You don’t have to hike up a mountain to enjoy the trails and the winter scenery. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore one of these recommended walks!
Don’t have snowshoes? Check out this list from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation of where you can borrow a pair (for free!)
The Short Trail – Waterbury Center, Vermont
Distance: 0.5 mi., loop
Elevation: minimal
The Green Mountain Club’s 0.5-mile Short Trail meanders around the club’s headquarters property, passing through open fields, among wooded forest, and past a relocated Long Trail shelter. Follow the white blazes on this short, easy loop — perfect for a first warm-up snowshoe. The club’s Visitor Center is subject to seasonal open hours, but the Short Trail is always open to public use.
Duxbury Window — Bolton, Vermont
Distance: 3.2 mi. out-and-back
Elevation: 850 ft. elevation gain
The Duxbury Window trail begins where the Long Trail crosses Duxbury Road, leading 1.6 miles south on the Long Trail to the overlook or “window” one-way. The trail passes over Gleason Brook and climbs at a steady, moderate incline for much of the way, before the short, steep section just before the window’s vista views of the Winooski River Valley and Bolton Mountain. For a longer trip, continue past the window to Bamforth Ridge Shelter. The shelter is about 2.9 miles south of the Long Trail up from the parking area. This trail can be busy on the weekends.
Kettle Pond — Groton, Vermont
Distance: 3.0 mi. loop
Elevation: minimal (40 ft.)
Kettle Pond, located in Groton State Forest, offers a nice snowshoe hike for beginners. The 3-mile loop may be of moderate length, but with an elevation gain of roughly 40 feet, the trail is smooth and level, passing around a secluded pond with views of nearby mountains. Groton State Forest also has an abundance of other trails that offer more winter recreation opportunities.
Lye Brook Falls — Manchester Center, Vermont
Distance: 4.4 mi. out-and-back
Elevation: 900ft
The trail travels east from the trailhead and enters the Lye Brook Wilderness after 0.5 miles, so don’t be surprised if trail blazes become less frequent. The trail ascends on old railroad bed and woods road along the west side of Lye Brook Hollow. At 2.3 miles, a spur trail leads south 0.4 miles to one of the higher waterfalls in Vermont. It is well worth the hike in to admire and explore.
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