Vermont has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
These links were found through Internet search. I would love some first-hand information. With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.
Federal
State
Local
Private
Miscellaneous
Federal
Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
“The 16,212-acre Finger Lakes National Forest lies on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. ”
“The Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) encompasses more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont.”
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests’ Supervisor’s Office is located in Rutland, VT. The Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont has Ranger Stations in Manchester and Rochester, VT. The Finger Lakes National Forest in New York has a Ranger Station in Hector, NY.Here is the Forests’ website. Supervisor’s Phone 802-747-6700. Manchester Ranger Station phone 802-362-2307. Rochester Ranger Station phone 802-767-4261. Hector Ranger Station phone 607-546-4470.
Thundering Falls Trail Guide 900′ of boardwalk in the Appalachian Trail leading to the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. In Green Mountain National Forest near Killington.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail The first 0.3 miles across a beaver pond boardwalk to the South Branch of the Middlebury River is accessible for wheelchairs. The 1.2 mile loop trail is an “easy walk” . Trail guide and map.
? South Slope Trail 0.75 mile “The trail passes through hardwood and conifer stands and crosses a small stream. It is a primitive trail with plank boardwalk over wet areas. ” It is classified as easy. Call the Hector Ranger Station to be sure.Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
“The 6,729-acre refuge includes most of the Missisquoi River delta where it flows into Missisquoi Bay. The refuge consists of quiet waters and wetlands which attract large flocks of migratory birds. Upland areas of the refuge are a mix of open fields and a hardwood forest…”
Here is the Refuge website. Phone 802-868-4781 Brochure Trails Brochure
This is flat country and these trails seem to be easy from the web descriptions. Be sure to check with the refuge to be sure they are suitable for you.
Old Railroad Passage Trail 3 miles round trip. “You’ll pass through Maquam Bog—home to rare and unique plant species such as rhodera, pitch pine and the state threatened Virginia chain fern. The trail ends at Maquam Bay, which provides habitat for waterfowl and other water birds.
Black Creek and Maquam Creek Nature Trails 2.5 miles round trip. “…you pass through fields that provide cover for small mammals and nesting habitat for birds, wooded lowland where you may see deer, beaver, leopard frogs, squirrels and rabbits, forest openings that provide habitat for woodcock, and wetlands providing habitat for waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians—especially frogs.
Stephen J. Young Marsh Observation Platform and Trail 1.25 mile loop. A freshwater wetland
Discovery Trail 1 mile loop. Trail goes “…past ponds, through fields and into the woods to the edge of the Maquam Bog. Walk along oak islands and boardwalks for an opportunity to see deer, red fox, coyote, songbirds and birds of prey.”Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge
“This refuge is comprised of over 36,000 acres within parts of the four watershed states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut….
The refuge includes nine divisions and nine units that represent a wide variety of unique habitats such as: northern forest valuable as nesting habitat for migrant thrushes, warblers and other birds; rivers and streams used by shad, salmon, herring and other migratory fishes; and an internationally significant complex of high-quality tidal fresh, brackish and salt marshes. Many opportunities exist for visitors to explore the diverse landscapes of the Connecticut River watershed.”
Brochure Here is the Refuge website. Thank you to S. M. Burk for sending a correction for the link.
A one-mile long, universally accessible birding and natural trail is located at the Fort River division.
Vermont
Mollie Beattie Bog boardwalk. is a 200 foot self-guided interpretive trail.New Hampshire
Mud Pond Trail 0.6 mile
State
Vermont State Parks
Here is the website for information on the over 30 Vermont State Parks open until mid-October. Searchable map of Vermont State Parks. You can select amenities such as “trails” or “universal access” to narrow the search. There are links to each state park.
Vermont State Parks Hiking Trails This site lists the trails and gives maps for each state park. Length, estimated hiking time, trail difficulty and whether or not a trail is considered “kid-friendly” is given for each trail. Here is the same information on a printable PDF.
Nature Trails in Vermont State Parks Descriptions of six short interpretive nature trails. Accessibility is not addressed.
Accessibility in Vermont Sate ParksBrighton State Park
“The outstanding attraction of this area is its remoteness: mountains with tree-covered slopes, fast running streams, and clear lakes. “
Here is the Park website. Phone 802-723-4360 Campground Map & Guide
Boreal Forest Trail 0.4 mileEasy walking trails include Red Pine Trail .33 mi., Main Trail .5 mi., Logger’s Loop .25 mi., and Shore Trail .40 mi. Call ahead to determine if these trails are easy enough for your capability.Camel’s Hump State Park
“Camel’s Hump State Park does not have an entrance or office. It spans five towns and can be accessed from numerous undeveloped parking lots and trails.”
Here is the Park website. Phone 802-879-6565 Map
Camel’s Hump View Trail This loop is 0.8 mile long and ADA complaint. It is “wide and flat, and has three viewing spots to the summit of Camel’s Hump – it’s perfect for small kids and elders.”Elmore State Park
Elmore State Park includes Lake Elmore and Elmore Mountain.
Here is the Park website. Phone 802-888-2982 Map and Guide
? Mountain Brook Nature Trail is 0.5 mile and said to be easy. Call ahead to be sure.
? Beaver Trail is mentioned by VisitNewEngland®.com which says it is 0.5 mile and easy. However, this trail is not shown on the Campground Map & Guide.Groton State Forest
“Groton State Forest is home to seven state parks, the Groton Nature Center, and eight lakes and ponds. Groton State Forest is also home to several state-designated natural areas, such as Peacham Bog Natural Area (748 acres) and Lords Hill Natural Area (25 acres). ”
Here is the Forest website. Phone Nature center at 802-584-3827 or try 617-642-5740
Kettle Pond ADA trail to boat launch is “short”. The “easy” walk around the pond is 3.1 miles, but the south end is described as rocky and wet.
Groton Nature Trail 0.6 mile. A self-guided nature trail through diverse woods from the Nature Center. There are several other short, easy trails in Groton State Forest, which includes seven state parks. Check with the Nature Center for more information.Jamaica State Park
“Jamaica State Park is located on a bend of the West River about one-half mile from the center of the town of Jamaica.”
Here is the Park website. Phone 802-874-4600 Trails Guide
West River Trail The 2 miles from the park entrance to Cobb Bridge are universally-accessible. The whole rail-trail is 16 miles. The trail meanders along the West River, following the old bed of the West River Railroad.Waterbury Center State Park
Waterbury State Park is located on a 90-acre peninsula and contains picnic and paddle-to campsites, a swimming beach, a nature trail and two accessible fishing platforms.
Here is the Park website. Phone 802-244-1226 They are closed in the winter. Map and Guide
Peninsula Nature Trail 0.5 mile was made universally accessible in 2010. It now includes two accessible fishing platforms. Call ahead to be sure of this trail. The website is a bit confusing.
Local
City of Lebanon Phone 603-448-5121
Riverfront Trail at Riverside Park Pavilion & Skatepark Trail length is not given.
Alana Cole Conservation Area has an easy 0.5 mile trail Map & Guide
“…on the banks of the Connecticut River. It is an out-and-back trail, with a river loop at the outer end, all in the woods. At the far end of the loop, there are nice views of the river and some log benches.Middlebury Area Land Trust
“We have created nearly 30 miles of trails to make a complete loop around Middlebury with 2 bridges that span Otter Creek, and a spur trail heading to Snake Mountain. We are working with the National Park Service and North Country Trail Association to connect the TAM with the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Long Trail. We have conserved over 3,500 acres of land, farms, forests, wetlands and recreational areas. We hold 22 easements and own four properties and one façade easement.”
Here is the Land Trust’s website. Phone 802-388-1007
Otter View Park 0.5 mile “Otter View Park is 16 acres of wetlands, scenic vistas, and opportunities to view wildlife. The primary walking path at the park is universally accessible and the boardwalk is ADA-accessible.”Stowe
The city of Stowe maintains the Stowe Recreation Path, “… an internationally recognized greenway stretching from Stowe Village to Top Notch Resort on the Mountain Road….The trailcriss-crosses the West Branch of Little River. Breath-taking mountain views and access to restaurants, lodges and local businesses make the bike path one of the most popular recreation assets in Stowe.”
Here is Stowe’s website. Stowe’s hiking website. Parks and Recreation phone 802-253-6148
“For more information on hiking in and around Stowe, contact us at 877-GO-STOWE for hiking maps and recommendations.”
Stowe Recreation Path 5.3 miles pavedRiverwalk 0.2 mile paved trail along the Little River. It is not listed as ADA, but certainly looks like it should be accessible. “Great views and easy terrain.”
Private
Equinox Preservation Trust
“Consisting of 914 acres on the slopes of Mt Equinox
in Manchester, the Trust “is the home to rare plants & varied wildlife, diversified woodlands, marble ledges, springs, wetlands and a pond. From the upper slopes, there are exceptional views.”
Here is the Trust website. Phone 802-366-1400 Trails Trail Map
Pond Loop 0.75 mile “Easy loop through beautiful hardwoods around Equinox Pond on a level woods road.”Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center
“Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, the 250-acre Green Mountain Audubon Center offers outstanding opportunities for exploration and discovery of the natural world of Vermont. Five miles of trails wind their way through a variety of natural communities including, northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and the Huntington River.”
Trail Map Phone 802-434-3068 Here is the Center website.
Sensory Trail 0.5? mile loop. Information on the internet about length and elevation vary widely and this trail does not appear on the trail map. Their office was closed when I called. Be sure to call in advance, Monday through Friday.Hazen’s Notch – High Ponds Farm
The High Ponds Farm in the Hazen’s Notch area of Montgomery, Vermont is a privately owned nature preserve that is open to the public on a limited basis.The non-profit Hazen’s Notch Association “maintains a network of 15 miles of trails and woods roads for hiking in Summer and Fall. These are part of a larger network of 40 miles of trails that are maintained in Winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Hazen’s Notch/Jay Peak area of northern Vermont. The trails pass through a variety of interesting habitats that include meadows, forests, orchards, and beaver ponds.”
Here is the Farm website. Here is a website for the Hazens’s Notch Association
Phone 802-326-4799 Trail Map (winter)
Beaver Ponds Trail – Distance not given. “The first section of the trail is almost completely flat from the parking area to the first beaver pond on the right. This pond is visible from the parking area. It is also a flat walk beyond this pond to the junction with the Window Rock Trail and for the next 100 meters to the wheel chair accessible bridge over Flood Brook.”Montshire Museum of Science
“The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on science museum in Norwich, Vermont. Located on a 100-acre site along the Connecticut River, the Museum offers over 150 exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The outdoor space includes miles of trails and David Goudy Science Park, which features water exhibits.
Here is their website. Phone 802-649-2200 Trails
Meadow Walk 0.3 mile “a demonstration plot for native grasses, an enriched riverside environment for birds and other animals, and the solar-powered Meadow Sounds Kiosk.”
River Loop Trail 0.8 mile “…winds along the Connecticut River.”Raven Ridge Natural Area
The Nature Conservancy’s Raven Ridge Natural Area, Moncton, Vermont has 15 diverse natural communities in its 365 acres. It is described as a “…craggy green oasis perched above a sea of civilization in the Champlain Valley. It remains a place where bobcats, ravens, and federally endangered Indiana bats find seclusion.” “The calcareous cliffs, outcrops and caves, vernal pools, shrub swamps, cattail marshes, seeps, plus streams like Lewis Creek, all offer extraordinary habitat. ” Thank you Lynn McNamara for alerting me to this accessible natural area.
Here is their website. Phone 802-229-4425
From Green Mountain Club: “Traveling a 935-foot accessible boardwalk to a 0.3-mile-long accessible trail gives you a chance to spot bats, bobcats, and rare plants.”
Miscellaneous
Eshqua Bog Natural Area
“Eshqua Bog is a botanical wonderland of cold-climate holdovers—small pockets of bog and a two acre fen—from the post-glacial era 10,000 years ago. This preserve contains a diverse array of bog and fen plants: labrador tea, cotton grass, pitcher plants, showy lady’s slippers, larches and buckbean. “
Here is the Area website. Nature Conservancy Phone 802-229-4425 or 802-884-8165
Handicap Accessible Boardwalk 460′The Green Mountain Club has a wonderful list with links of 19 wheelchair accessible Trails in Vermont.
Hike New England This marvelous, searchable website lists hikes in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island with information about difficulty, length, elevation gain, and features. There are maps and photos for many of the hikes. Using their Hike Finder, I did a search for Easy trails, 5 miles or less and came up with 51 trails! Be aware that Easy for them, might not be easy enough for you. Once you come up with a page for a sanctuary, park, forest, whatever, it would be wise to call for trail conditions.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists wheelchair accessible trails in Vermont.
The West River Trail
The WRT is a 36-mile scenic (former railbed) all-season trail through the West River Valley. When connected, sections of the trail will link Brattleboro, Dummerston, Newfane, Townshend, Jamaica and South Londonderry.
Here is a website for the trail. I don’t have a phone number for them. Here is the page with mailing addresses for inquiries.
Lower Section Map Map of Upper Section
Description of the Lower Section from trailfinder, “The trail is flat, well drained, and some sections have been surfaced with stone dust. It is popular with runners, bikers (mountain or hybrid bike recommended), families, and those seeking a leisurely stroll.”- Trail Finder This wonderful site lets you plug in your parameters to come up with names and information on trails in Vermont and the Upper Valley of New Hampshire. I put in “easy” and “wheelchair accessible” and brought up 25 trails in Vermont! “Easy” and “nature and interpretive” brought up 24 trails, two in New Hampshire.
Upper Valley Trails Alliance This helpful searchable website lists trails by town. There are descriptions and links to maps.