Trail Around Middlebury

The full Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) loop is approximately 16 to 18 miles long. While it can be completed as a long day hike, many people choose to tackle it in sections. The estimated duration for the entire loop is around 4 hours and 24 minutes of moving time, but this can vary significantly based on your pace and how often you stop.

The TAM offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter quiet hardwood forests, open fields, meadows, and even some residential corridors. Surfaces vary from packed earth and dirt to gravel, crushed stone, and occasional paved sections. The trail also follows Otter Creek, crossing it at points, including a notable suspension bridge. Some parts even pass through working farmland and cow pastures. Expect gentle hills and occasional steeper grades, particularly around Chipman Hill.

The trail provides beautiful and varied scenery, including idyllic forests, pastures, and views of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west. Otter Creek and its ravines are a significant highlight. You might spot wildlife like deer, foxes, waterfowl, and various birds. Notable points of interest include the Trail Around Middlebury (Battell Woods Section), Middlebury Falls, and the Middlebury College Quad. Educational kiosks along the route also highlight local ecology.

The TAM is open year-round, offering different experiences in each season. Spring brings lush greenery but can also mean muddy sections. Summer is popular for its warm weather. Fall showcases stunning foliage. In winter, specific sections are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though you should be prepared for icy patches. For the most comfortable hiking conditions, late spring, summer, and early fall are generally ideal.

The trail encircles the town of Middlebury and has numerous access points, making it easy to find parking. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, you can generally find parking near the various entry points around town, including those near Middlebury College or public parks that connect to the trail.

Yes, the Trail Around Middlebury is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through residential areas, near wildlife, or through sections that traverse working farmland or cow pastures. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

No, you do not need a permit or have to pay an entrance fee to access the Trail Around Middlebury. The trail is managed by the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) and utilizes public lands, conserved properties, and the generous permission of private landowners, making it freely accessible to the public.

Yes, the TAM is generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for a wide range of abilities, including beginners and families. While the full loop is a long day hike, its many access points allow you to choose shorter, easier segments. Sections like the Jeffrey Murdock Nature Preserve trail or the Johnson Trail are specifically noted as easy, perfect for a leisurely stroll with children.

Yes, the Trail Around Middlebury integrates with and crosses several other paths. For instance, sections of the route overlap with the MTB TAM, the North Country National Scenic Trail (VT), and various smaller local trails like the Red Kelly Trail and the Colin O’Neil Class of ’97 Trail. This connectivity allows for extended exploration or alternative routes.

The TAM is unique for its exceptional community integration and diverse experience. It links hundreds of acres of public land, conserved properties, schools, and local landmarks, making it a vital community asset. You'll experience a remarkable variety of landscapes—from dense woods and open fields to riverside paths and mountain views—all within a single loop. Its year-round accessibility for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, coupled with its role in conservation efforts by MALT, truly sets it apart.