The best walks and hikes around East Middlebury

Outside of the Middlebury College Alumni Stadium and Youngman Field is a striking sculpture of its mascot: a Panther. Perched on top of a boulder, this large bronze statue is a fun landmark on the south end of the Middlebury campus.

The Trail Around Middlebury traverses around the entire town of Middlebury, Vermont in an 18 mile loop. This particular segment of trail is located within the Battell Woods Natural Area on the southeastern side of town. This generally flat, accessible trail is enjoyable all year round and is a great place to hike in the woods close to town. Be aware, Battle Woods is also quite popular with mountain bikers, so just keep an ear out as you enjoy this section of trail through the old hardwood forest.

Abbey Pond is a beautiful pond in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains. This peaceful spot is an excellent place to sip some water, look out for wildlife, and admire the views. This pond is especially stunning in the falls as the changing leaves are reflected in the calm water.

The Trail Around Middlebury is a unique, 18 mile loop that, as the name indicates, traverses around the entire town of Middlebury, Vermont. This particular segment of trail on the western side of town is also known as the Jackson Trail and is a part of the North Country National Scenic Trail. As you hike alongside a small creek, you get fantastic views of the town of Middlebury and the foothills of the Green Mountains to the east.

The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge just north of downtown Middlebury. Also known as the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, this bridge a great example of New England's covered bridges. Built in the mid-19th century, it spans Otter Creek and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Covered bridges are an iconic part of New England's landscape and history. They were once a common sight throughout the region, as they provided a way for travelers to cross rivers and streams in all seasons. While many of the original bridges have been lost to natural disasters and modernization, there are still over 100 covered bridges in Vermont today.

Middlebury College is a small private liberal arts college and was the first college in the state of Vermont. The main quad on campus is beautiful spot, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing, ringed by historic buildings. Be sure to visit the old chapel on the south end of the quad. Please also be respectul of the students and faculty as you stroll through this picturesque campus.

Middlebury Falls is a unique 20 foot waterfall on Otter Creek right in the center of this picturesque New England town. You get great views of the falls from this spot on a bridge on Main Street. You can also see the ruins of the old Powder House to the lefthand side of the falls. While they are beautiful all year round, Middlebury Falls are particularly interesting in the winter when they partially freeze over.

The historic main street of Middlebury offers a quintessential small New England town experience. Unique local shops, art galleries, and restaurants in historic brick buildings line the street. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the beautiful white-steepled church and the picturesque town green.