April 2020 Update - Parking remains available at Bowen Road. Please be mindful of conditions, and avoid using any sections of the trail that are wet. Upper sections are likely to be closed until conditions dry out – if so, signage will be placed on-site and notice provided to the community.
This 750 acre forest, owned by the Town of Waitsfield, includes waterfalls, headwater streams, a high elevation beaver pond, wildlife habitat, productive timberland, and more than one mile of undeveloped ridgeline along the Northfield Mountains. Town ownership of the land was made possible through generous donations of land and contributions used to establish and expand this town forest between 1991 and 2017. The Scrag Mountain Town Forest has been permanently conserved to protect its valuable natural resources and provide for diverse recreational opportunities.
This property offers short accessible trail options on the lower portion of the property. The longer, steeper Scrag Forest Trail leads to a beaver pond and wetland. Hikers on the Scrag Forest Trail, marked with yellow trail blazes, will pass a waterfall and observe sap collection lines used to produce maple syrup. Expansion of the trail network is planned.
Public ownership and conservation of portions of this land was made possible through the partnership and financial assistance of the US Forest Service’s Community Forest Program, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, the Town of Waitsfield and generous community members.
TOWN FOREST RULES
• Open dawn to dusk
• Carry-in / carry-out trash, personal items & dog waste
• No fires, camping, motorized vehicles, disposal of trash, cutting or removal of any vegetation (dead or alive), or trail alterations
This trail is part of the Mad River Valley Trails Collaborative.
The Collaborative is a watershed-wide network of lands and trails created through a partnership of local organizations, generous property owners, towns, the State of Vermont, the US Forest Service, and many volunteers. These trails reflect the Mad River Valley’s love of the outdoors and commitment to stewardship of land and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. Enjoy and help us care for this place. Click here to learn more and support recreation in the Mad River Valley.
For more information, contact:
From downtown Waitsfield, head southeast on Bridge Street for 0.4 miles. Take a slight right onto East Warren Road and proceed for 2.8 miles. Turn left onto Sherman Road. After 0.5 miles, turn left onto Bowen Road. Parking is available at the end of Bowen Road.
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