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.
- Gleason Brook Bridge on the Long Trail – EASY
- Duxbury Window on the Long Trail – MODERATE
- Bamforth Ridge Shelter on the Long Trail – DIFFICULT
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
