|
|
The Green Mountain National Park is rich with forests of sugar maple, conifer and white birch, streams and ponds full of rainbow trout, lakes and rapids and ravines haunted by wood thrushes. Its network of trails and forest roads invites hiking, biking, cross country skiing, horseback riding and scenic driving. The Green Mountains national forest has six wilderness areas. BBOnline is glad to help you explore this magical park.
Backpacking and Hiking in Green Mountains National Park
231 North Main Street
Rutland, Vermont 05701
www.gorp.com
Skimming the ridge of the Green Mountains, the famous 270-mile Long Trail is the best way to see the park. On its southern end it connects with the Appalachian Trail and towards the north, the trail is at its wildest. It takes a few days to hike it completely but there are convenient cabins on the way. Try the Presidential Range with its breathtaking views of the Dacks and the White Mountains and spruce forests adorned with clouds.
You can also hike in the Middlebury and Rochester Ranger Districts on the Long Trail. The Abbey Pond Trail offers a great view of the Champlain Valley and a pond packed with marsh plants and wildlife.
The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is a tribute to the poetry of Frost which evokes the lush beauty of the forest. On the Robert Frost Country trail, you'll see the very views the poet saw. An experience likely to turn you into a poet if you aren't already one and worth the trip from your Jamaica Bed and Breakfast.
The Manchester Range District also offers great opportunities for hiking on the Appalachian and Long Trails. The Grout Pond Trails take you past Grout Pond which is also a great place for camping, picnicking and swimming. The Haystack Mountain Trail boasts unforgettable views of Massachusetts.
Biking in the Woods
Sometimes the Forest Service gravel roads are open to bikes, but the quiet dirt roads are always open. Highly recommended are the Natural Turnpike and Steammill Hill Roads. If you're looking for challenges, Mt. Snow offers exciting downhill rides.
Snow Galore for Skiing
You might have heard of the negative impact of global warming on the snows of New England, but Vermont with its snow covered hills is the best place for skiing in the Northeast.
As for cross-country skiing, you'll find groomed trails in and around the Green Mountains National Park. Plus, there are plenty of wild cross country trails if you are the more adventurous type.
Explosions of Fall Foliage
Leaf peepers crowd Vermont during the Fall. But still, it's worth braving the traffic jams for the explosions of yellow, red and purple on the maples, cherry, oak and birch trees. However, autumn in Vermont is much more than color. It's the cold invigorating wind in the dry leaves and the flights of Canadian geese.
There are secluded places like the Robert Frost Memorial Drive where you can enjoy the colors and magic of Fall away from the crowds, among picturesque beaver ponds and gurgling streams, all in Green Mountain National Park.
Scenic Driving
Green Mountain National Park is a dream to drive through. Well-traveled routes include Bingo Road which follows a mountain stream, the Robert Frost Memorial Drive which shows you some of the beautiful spots that inspired Robert Frost and Danby Road with its picnic sites. What a wonderful way to spend the day before getting back to your cozy Jamaica Inn!