Trail Around Middlebury

The Trail Around Middlebury is generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty. While it includes gentle hills and occasional steeper grades, much of the terrain is manageable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. The full loop is a significant distance, but you can choose shorter sections for a more leisurely experience.

The trail offers a diverse landscape, winding through quiet hardwood forests, open meadows, and residential areas. You'll traverse wooded paths, sometimes with rocky outcrops, and follow along the scenic Otter Creek. Notable sections include the Johnson Trail with its pond and restored wetland, and Wright Park, which features a network of trails. You can also enjoy views of the Green Mountains to the east and even glimpses of the Adirondack Mountains to the west.

As you hike, you'll encounter several interesting features. Highlights include the Alumni Stadium - Black Panther Statue, the historic Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, and the picturesque Belden Falls and Suspension Bridges. The trail also utilizes a former ski area on Chipman Hill, where remains of a ski jump can still be found, and passes educational kiosks offering insights into local ecology.

The Trail Around Middlebury is designed with multiple access points around the town, making it easy to join the loop from various locations. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, its integration with town parks and areas suggests parking is available at these points. This flexibility allows you to choose a starting point convenient for your desired section of the trail.

Yes, the Trail Around Middlebury is dog-friendly. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors with their canine companions. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to help maintain the trail for everyone.

No, you do not need a permit or have to pay an entrance fee to access the Trail Around Middlebury. It's a publicly accessible resource, maintained for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike, thanks in part to the generous permission of private landowners.

The trail is open year-round, offering different experiences with each season. Spring brings new growth and active wetlands, while summer is ideal for longer hikes. Fall is particularly popular for its vibrant foliage. Winter offers a quiet, snowy landscape, though be prepared for potentially icy patches. Spring thaw can lead to muddy sections, so appropriate footwear is recommended during that time.

The diverse habitats along the Trail Around Middlebury support a variety of wildlife. You might spot deer, foxes, and numerous songbirds. The Johnson Trail section, with its pond and restored wetland, is particularly good for observing waterfowl and muskrats.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail (VT) and the MTB TAM. It also incorporates many smaller, local paths and segments, such as the Jackson Trail and the Red Kelly Trail, offering a rich network of interconnected routes.

The Trail Around Middlebury is well-suited for beginners and families due to its multiple access points and generally easy to moderate terrain. You can choose shorter, flatter segments for a leisurely stroll. The sections passing through parks like Wright Park or near the Johnson Trail's pond offer accessible and scenic options for all skill levels.

The full loop is approximately 27.4 kilometers (about 17 miles) and typically takes around 7 to 8 hours to complete as a continuous hike. However, with multiple access points, you can easily break it into shorter, more manageable sections, allowing you to tailor your hiking time to your preference.