Green Mountain National Forest (southern boundary) Adventures
The southern boundary of Green Mountain National Forest provides diverse outdoor recreation opportunities across rugged terrain, dense hardwood forests, and scenic river corridors in southern Vermont. It offers hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and access to quieter, less crowded forest areas.
About Green Mountain National Forest (southern boundary)
Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) covers approximately 400,000 acres in Vermont, with its southern boundary extending near the towns of Bennington, Marlboro, and Brattleboro. This region is characterized by rolling hills and mountains, including parts of the Taconic and Green Mountains, with elevations varying from roughly 500 to over 3,000 feet. The area supports a mixed northern hardwood forest, featuring sugar maples, yellow birch, beech, and stands of conifers such as red spruce and balsam fir at higher elevations. Wildlife includes black bear, white-tailed deer, moose, and a variety of migratory birds. Historically, the southern reaches of the GMNF were shaped by small-scale farming, logging, and early settlement, leaving a mosaic of second-growth forests and open areas.
Recreational opportunities along the southern boundary include extensive hiking trails, such as portions of the Appalachian Trail, backcountry camping, fishing in streams like the West River, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Scenic overlooks and quieter wilderness pockets attract nature enthusiasts seeking serene landscapes. Notable features near the southern line include the Hapgood Pond area and parts of the West River Trail system. This portion of the forest is popular for its accessibility from nearby towns and its combination of natural beauty and outdoor activity options, drawing visitors who prefer a less developed forest experience compared to the northern sections.
Highlights
Appalachian Trail crossing the southern boundary with scenic forested ridgelines
Hapgood Pond Recreation Area offering fishing and quiet camping
West River Trail corridor with historic railroad grade converted to hiking and biking use
Remote backcountry areas that provide solitude and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities
Notable Natural Features
Hapgood Pond
A small, quiet pond with accessible campsites and fishing opportunities near the southern edge of the forest.
West River Trail
A multi-use trail following an old railroad bed along the West River, popular for hiking, biking, and scenic views.
Appalachian Trail Southern Section
This nationally renowned long-distance trail passes through the southern boundary, crossing scenic ridges and hardwood forests.