Snowshoeing in Vermont: Traversing the Upper Valley
With the holiday season fast approaching, many New Englanders are turning their attention to the upcoming winter sports season. Vermont itself remains one of North America’s most beloved skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing destinations, especially here in the tranquil, undeniably awe-inspiring Upper Valley, home to the historic Norwich Inn. Snowshoeing in Vermont’s rolling, densely-thicketed backcountry remains one of the most underrated ways to celebrate winter’s snowy arrival. Thus, in hopes of enhancing your upcoming getaway to The Norwich Inn, we’ve compiled 10 unique Upper Valley snowshoeing hubs, ranging from Connecticut River-side strolls to steep mountain climbs.
Snowshoeing in Vermont: 10 Unique Upper Valley Experiences
One of the most alluring aspects of snowshoeing in Vermont is that just about anyone can try it without much research. There’s never been a better time to explore new terrains. Oh, and sturdy pair of snowshoes have never been more inexpensive. Below, you’ll find 10 snowy wonderlands that are within minutes of The Norwich Inn. As you might expect, snowshoeing in Vermont is generally a free pursuit, leaving room in your wallet or purse for a King Arthur baking lesson, a brewery tour, or a trip to the Winter Market.
- Gile Mountain: Embark on a moderate climb en route to one of the Upper Valley’s many spellbinding overlooks.
- Appalachian Trail: While the Appalachian Trail spans nearly 2,200 miles, you’ll only need to leave time for two or three hours of glorious outland snowshoeing on this 3.3-mile excursion.
- Montshire’s Ridge: This easy-breezy ridge trail hugs the meandering western banks of the Connecticut River, just a few miles south of Norwich.
- Parcel 5 Loop: Parcel 5 is a lush, oft-overlooked forest loop worth revisiting.
- The Cornish Town Forest: In a rather quiet forest, only a few ticks southeast of the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, lies some of the truest snowshoeing trails in the Upper Valley.
- Hartland Winter Trails: Get ready for a half or full-day of well-groomed snowshoeing adventures. Hartland is home to approximately 20 kilometers of secluded wilderness.
- Boston Lot Lake: There’s never an offseason for recreation near Boston Lot Lake, a hidden gem sandwiched between Lebanon and Hanover.
- Mink Brook Nature Preserve: Speaking of Hanover: The Hanover Conservancy’s Mink Brook trail system boasts 112 acres of preserved beauty, home to a bevy of winter woodland critters, such as whitetail deer, black bears, and thriving birdlife.
- Bicknell Brook: One of the region’s most photographed waterfalls remains frozen in time inside peaceful Bicknell Brook.
- The Pogue: The trek to and from Mount Tom is nothing short of enthralling (and tiring). Woodstock’s Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is definitely worthy of an extended visit this winter.
Hotels near King Arthur Baking Company: The Norwich Inn
After an unforgettable three or four hours of snowshoeing in Vermont’s Upper Valley, return to The Norwich Inn to unthaw and unwind. The inn (established in 1797) is not only an absorbing, picturesque slice of Vermont’s history, but it’s also a long-standing brewery and a culinary destination. Travelers from all across New England flock to the inn to sample Jasper Murdock Ales while simultaneously dining on classic Northeastern fare in a distinctly romantic setting.
We’re proud to be one of the top-rated hotels near the newly-rebranded King Arthur Baking Company and always jaw-dropping Dartmouth College. To book a well-deserved, snow-packed getaway to beautiful Norwich, please read about our various on-site accommodation options. And, when you’re ready, click the green “Book a Room Now” button.
