Outdoor enthusiasts can explore rolling hills, babbling streams, and breathtaking waterfalls. Vermont an ideal location for bicycling, hiking, fly fishing, and swimming, our most popular summer activities. Just a short drive up the mountain from downtown Middlebury, you can reach the Green Mountain National Forest and the Moosalamoo Wilderness Area.
Centrally located at a junction of state routes, Middlebury is just an hour’s drive from most of Vermont’s most popular tourist attractions. Check out the Shelburne Museum, Mount Independence, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and Ben and Jerry’s factory tour.
UVM Morgan Horse Farm
World famous home of 60 registered Morgan horses operated by University of Vermont to perpetuate and improve Vermont’s official state animal. Guided tours and video presentation. May 1 through October 31, daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m (Tours 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Admission: Adults $8.00, 5 – 17 years $5.00, under five are free.
Located only two miles from downtown Middlebury. 802-388-2011.
Chimney Point Historical Site
Early Native American campsites and French Colonial Settlement. Museum explores this heritage through to the present day. May 23 – October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily Addison, VT. 802-759-2412.
Mount Independence
Revolutionary War fort site named for the Declaration of Independence. Remains of stockade, fort’s foundation, block houses, gun batteries, and hospital. May 23 to October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. daily. Located in Orwell, VT. 802-948-2000
Rokeby Museum
Home of four generations of the Robinson Family, known for their sheep farm and boarding house but more importantly for being abolitionists. A major stop on the Underground Railroad. Open May though October, daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Just outside of Vergennes in Ferrisburgh. 802-877-3406.
Fort Ticonderoga Ferry
Enjoy a Lake Champlain boat ride, shortcut between the Green Mountains and New York Adirondack mountains. Daylight operation. Continuous 7 minute crossings. Since 1787. Larrabee’s Point, Shoreham, VT Route 74. 802-897-7999.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
A complete history and archaeological record of Lake Champlain with collections, a working forge, and a 54-foot replica of the Philadelphia Revolutionary War gunboat. Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., May through October. Located in Vergennes, VT 802-475-2022.
Biking
The rolling hills and country back roads of the Champlain Valley make Middlebury’s location the ideal spot for Vermont biking tours.
The terrain and distance can accommodate the novice to the more-advanced rider. If you want a significant challenge, head up to the mountain gaps, which are not far, but are steep and gut busting. Most riders stick to the valley and visit the small villages and lakes while passing by the numerous farms.
Many and varied loop rides of almost any distance start right from the front door of our bed and breakfast, Swift House Inn. When returning from your day of biking in Vermont, enjoy the sauna or steam room and relax in a lawn chair with a book. Then, have a fabulous dinner in Jessica’s Restaurant or wander the two blocks to town for another option. We have safe storage for your bike. If you need a rental, there is a shop in town. If you want a supported and guided biking or hiking trip, check the companies below; we highly recommend them!
Frog Hollow Bikes
Kids and adult bicycles. Repairs, rentals, and camping equipment. Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Located at 74 Main Street. 802-388-6666.
Country Inns along the Trail
Offering customized self-guided Inn to Inn hiking or bicycling vacations through the mountains or valleys of Vermont. 802-247-3300
VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Local guides take guests through the rolling countryside of Vermont while telling you about the sites and history of our state. 800-245-3868
Sojourn Bicycling and Active Vacations
Specializing in customized self-guided or leader-guided bicycling vacations through Vermont. 802-425-4771
Other companies we partner with: Wilderness Voyageurs, Macs Adventure, Discovery Bicycle Tours
Hiking
Vermont hiking is a natural fit here in Middlebury. The town’s Trail Around Middlebury, known as the TAM, is an 18-mile trail with many great short section options. The trail goes over Chipman Hill and along Otter Creek with beautiful views of Belden Falls and meandering stretches of fields, woods, and river. The trail is accessible not far from our door.Higher up in the Moosalamoo Wilderness is the famous mile-long Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, the Long Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. The Green Mountain National Forest and Wilderness Area have numerous trailheads at which to park and wander for an hour or a day. There are some short excursions that take you to great views and beautiful lakes. After a day of hiking the trails, soak your tired feet in your in-room jetted tub, enjoy dinner at Jessica’s Restaurant, and then watch the setting sun from an Adirondack chair.
Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
20 minutes East of Middlebury just off of Route 125, near Middlebury College Snow Bowl.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
20 minutes East of Middlebury just off of Route 125.
Texas Falls
25 minutes East of Middlebury just off of Route 125.
The Long Trail
20 minutes East of Middlebury just off of Route 125.
Fly fishing
The fly fishing in Vermont is one of those under-published gems for which New England is known. Vermont is abundant with mountain streams, saddle ponds, and “off-the-beaten-path” stretches of river that you can’t find on any map or see from any road. These are the spots that few Vermonters even know about, where fly fishing in Vermont is at its best.
With a little effort, you could be casting for fish that haven’t seen a line all season. Within a short distance from the Inn, there are several streams and rivers that can be rewarding for those of any ability. Fish and Game keeps many of them stocked, and there is always the opportunity for trophy trout.
Stream and Brook
The guides of Stream and Brook ensure a successful day of fishing and provide you with a list of whatever equipment you need. Stream and Brook takes great pride in the services they offer and the time they spend with guests on land and water. Regardless of your experience, first-time caster to seasoned veteran, they guarantee you an insightful and unique experience here in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Swimming
Big lakes, small lakes, streams, and rivers all make for numerous opportunities to swim while spending a summer vacation at Swift House Inn.
Lake Dunmore/Branbury State Park
Branbury State Park, located on Lake Dunmore, is the ideal lake beach. Spread your blanket on the lawn, grab a snack from the concession, dangle your toes in the water, and watch the kids splash in the cool lake. Go ahead and take a swim; it’s a little cool but always refreshing! This is a great place to swim after a hike up to Silver Lake.
10 to 20 minutes south of Middlebury off of Route 7.
Local Swimming Holes
How about a real “swimmin’ hole”, where the locals go? There are a few close by with cool mountain water, deep and shallow pools, and even some cliff diving for the brave. These picturesque spots are great areas for those of all ages. Take a lunch with you, sit on the rocks, explore the pools, and just enjoy the slow pace and experience what Vermont is all about. Our staff not only offers directions, but you might also see them swimming there!
Many are located nearby – ask us about our current favorites.
Middlebury College Natatorium
Middlebury. 802-453-5000.
Vermont Sun Sports and Fitness
Health and Fitness center with an indoor pool. 88 Exchange Street, Middlebury. 802-388-6888.