Dorset, Vermont

Of the 10 trails at The Merck, The Wildlife Trail is a great hike through the forest that offers you the best way to see wildlife, streams and tracks. You can do the whole hike as a loop in about 2-2 1/2 hours or shorten it up with some shortcuts if you just want a quick hike. Great for family ...

The Lye Brook Falls Trail is a 4.7 mile hike through scenic trails just outside of Manchester Center, Vermont. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to go is during spring blooms or to see the fall colors. This hike is family friendly and fun for all ages. Dogs are allowed on this trail...

Looking for the best view in all of Poultney, Vermont? Look no further than Lake St. Catherine Mountain. Located within Deane's Nature Preserve, this fast and easy hike tops as one of the best views and camping spots for the little time and energy needed to reach the summit. Only 30-45 minutes fr...

This 1.6 mile round trip hike starts from the Ice Beds parking lot in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont.  The trailhead is close to the parking lot entrance, following the blue-blazed trail.  Be sure to read the signs, as the far trailhead is a hike to the cliffs, not the ice beds. Af...

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids.  Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in...

The hike to Hamilton Falls is an enjoyable 6.8 miles roundtrip voyage through gorgeous forest scenery alongside a babbling brook. Be sure to visit the upper and lower falls! This trail is kid and dog friendly, so why not bring both?! If you are visiting the falls in the summer, bring a towel and ...

A great loop for the summer, Woodford is also amazing when winter winter comes to the State Park. It also comes earlier than just about anywhere else in Southern Vermont. At 2,400 feet above sea level, this is an easy spot to find winter without spending a fortune at the local ski resorts. Woodfo...

The trail head (Bucklin Trail) is found a couple of miles up Wheelerville Road on the left. Wheerlerville is a dirt road that will be muddy in the spring and summer. The drive is long enough that you will think you did something wrong, but you haven't! the trail head will eventually pop up.The tr...

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails and walking paths that meander more than 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens. The best way to explore these enchanting trails is to pack a picnic and lace up your hiking boots for a full-day ramble. ...

Black Mountain is located on the Eastern side of Lake George and is the tallest mountain above Lake George. The trailhead is located on Pike Brook Road (off from Hulett's Rd, Route 6) in Clemons, NY. The parking area is about one mile up Pike Brook Road, on the right.This hike to Black Mountain i...

The hike to beautiful Shelving Rock Falls is only a half mile and well worth the side trip if visiting the east side of Lake George.  Shelving Rock Road, the road to the parking area, is long, winding, and unpaved, but maintained pretty well and passable in a sedan. You'll want to take the road a...

The trailhead for Shelving Rock Mountain has enough room for about five cars but additional parking can be found on the road leading to it. Be sure to sign the log book and begin the hike by passing around the "stop" car barrier.The trail starts off following a small stream (on your right) but yo...

The hike to Thundering Brook Falls is kid friendly and fun for the whole family. At only .4 miles roundtrip, this is an excellent quick workout. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail is hiked year-round but is best used in the spring, summer, or during fall colors. 

This route to the top of Mount Ascutney is completed via the Weathersfield Trail. This trail goes past gorgeous Cascade Falls - often frozen in the winter months. There is a great spot to eat lunch at the top of Mount Ascutney to the side of the hang glider landing. While the summit itself does n...

Once you drive onto N. Long Pond Road you will follow it appproximately 1.5 miles to the end. From the parking you can take the short walk back on the road to the start of the trail. The trail is actually a rough Fire Tower Road. You will follow this for about 1.3 miles. Here you will see a se...

There are a few ways to approach these two peaks. We chose to do a traverse using two vehicles.Starting at Edgecomb Pond Rd you will park along the road. There will be a sign and yellow discs directing you to the start of the trail. The first 0.4 miles is following a dirt road. You will then ...