We love getting out into the great outdoors and Vermont offers an unmatched beauty during the fall. The sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch trees are stunning, and the landscape in the fall makes our area an explorer’s paradise. In Fall Hiking Part 1, we highlighted the TAM right here in Middlebury. However, there are plenty more in the area that provide gorgeous foliage views. The nearby town of Bristol is incredibly charming and offers more hiking for all abilities.
Bristol is only 20 minutes away from our inn in Middlebury and a great place to get outdoors. There are several trails and areas to choose from, ranging from short to moderate to strenuous. If you are looking for an easy stroll, check out Sycamore Park south of town. Here, you will find a ½ mile of trails that go through the park and along the river. Another easy place is Bristol Cliffs Wilderness, which involves a ½-mile loop to Beaver Pond starting at the parking area at the top of York Hill.
The Watershed Center Trails provide a slightly longer but still pretty easy hike. This is a 4-mile round trip trek that includes some hills and takes you through fields and woods and next to ponds and streams. There is also the Plank Road Walk that starts at Burpee Road and heads west for a 4-mile round trip loop. On this trek, you’ll get a great view of the majestic Adirondack mountains.
For those of you looking for a challenge, try the 3-mile round trip loop at Bristol Ledges. It is best to park on Main Street and then walk to the trailhead. Go left on Mountain Street and then right on Mountain Terrace where at the end will be a jeep road up the hill. You can climb up the road or take a steep shortcut path to the top where you’ll see spectacular views of the town below.
Come out and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer at this time of year. Swift House Inn is the perfect home away from home with all of the amenities needed to escape and relax. Have dinner with us after your day of physical activity and cozy up next to a fire. Book your fall getaway today!
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