Local Attractions
This page is a locals guide to some of the fun things to do in Vermont. We are going to try and keep this updated by season.
Hiking Trails
The Ojala Trails
If you head out and take a right from the front door, head up towards the field above the dead cherry tree. Halfway along the stone wall is a break (just to the left of the large dead tree). There, you will find a trail that heads up into the woods. You can hike around back there. The left side of our property has posted signs from our neighbor, and the right has orange flags and posted signs.
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We have some really neat trees and meditation rocks that we have really enjoyed.
Goodrich Trail
The Goodrich Trail is one of my favorite hiking trails and riding with our horses. During the spring months, it can be pretty muddy. However, this trail will take you up and around Stewart Hill, and over to Repa Rd located in Underhill.
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To access the trail, head down Stewart Rd to Machia Hill. Take a right and head to the end of Machia Rd. Towards the end, you will come to an old farmhouse with a mill directly across, continue on, and you are now on Goodrich. As you head up, there is a cabin on your left, and the trail continues almost directly across the road on the right. If you're headed on horseback, there is a crazy hill that you can head up for hill climbs.
Schultz Trail to Covey Trail 5 ish Mile Loop
This is one of my favorite loops to run. Unfortunately, the water crossing on the schultz trail is very challenging for horses. But this trail is great for foot and pup traffic. Head down Stewart Rd and take a right to access the Schultz trail from our house. Schultz trail is the left trail after you pass a large brown house sitting up off the road. When you get to the end of Schultz trail you will end up on Old Number 11. You can take this to a 4 way stop with Covey Rd. If you take a left onto Covey Rd, you can follow this back and follow Covey trail to Stoney Ridge. Stoney Ridge will come out on Osgood Hill Rd. At the bottom of Stoney take a left turn. Go past the Blue house and take a left up Machia Rd. From there you'll be able to see Stewart Rd at the top of the hill.
Westford Elementary Trails & Maple Shade Town Forest
These trails are trails my kiddos have enjoyed. During the winter, they groom some of them for Nordic skiing. The trail maps can be found on the Westford Town Website here.
Skiing
Smugglers Notch
Smuggs (as referred to by Vermonter's) is a great family ski area. There is both a nordic center and ski trails. Sir Patrick Sledding Hill is a great hill that has a magic carpet for beginner skiers.
Cochran's Ski Area
Cochran's has a really neat history. My grandfather, an engineer for GE, wanted to find a place to put a rope tow in his backyard. In the 60s, he and my grandmother purchased the property we now know as Cochrans Ski Area. From there, he helped coach my mom and her siblings to become Olympians. And in 1972, my mom took home a gold medal. Forty-nine years later, my brother was competing in Austria, and he had a horrible accident and broke his neck. A year later, he added to the family medals and brought home a silver medal.
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If you decide to visit Cochrans and take a day or two of skiing, let me know, and I will compliment your stay with lift tickets.
Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Bolton is a fun ski area that is located south on Rte 2. This is a local fan favorite. It has a great terrain range and a tavern to warm up in for apres ski. Furthermore, they offer night skiing a few time during the week.
Towns to Visit
Essex
Essex is the closest city located to the house. You can find coffee shops, hardware store, Outdoor Gear Exchange and a few grocery stores (Hanafords & Price Chopper). There are also a number of local restaurants located in Essex and then down the road towards the 5-corners of Essex Junction.
Richmond
Richmond is a fun little town. There are several restaurants and a neat park located on Bridge St. A fun small town to walk around in.
Waterbury
If you head south on I89 one exit, you'll come to Waterbury. Waterbury is a quaint town with all of the amenities you would expect. Ben & Jerry's factory is one of the main tourist attractions in Waterbury. There are also many delicious restaurants, including Hen of the Wood and Prohibition Pig. There are also local sports shops.