The Lewis Deane Nature Preserve is an 85-acre lot on the east side of Lake St. Catherine. It was donated to Green Mountain College in 2002 by Bill and Linda Osborne of Poultney, but when GMC closed in 2019, the preserve returned to the Osbornes. The preserve is used by students and the community for education, research, and outdoor experiences.
The trails at the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve lead through the forest and over ledges to the beautiful views from the vista on St. Catherine Mountain. The Yellow Trail, which was the original trail to the viewpoint, is steep one-mile jaunt with rocky sections that can be slippery when wet. The Green Trail is slightly longer at 1.25 miles and switchbacks up the slope to make for an easier hike. The trails can be combined to make a loop or used as out-and-backs.
Please note that there is an unbridged stream crossing at the beginning of the trails. When the water is low, it is possible to hop across the stream on rocks. However, when the water is high it is not possible to cross without getting your feet wet.
All visitors to the preserve are asked to follow these guidelines:
For more information about the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve, visit the Slate Valley Trails website or contact:
Loon and Otter LodgeFrom Poultney, head southwest on VT-30 for 3.1 miles. Turn left on Endless Brook road and proceed for 0.8 miles. The gravel parking area will be on the right across the road from Slate Valley Trail's Endless Brook Trailhead, and just past Toad Hall, but before the driveway for The Loon and Otter Lodge.
This trail crosses one or more streams or rivers without a bridge. At low water levels, it may be possible to hop across the stream. However, at high water levels, it may be necessary to ford the stream.
For tips on how to safely ford a stream, click here.
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