Durfee Hill Management Area is a protected natural area in southern Vermont offering diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting across its rugged forested terrain.
Durfee Hill Management Area covers over 1,200 acres of forested hills and wetlands in Windham County, Vermont. The landscape is characterized by mixed hardwood and conifer forests, steep ridges, and several small streams that contribute to local watersheds. The area plays an important role in regional conservation efforts by providing habitat for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and numerous bird species. Historically, the land was used for timber and small-scale farming before being acquired for conservation and managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Visitors enjoy seasonal activities such as hiking on informal trails and old logging roads, wildlife watching, and during hunting season, the area is open for regulated hunting, which helps maintain healthy wildlife populations. Though it lacks developed facilities, Durfee Hill provides a quiet natural experience with limited crowds, making it ideal for solitude and nature study. The area's forested hillsides offer scenic views of the Deerfield River valley and the surrounding Green Mountain foothills. It is a valuable resource for local outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore less-developed wild spaces in southern Vermont.
Views from Durfee Hill summit overlooking Deerfield River valley
Diverse wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, and black bear
Quiet, undeveloped forestland offering solitude
Network of old logging roads and informal hiking routes
A ridge-top vantage point providing expansive views of the surrounding valley and forested hills.
A varied forest community supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal species.
Small streams flowing through the management area that sustain aquatic life and wetland ecosystems.