 1.6 miles south on the Long Trail to a beautiful lookout with a bench. Note: Most of the hike is a gradual incline, but the trail is fairly steep for a short stretch just before the Window. 

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BAMFORTH RIDGE SHELTER ON THE LONG TRAIL – DIFFICULT

» 5.8 mi round trip, approx. 1,600 ft elevation gain 

For a longer trip, try hiking all the way to Bamforth Ridge Shelter! From the parking area, hike 2.9 miles south on the Long Trail up rugged terrain and over rock ledges. You’ll cross Gleason Brook, pass Duxbury Window, and experience some of the quiet solitude that upper Bamforth Ridge is known for. 

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Driving Directions:

From Richmond/I-89 Exit 11: Turn onto U.S. 2 East. Turn onto Cochran Road in Jonesville. Just after crossing the Winooski River turn left on Duxbury Road, also called River Road. Continue 3.1 mi to the parking lot on the right. There is a Long Trail sign at the lot entrance. 

From Waterbury/I-89 Exit 10: Turn onto VT 100 South from I-89. At the roundabout, turn onto US 2 East/VT 100 South. Turn right on Winooski St to cross the river, then turn right on River Road, also called Duxbury Road. Continue 6.0 mi to the parking lot on the left. There is a Long Trail sign at the lot entrance. 

Map It


Winooski River from Duxbury Road Parking:  

WINOOSKI RIVER FOOTBRIDGE – EASY, ACCESSIBLE 

This 224-foot Long Trail suspension bridge, built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, is accessible from Duxbury Road on the south side of the Winooski River. To reach the bridge, park in the small designated lot adjacent to the footbridge on Duxbury Road. The bridge is wheelchair accessible and you can enjoy looking at the mountains from the footbridge and enjoying the river running below you.  

Driving Directions to Footbridge Parking on Duxbury Road: 

From Richmond/I-89 Exit 11: Turn onto U.S. 2 East. Turn onto Cochran Road in Jonesville. Just after crossing the Winooski River turn left on Duxbury Road, also called River Road. Continue 2.8mi to the footbridge. There is a small parking lot at the bridge on the left with space for two cars. Please note: to be respectful of our neighbors, please only park in the parking spaces and not on the road. 

From Waterbury/I-89 Exit 10: Turn onto VT 100 South from I-89. At the roundabout, turn onto US 2 East/VT 100 South. Turn right on Winooski St to cross the river, then turn right on River Road, also called Duxbury Road. Continue 6.3 mi to the footbridge on the right. There is a small parking lot at the bridge on the left with space for two cars. Please note: to be respectful of our neighbors, please only park in the parking spaces and not on the road. 

Map it

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Where to eat and drink nearby:

WATERBURY: 

  • Crossroads Deli for creamees and to-go sandwiches 
  • Hender’s Bake Shop for pastries, coffee, lunch, and breakfast sandwiches 
  • The Reservoir for lunch, dinner and after-hike beers 

RICHMOND:

  • Sweet Simone’s for pastries, coffee, lunch, and smoothies 
  • Hatchet for dinner, drinks and creamees 
  • Stone Corral Brewery for dinner (tacos!) and after-hike beers

Maps:

  • Camel’s Hump Area map
  • Day Hiker’s Guide
  • Long Trail Guide

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Back to HikeVT

Leave No Trace, Then and Now: a Timeline of Trail Etiquette Language

March 1, 2023

This article previously appeared in the Winter 2022 Long Trail News, under the headline “Leave No Trace: Then and Now.” It was written by Sasha Weilbaker. To celebrate 100 years of the Long Trail News, we read back issues to learn what they said about trail stewardship and etiquette. The seven … Read more

About Mud Season HikeVT Trail Recommendations Become a Member Trip Planning Trail Maps Volunteer Opportunities

Mission

The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Established in 1910 to build this trail stretching the length of Vermont, the club now also maintains the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and trails in the Northeast Kingdom in its mission to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people." Read more...

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4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
802.244.7037 | Email GMC

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