This designated National Recreation Trail commemorates Robert Frost’s poetry; several of his poems are mounted along the trail in the woods and fields in locations relevant to the text. Blueberries and huckleberries grow in an old field at the far end of the trail. The Forest Service maintains all of the old fields along this trail with prescribed fire to preserve the scenic, open appearance of the area.
The first loop is an accessible, 4+ foot wide boardwalk with only slight slopes and cross slopes and frequent accessible benches. It travels across a beaver pond boardwalk out to the beautiful South Branch of the Middlebury River and is suitable for wheelchairs. The surface leading to the boardwalk is 5 feet wide and surfaced with packed gravel.
The trail on the other side of the river is at least 4 feet wide with a surface of forest floor and stonedust. Although this section of trail does not meet ADA standards, it is typically 4 feet wide and hard packed. The maximum slope on the far end of the meadow is 8% for a short run (approximately 30 feet); trail switchbacks help with navigating this section. There are fewer rest spots in the meadow but a few accessible benches provide a place to enjoy the birds, wildlife, and sounds of the river.
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 8/23/2024
Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.
No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles are allowed on these trails.
Please check current trail and road closures in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Visit Green Mountain National Forest online for more information or contact:
From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to where it intersects with Route 125. Travel east on Route 125 for 5.8 miles. The parking area is on the right.
From Rochester, travel north on Route 100 to its intersection with Route 125. Travel west on Route 125 for 9.9 miles. The parking area is on the left.
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