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Trail Directory by Town

Little_hikers

Unless otherwise noted, trails are available for pedestrian uses only (hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing). Many of these trails cross privately owned, conserved land belonging to landowners who have generously granted public access. Please be respectful.

Bradford, VT

Cornish, NH

Fairlee, VT

Hanover, NH

Hartford, VT

Hartland, VT

Lebanon, NH

Lyme, NH

Norwich, VT

Plainfield, NH

Thetford, VT

West Fairlee, VT

Windsor, VT


Trail Descriptions

Wright's Mountain Trails

Bradford, VT — 3.5 miles of trail networks, moderate
Take a winter tour through the network of paths and old logging roads meandering around Wright’s Mountain, Bradford’s highest peak at 1,822 feet, and enjoy a wonderful view of the Waits River Valley from the summit.

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Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

Cornish, NH — 1.5 miles of trails, moderate
Visit this 148-acre National Historic Site to view beautiful sculptures created by one of America’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Fascinating history and very well kept gardens abound. Explore the park’s natural areas on two very interesting trails featuring a variety of wildlife habitats. The ¼ mile Ravine Trail features a shady eastern hemlock forest accompanied by many species of ferns and wildflowers. Blow-Me Down Trail will guide you on a 1½ mile roundtrip to a wetland boardwalk and the historic Blow-Me-Down Mill. The richness of habitats often provide for some great viewing of many wildlife and bird species along the way.

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Cross Rivendell Trail

Fairlee, VT — 36 miles, various
This 36-mile educational and recreational resource connects the Rivendell Interstate School District towns of Orford, NH, and Fairlee, West Fairlee, and Vershire, VT. Teachers use the trail as an outdoor classroom for their students and community members explore the wonders of the trail from Flagpole Hill to Mt. Cube Summit, taking in some great views along the way. The Cross Rivendell Trail is a joint project of the Rivendell Trails Association (RTA) and the Rivendell Interstate School District (RISD).

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Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail

Fairlee, VT — approximately two miles, variable
The Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail is the longest ice trail in the United States, when ice conditions permit its full operation. Crossing the entire lake from north to south, or some winters circling the lake’s perimeter, the trail offers panoramic views and the chance to spot a bald eagle. The Ice Skating Trail is the site of an annual Winter Fest in January, weather and ice conditions permitting. Note: Lake Morey Resort provides winter access to the trail from the south end of the lake via their west parking area on Clubhouse Road.

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Balch Hill Trails

Hanover, NH — various routes, 0.3 to 1 mile to summit, easy to moderate
The Balch Hill Natural Area includes several trail routes to the summit where you can take in the views of Moose Mountain, Mount Ascutney and Gile Mountain. Long a favorite site for bird watching, you’ll pass through diverse habitats of mixed hardwoods, pines and hemlock while you head uphill on easy to moderate terrain. Picnicking in the open hilltop pasture is always a great treat. The Hanover Conservation Council, in partnership with the Town of Hanover and Dartmouth College, manages 8 trails and the summit meadow on the Balch Hill property. Balch Hill has trails that provide access to the summit from every direction. Please see map for trail details.

Trailhead parking for:

  • Hemlock Trail at Hemlock Road.
  • Grasse Road Trail at the intersection of Grasse Rd. and Trescott Road.

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Centerra Walking Map

Hanover, NH — various, easy
Stay fit while enjoying an outdoor walk around the Centerra Park. Design your own physical activity route using our color coded map.

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Greensboro Ridge Trail (AT connector trail)

Hanover, NH — , moderate, rocky sections challenging
Within ten minutes of walking on this trail you will enjoy varied terrain including soft grass paths, wooded single track trails, and some more challenging footwork as the trail heads over bedrock outcroppings. The Hanover Conservation Council acquired Greensboro Ridge Natural Area in 2008 in partnership with the Town of Hanover and its’ Trails Committee. The 112 acre property offers a breathtaking landscape as it climbs up the ridge and connects with the Appalachian Trail near Velvet Rocks. Use proper treaded footwear to prevent slipping on rocks and boulders.

Trailhead parking: From Greensboro Road turn onto Velvet Rock Drive. The trailhead and parking is at the end of Velvet Rocks Drive.

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Mink Brook and the Tanzi Natural Area

Hanover, NH — 0.6 mile out and back, easy
The Mink Brook Nature Preserve has been established on a 113 acre site located on both sides of Mink Brook, about one half mile south of downtown Hanover. The bulk of the property extends from the southern bank of the Brook to the Lebanon border, and is generally an upland forest composed of white pine and hemlock, with patches of hardwoods especially on the midlevel northwest facing slopes. The smaller portion of the property along the north bank of the Brook contains a well used path along a sewer line easement of the Town of Hanover connecting to the Tanzi Nature Preserve. Parking is available along Brook Road. Mink Brook Trails are owned and managed by the Hanover Conservation Council. A detailed trails map of the area is available here. An easement held by the Upper Valley Land Trust in the Mink Brook Nature Preserve has allowed for the protection of the area’s scenic, natural and recreational values. For a basic walking guide click the following:

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Oak Hill - Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center

Hanover, NH — 8.5 miles Silver Fox trail; other ungroomed trails, variable
Trails were cleared on Oak Hill for downhill skiing in the 1930s, cross country trails were added in the 1960s, and track-setting began in 1984. Major trail improvements were made in preparation for the 2003 NCAA Championships held at Dartmouth College, resulting in an excellent system of trails. The focus of the trail system is the Silver Fox Trail, an 8.5 mile trail set regularly with skating and diagonal tracks. Please obey ONEWAY and DONOTENTER signs as posted (the Silver Fox Trail is intended to be skied clockwise). The trail has sections rated easy, moderate, and difficult.

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Old Houses of Hanover Walk

Hanover, NH — 2.7 miles, easy
This loop walk is all on paved sidewalks and very easy. It travels through the scenic streets of Hanover and passes many of the town’s oldest houses. The walk officially starts at the corner of West Wheelock Street and Main Street. Because the route is a loop, however, you can start and finish at any point. The route can be done daily and is easy to follow. Parking and restrooms are available in downtown Hanover. Just watch out for traffic when you cross the streets.

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Pine Park Trail

Hanover, NH — 1.7 mile loop, moderate
This loop walk is fairly easy with only a few climbs. It is on a dirt path that travels through pine and hemlock forests. The trail starts as a gravel golf cart path to the right of the clubhouse, at the end of Rope Ferry Road. After 40 yards, the trail turns east and descends to Girl Brook, which it then follows north and west to the banks of the Connecticut River. The trail is well maintained as it runs south along the river, and is relatively smooth, except for a few rocks and roots. As the trail turns away from the river, it begins to go up a long (0.2 mile) but not too steep hill, which crests as you come back out of the woods and onto the golf course. The path then leads back to the paved road just west of the clubhouse and starting point. This is a beautiful walk, close to downtown Hanover.

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Slade Brook Trail

Hanover, NH — 0.75 miles (River Rd. to Rte. 10), easy
From Moose Mountain to its mouth at River Road on the Connecticut River, Slade Brook’s banks are undeveloped and graced by convenient hiking trails through varied forestland. The Hanover Conservation Council’s conservation of the 36 acre Jim and Evalyn Hornig Natural Area at Lower Slade Brook, ensures a pristine environment for people to enjoy a quiet retreat next to Slade Brook and where the native flora and fauna can flourish. The wooded path follows the meandering brook up to a waterfall, one of the property’s notable features. Kiosk with trail maps at trailhead. Please see map for trail details.

Trailhead parking: Limited parking available at River Road trailhead. Take River Road north from Route 10. The property is on the right hand side 0.6 miles from the intersection with Route 10.

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Storrs Pond Ring Trail

Hanover, NH — 1.8 miles, moderate
This walk is on wide, dirt trails with some short but fairly steep climbs. It starts on the dirt road across from the pool. A small footbridge near the pool’s snack shop will allow you access from the parking lot. Follow the dirt road away from the pool, and eventually it forks, with the Southside Trail heading up a small, chained-off (to prevent motor vehicle traffic) hill to the left, and the War Zone trail going off to the right. Each is rolling and has some steep climbs. The trails come together again and descend toward Storrs Pond. After crossing the dam, the trail goes over two more rolling hills and turns left into the woods, just before a large clearing. Go through the gate and enter the clearing, and follow the tree line to your left. Ahead, at the other end of the meadow, a trail will lead back into the trees, and down into a picnic area. From here, you can continue forward on the asphalt road leading back to the parking lot, or make a right just before the asphalt, to take the Printing Press Loop. This winds up one last hill before leading back to the parking lot.

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The Dartmouth Printing Loop

Hanover, NH — 1.5 mile loop, easy
This walk is on entirely paved sidewalks and very easy. It begins and ends at the Dartmouth Printing Company, but can be started from anywhere on the loop. The loop travels toward downtown Hanover from Dartmouth Printing on the sidewalk along Lyme Road (Route 10). It then crosses Lyme Road and turns left onto Reservoir Road, before turning left again on Curtis Road. From there, it loops through different residential streets, before returning to Lyme Road via Dresden Road. Re-cross Lyme Road and turn right to return to Dartmouth Printing. Restrooms are available at Garipay Fields at the intersection of Lyme Road and Reservoir Road.

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The Ray School Loop

Hanover, NH — 0.5 mile loop, moderate
This walk is on a mostly wooded trail that weaves from behind the Bernice A. Ray School on Reservoir Road into the Storrs Pond Recreation Area and then back to the school. The trail begins at the “No Dogs Allowed” sign at the far north end of the Ray School parking lot and leads away from the school, past two cabins and into the woods. Here, the trail momentarily becomes a little unclear, but if you continue on in your current direction, it will take you down a little hill, and curve to the right along a line of rocks, eventually joining the paved Storrs Pond Road. Turn right on the paved road and proceed through the parking lot past the tennis courts on your right. After the tennis courts, bear left, and on your right there is a trail leading up a very short but steep hill, directly behind a small basketball court. This trail will lead up a small hill and will finish near a playground to the rear of the Ray School. Restrooms are available at the school when it is open. Enjoy this rustic and convenient walk while you wait to pick up your children.

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Trails Maps of Hanover

Hanover, NH — various distances, easy to moderate
Hanover Conservation Commission Trails Committee Trails Maps of Hanover

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Erwin Clifford Park Trail

Hartford, VT — 0.4 mile loop, easy
This is a very easy and pleasant walk around Erwin Clifford Park. The trail leaves from the parking lot at the park entrance and passes through some picnic areas on the bank of the White River. It then travels through a field before weaving around the horseshoe pits. At an intersection before a wooden bridge, walkers should turn right onto a smaller trail, as continuing straight ahead leads instead onto a snowmobile trail. After this right turn, the trail runs through a patch of ferns before ending back at the parking lot. The trail is fairly clear due to use, and both the start and finish are marked with signs reading ‘Trail’. This park is open from sunrise to 9:00 pm, with restrooms and athletic facilities available.

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Hazen and Backwater Trails

Hartford, VT — 1.5 miles (one way on the Hazen Trail), moderate
This walk is a rolling dirt trail that passes through forest and farmland above the Connecticut River, connecting Hartford just north of Wilder and Norwich. It can be started at either end, but there is a fee to park in the Montshire Museum parking lot if you start in Norwich. The trail was conserved by the Upper Valley Land Trust and is well maintained. The Hartford end begins at Dothan Brook off of Route 5. There is also another good out and back trail, the Backwater Trail, which can be added for more distance (see route extension).

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Hurricane Forest Wildlife Refuge Park

Hartford, VT — 1.7 miles total; loops range from 0.2 to 0.8 miles, easy
This refuge is 142 acres of protected forest, wildlife sanctuary and a lovely section of stream donated to the town of Hartford in 1973 by Winsor and Bertha Brown. Trails have been built by volunteers, including the Boy Scouts and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, and are maintained by a dedicated volunteer group. Although this park takes its name from a hurricane that struck the area in the late 1700s, there is ample evidence of the effects of a more recent occurrence: the hurricane of September 21, 1938 toppled many old-growth white pine trees whose giant trunks remain today. There are other areas with enormous ancient trees still standing, including White Pine and Red Oak.

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Quechee Gorge Walk

Hartford, VT — 1.4 miles Out and Back, easy
This is a flat and scenic out-and-back walk that starts in the parking lot of Dewey’s Mills Pond and begins on a strip of land between the pond and the Ottauquechee River, ending at the Ottauquechee Dam and Waterfalls. If you choose to keep walking straight ahead beyond the dam toward the Quechee Gorge Bridge, the trail begins to climb and becomes a little more rugged. The trail starts behind a gate just past the boat launch at the Dewey’s Mills Pond parking lot. Restrooms are available at the picnic area just beyond the dam, as are benches to rest on.

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Quechee Green Trail

Hartford, VT — 0.6 mile loop, easy
This easily accessed walk through the Quechee Green Park travels in a flat loop around a large field, and has scenic views of the mountains. The trail is made of small stones and is wide and obvious, starting just to the left of the playground near a sign reading “Quechee Green Park”. The route is simple, and the terrain includes just one small hill. There are many nice benches that you can rest on, and the beautiful Ottauquechee River borders one side of the park. Because the trail is out in the open, sunscreen is definitely recommended on clear summer days. The trail and the park are open from dawn until 9:00 p.m.

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Hartland Winter Trails

Hartland, VT — 12.5 miles (20K) of groomed trails, variable
These cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails provide a unique opportunity to meander through fields and back woods, over gently rolling to steep terrain in the Three- and Four-Corners areas of Hartland, Vermont. Trail maps and envelopes for donations are available in the sign-in boxes. The trails are all on private properties, created and maintained by volunteers, open to the community free of charge. Please be sure to stay out of the groomed track with snowshoes, and keep dogs leashed at all times and out of the prepared track!

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2004 Lebanon Trails & Recreation Map

Lebanon, NH — various, easy to moderate
This map covers trails on eleven parcels of Lebanon City Conservation Lands. Pick up maps for $3.00 a piece at Lebanon Recreation & Parks Department, West Lebanon Supply in downtown West Lebanon or Upper Valley Trails Alliance in Norwich. Online maps of Lebanon trails available at the following link:

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Albert Schweitzer Trail at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebanon, NH — 1.8 miles route #1, easy
This route follows the DHMC walking path around the western edge of the DHMC property.

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Cole Park Trail

Lebanon, NH — 0.5 miles, easy
This easy, flat, smooth, and short trail is on the banks of the Connecticut River. It is an out-and-back trail, with a river loop at the outer end, all in the woods. At the far end of the loop, there are nice views of the river and some log benches.

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Goodwin Park Exercise Trail

Lebanon, NH — 3 miles, easy to moderate
The trail begins at the base lodge of Storrs Hill Ski Area, descends a gradual hill, crosses the outrun of the ski jump and enters the woods. It is an out and back route with several side loops. There are exercise stations along the way. The trail is wooded, well marked, and relatively smooth, with occasional rocks and roots. At the farthest point of the exercise trail, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher while it makes a loop for stations #7 and #8.

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Mill Road Trail

Lebanon, NH — 1.5 miles, easy
This wide, smooth trail is really an abandoned road, with only a few gradual ups and downs. It runs parallel to the Mascoma River and the Northern Rail Trail.

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Northern Rail Trail

Lebanon, NH — 23 miles, Lebanon to Grafton, NH, easy
Of the three rail corridors laid out west and north from Concord in central NH to points on the Connecticut River, the Northern survived the longest. It was completed in 1847, with Daniel Webster delivering the keynote address in downtown Lebanon, at a spot just a few yards from where the trail begins today. Acquired by the Boston & Maine in 1887, the line flourished for about forty years, until the Depression, when the Northern Branch began a long decline toward oblivion. Passenger service ended in 1965, with a few freight runs operating into the early 1970s. In 1996, sixty miles of the corridor were acquired by the State of NH for five million dollars in Federal transportation enhancement funds, to be converted to a recreation trail.

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Holts Ledge

Lyme, NH — 2.2 miles, moderate
Holt’s Ledge is a precipitous cliff with fine views to the east. The cliff edge is fenced off not only to protect unaware hikers on foggy days, but also to protect the peregrine falcons that nest on the cliff in the summer. Before being protected by the Endangered Species Act, peregrines were driven out of New England by the ravages of DDT, which thinned their egg shells and caused the eggs to break before the chicks were mature enough to survive. Holt’s Ledge was one of the first sites in New Hampshire where peregrines were successfully reintroduced. The gentler northern slope of Holt’s Ledge is home to the Dartmouth Skiway, and also the route of this dayhike.

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Cossingham Road Farm Trails

Norwich, VT — 3.75 miles, moderate
Cossingham Road Farm trails take visitors through open fields and managed forests. Covering moderate terrain with a few steep areas, the trails were designed and built by John Morton of Morton Outdoors and forester Greg Chase. Nearly 70 species of birds have been identified by sight or sound on the farm. If they are lucky, visitors may see moose tracks or a barred owl along the forested portions of the trail. A hawk’s nest sits high in a maple tree near the height of land (at the extreme back end of the West Loop), and an area of late-successional hemlock along the ravine provides good winter habitat for deer.

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Montshire Museum Trails

Norwich, VT — 1.1 miles or less, easy to moderate
The Museum Trails vary from winding woods trails such as the 1.1 mile Ridge Trail, to shorter, wheelchair-accessible routes in the Quinn Nature Preserve. All routes leave and return to the museum area, with the River Trail connecting to the Quinn Nature Preserve, which includes the Overlook and Forest Trails. Along each trail are places to observe trailside exhibits; for detailed maps stop by the front desk of the museum.

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Norwich Nature Area Trails

Norwich, VT — 1 mile or less, moderate
The trail described here loops through the middle section of the Nature Area, passing by an interesting diversity of tree species, seasonal wildflowers and geologic features. Some roots and rocks arepresent, along with a few small hills.

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The Bill Ballard Trail

Norwich, VT — 3-4 mile out and back, moderate
The Bill Ballard Trail runs alongside the Charles Brown Brook, which empties into the Norwich Swimming Pool. Park at the pool parking area and proceed past the pool to the trailhead. The trail continues several miles uphill. Approximately 1.5 - 2 miles from the pool, a class 4 road leads out of the woods to Beaver Meadow Road near the Charles Brown Schoolhouse. This is a good point to turn around to complete a 3 to 4 mile walk. Alternatively, you can make a loop by returning to the parking area on Beaver Meadow Road. If you take the road, watch for vehicles, which can be numerous at times.

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The Spirit In Nature Trail

Norwich, VT — 0.6 miles, moderate
This walk winds through the woods behind the Unitarian Universalist Church on Route 5. It is not overly difficult and departs from the church’s backyard. Maps and a guestbook are available seasonally at the trailhead, and there are several places to sit and rest along the trail. Inspirational quotes from literature and multiple faiths hang along the trail and the many different plant species are labeled with wooden markers. The trail first crosses a long wheelchair accessable boardwalk and then climbs up for a bit. The trail is very narrow and the bugs can be numerous at times. Also, keep an eye out for poison ivy.

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Upper Turnpike Road Loop

Norwich, VT — 2.2 miles, moderate
This route is all on smooth, dirt roads with no steep hills. From the intersection of Turnpike and Upper Turnpike Roads, follow Upper Turnpike Rd. as it curves and climbs up a long, gradual hill for about 0.7 miles. After descending for a half mile, make a sharp left at the stop sign. Follow this dirt road (Needham Road) until you reach another stop sign at the junction with Turnpike Road. Make another left and proceed back to the original starting point.

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French’s Ledges, Townsend and Farnum Lot Trails

Plainfield, NH — varying lengths, variable
The red-blazed French’s Ledges Trail ends at the bald top of French’s Ledges, where you can take in spectacular 360-degree views of Croydon and Grantham Mountains, Mt. Ascutney, and the village of Meriden. Yellow- and blue-blazed trails provide alternate, shorter routes up to the Ledges, while these and a number of unmarked trails allow for endless combinations of routes for exploring and exercise.

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Thetford Academy Cross Country Trail

Thetford, VT — 3.1 miles (5K), moderate
Thetford Academy, Vermont’s oldest secondary school, hosts the New England Cross-Country Championship races on its unique cross country course, designed in 1991 by Thetford resident John Morton, a two-time Olympic biathlon skier and coach-turned-designer of trails for cross-country running and skiing. Morton designed the trail to have minimal impact on the land, using the natural pathways and existing skid trails from past logging operations on Thetford Academy and State Forest land. Under the direction of another area resident, Dan Grossman, alumni and community members lent bulldozers and labor, some wrote grants, others did the back-breaking work of pulling rocks with pickaxes and shovels. The result is what many consider one of the finest cross-country running courses in New England, and a fine ski and snowshoe trail.

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Ely Coppermine Ridge

West Fairlee, VT — 4.9 miles one way, moderate
This trail is a segment of the 38-mile Cross Rivendell Trail between Vershire, Vermont and Orford, New Hampshire. It travels above the historic Ely Copper Mine, once the largest copper mine in the United States, which operated from 1821 to 1920. The trail travels along an oak ridge above the old mine site. As on many trails, the absence of leaves makes winter views very different from a summer experience, and along the Ely Copper Mine Ridge there are spectacular wintertime views of the Vermont hills and Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire.

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Paradise Park

Windsor, VT — various short loops, easy
Paradise Park provides a lovely series of trails for snowshoeing and skiing through mature forest, along a stream, and around the fields and shoreline adjacent to Lake Runnemede. Watch for deer, fox, otter, beaver and a wide variety of native and migratory birds in this preserve, located on a portion of the original late 1800’s estate of William Maxwell Evarts, a former Attorney General of the United States. To honor Windsor as the site of the signing of the Vermont Constitution, the lake was named for the location where the Magna Carta was signed.

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Get Involved!

We have information on hundreds of trails in the Upper Valley, and we'd like to list as many as possible. However, most are on private land, and we must respect the rights and privacy of landowners. We do not publish a trail until we have the permission of all landowners involved. If you'd like to see a trail listed, contact to see how you can help. Thanks!