Length: 1.2 mile loop
Feature: Poetry, Views
Max. Elevation Change: 30 feet
USGS maps: East Middlebury Quad
Amount of use: Heavy
Hiking level: Easy
Average hike time: 30 - 45 minutes
Use restrictions: No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles
This trail is a National Recreation Trail that commemorates Robert Frost’s poetry; several of his poems are mounted along the trail in the woods and fields. 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 trail is an easy walk, and the first 0.3 miles across a beaver pond boardwalk out to the South Branch of the Middlebury River is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.
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.
Food and Services: Middlebury restaurants and fuel stations
For all Emergencies: 911
911 Information: The trailhead is in the Town of Ripton on Route 125