Groton State Forest: Nature Center Hiking Trails

This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
This trail system is currently PARTIALLY OPEN. See Trail Alerts tab for details.
Trails from the Nature Center travel through diverse forests and wetlands and provide interesting and peaceful hiking opportunities
Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing
Length
7.30 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Groton (VT), Peacham (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder, Grass/Meadow, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No
Other Activities
Mountain biking

Description

TRAIL CLOSURE:

Please note a portion of the Peacham Bog Loop Trail, between the Little Loop and Coldwater Brook Road, is currently closed, due to needed repairs to the bridge.

The second largest contiguous land holding of the State of Vermont, Groton State Forest protects 26,000 acres of forests, ponds and bogs. Visitors can enjoy dispersed recreation on trails and at campsites and campgrounds throughout the forest. 

The Nature Center provides access to trails south of Osmore Pond including a nature trail and the Peacham Bog Loop. Hikers can also connect north to access Osmore Pond and Big and Little Deer Mountains.

Groton Nature Trail - This self-guided nature trail travels through diverse woods. An accompanying trail guide booklet is available at the Nature Center and at the Stillwater State Park Office.

Little Loop Trail -  A short loop that includes a short spur to an overlook of a wetland. The Little Loop trail also provides access to the Peacham Bog Loop.

Peacham Bog Loop - Leaving from the Little Loop Trail, this longer, moderate trail travels through many forests types and past a beaver dam. Two miles east of the Little Loop Trail, there is a short spur to a viewing platform on the Peacham Bog, one of the largest bogs in Vermont. Please use caution at the bog as the vegetation is fragile and sensitive to trampling. In order to make a loop, hikers need to turn right onto Coldwater Brook Road on their return, the left where Peacham Bog Loop crossed the road.

Hosmer Brook Trail - This trail follows Hosmer Brook north toward Osmore Pond and goes over some rocky sections. From the intersection with the Osmore Pond hiking loop, hikers can access trails for Big and Little Deer Mountains or hike around Osmore Pond.

Other Information

  • Hiking trails are marked with blue blazes
  • Forest boundaries are marked with orange blazes
  • Overnight camping and fires are allowed only at designated sites
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Carry out what you carry in
  • Keep pets on leash at all times
  • Horses and bicycles are allowed only on multi-use trails
  • Leave all wildflowers and plants for others to enjoy in their natural environment

Trail Manager

Visit VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation online for more information or contact:

VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 5: St. Johnsbury District

VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 5: St. Johnsbury District
374 Emerson Falls Road
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 751-0136
Luke.OBrien@vermont.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know how to choose and use your gear for each trip, factoring in the terrain and conditions.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

Turn south on VT-232 1.2 miles west of Marshfield on US-2. Proceed for 8.2 miles. Turn left on Boulder Beach Road. After 1.6 the driveway for the Groton Nature Center will be on the left. Park in the Nature Center lot.  

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
victor c. capelli
August 29, 2024
All dogs should not be allowed. They are a disruptive ecological influence that scares away nesting birds and wildlife.
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Trail Alerts

Trails
Closure for Maintenance
One or more trails in this system are currently closed to the public for maintenance. Please check back and enjoy the improved trail once work is done.
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