At Hamilton Falls, Cobb Brook plunges 125 feet down a mountainside. The waterfalls are in Jamaica, in Windham County; the Hamilton Falls Trail leads to the upper and lower falls and connects with the West River Trail in Jamaica State Park. The waterfall and trails offer different perspectives on the same natural area.
Waterfalls, Lakes and Trails
Camping is available at Jamaica State Park. The West River Trail offers two miles for walking and cycling. For a different view, the Overlook Trail leads to a viewpoint looking south. Together, these three options show the different ways to experience the park: spend time camping, walk or cycle a trail, or head to a scenic viewpoint.
Lowell Lake State Park is a day-use area. Its 3.5-mile trail circles the lake, and the park also includes significant state-recognized wetlands. Compared with the two miles of the West River Trail, the loop at Lowell Lake is longer.
The Meadows Waterfront Trail has a distinct focus: it runs along the shore through a significant bird-watching and pollinator area. Here, the waterfront and habitat take center stage. At Dutton Pines State Park, by contrast, the landscape is shaped by a rare forest community of eastern white pine, red oak and black oak. The park is a free day-use area with public parking and trails.
Forest Landscapes and Elevation Changes
In Townshend State Forest, the Bald Mountain Hiking Trail climbs from 472 to 1,680 feet. For winter days, the state forest lists snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as popular activities. The forest also includes approximately 550 acres of deer wintering habitat—a further perspective on the role of this landscape, apart from its recreational trails.
At Dutton Pines State Park, natural surroundings are joined by history: several historic structures dating from the Civilian Conservation Corps era are located near State Route 5. The contrast between these structures and the rare forest community makes the park a place where natural and cultural history exist side by side.
Mountain Trails and Cycling
On Stratton Mountain, the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail share a section of trail. A 0.75-mile path leads from the gondola station to the Stratton Fire Tower, which offers views across four states and mountain ranges. The trail and its destination provide a different experience from the longer routes by the lake or through the forest: here, you can combine a specific destination with a sweeping view.
Cyclists can also choose from different trail profiles. Stratton Bike Park has more than ten miles of downhill terrain and 20 downhill trails. At Mount Snow Bike Park, ratings range from green beginner runs to extreme double-black trails. This range describes the different difficulty levels, not a blanket guarantee that every trail is suitable for everyone.
Mount Snow has four distinct mountain areas: Main Face, North Face, Sunbrook and Carinthia. In summer, scenic chairlift rides to the summit offer views of Somerset Reservoir and the valley. Alongside the bike parks, mountain views and a seasonal ride are other options to consider.
Art, Music and Special Events
In Brattleboro, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is housed in the historic Union Station. The museum presents 15 to 20 exhibitions each year. Brattleboro’s Gallery Walk, held on the first Friday of every month, is another recurring opportunity to combine art and city life. A historic church in Brattleboro also offers live music year-round.
Yellow Barn remains active in Putney. The Nature Museum adds restored wetland and meadow trails on its grounds, as well as the Magic Forest Playscape. Each year, on the last weekend in September, the museum also hosts an outdoor fairy house-building festival. The offerings range from exhibitions and live music to trails and a seasonally scheduled festival.
Discover more destinations: Brattleboro, Newfane, West Dover, Rockingham, Wardsboro, Dummerston, Halifax, Stratton, Putney, Whitingham.
For the broader travel overview: Vermont.
