Bennington County: Slopes, Nature and Winter Activities

Bennington County combines a well-defined offering for downhill skiing with nature experiences, culture and activities away from the slopes. Bromley Mountain has 47 trails and nine lifts; from the summit, the view extends across the Green Mountains. When choosing accommodation for a ski holiday, the key consideration is therefore whether you want to focus your trip on days skiing or plan different daily activities for a mixed group.

Quick facts on the topic

• Bromley Mountain has 47 trails and nine lifts.
• The summit of Bromley Mountain offers a 360-degree view across the Green Mountains.
• Hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife observation are possible on existing forest roads in the Whipstock Hill Wildlife Management Area.
• The Healing Springs Nature Trail in Lake Shaftsbury State Park is an easy trail that runs around Lake Shaftsbury.
• Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Emerald Lake.
• The Long Trail, a 272-mile hiking route, begins in Pownal.
• The Molly Stark Scenic Byway follows the 48-mile Route 9 and is anchored by Bennington at one end.

Planning Skiing and Winter Days

Bromley Mountain has 47 trails and nine lifts. Trails are the downhill runs at a ski resort, while lifts enable movement between different starting points. If you are traveling with a partner, children or friends of varying ability levels, you should check the current classification of the runs and the respective conditions before booking.

Those planning as many ski days as possible will organize their days differently from a group that wants to combine downhill skiing with wildlife observation, culture or a separate excursion.

Snowshoeing and Experiencing Nature

The Whipstock Hill Wildlife Management Area is an explicitly named winter alternative. Existing forest roads provide non-motorized access for hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife observation. The area also contains state-significant rare natural communities, including Rich Fen as well as wet and moderately moist clayplain forests. This allows you to structure a day away from the slopes around different themes without classifying the activity as a ski tour or a groomed winter route.

Other nature destinations have different focuses. The South Stream Wildlife Management Area includes a 24-acre pond and wetlands with emerging vegetation that offer opportunities for observing waterfowl. Hiking and wildlife observation are permitted there; regulated hunting, trapping and fishing are also allowed. Dispersed hiking and nature observation are permitted in the Fisher-Scott Memorial Pines Natural Area; the area has been designated a National Natural Landmark since 1976. The Kesick Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a historic beaver-pond meadow with wetlands and emerging swamp habitat.

Lakes, Trails and Activities Without a Lift

Lake Shaftsbury State Park lends itself to a different kind of day: in addition to the easy Healing Springs Nature Trail around the lake, it has a sandy beach for swimming and rentals of kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. Woodford State Park has a 2.7-mile hiking trail around the lake. Popular activities at Emerald Lake State Park include swimming, fishing, non-motorized water sports and hiking. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Emerald Lake.

Dorset Quarry is also a water-related destination, though with a clear historical context: the former marble quarry is now used as a swimming area. For longer hikes, the Long Trail begins in Pownal, a 272-mile route described as the nation's oldest long-distance hiking trail. In Hapgood State Forest, the Long Trail passes through the northwest corner; there, it shares its route with the Appalachian Trail.

Culture and Regional Orientation

Those who want to combine a day of skiing with culture will find at the American Museum of Fly Fishing an exhibition perspective on the development of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft and industry in the United States and internationally. The museum also offers exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events and presentations. The Southern Vermont Arts Center presents exhibitions featuring artists from the region, the United States and around the world, and offers workshops and studio and outdoor classes.

Notable historic destinations include the 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument, which commemorates a decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War, and Hildene, built around the turn of the 20th century as a summer home for the Lincoln family. Old First Congregational Church was founded in 1762 and is Vermont's oldest Protestant church as well as an architectural and historic landmark. Burt Henry Covered Bridge, Silk Road Covered Bridge and Paper Mill Covered Bridge were each built in 1840.

Getting There and Choosing a Base

For local orientation, the Bennington Welcome Center provides information materials, free Wi-Fi, help with directions, and assistance with restaurant and theater reservations. The Green Mountain Express has provided transportation services in and around Bennington County since 1985. For additional trip planning, you can also view Manchester, Winhall, East Dorset and Bondville. For comparison with other destinations, Windham County, Orleans County, Rutland County and Lamoille are available.

The best way to choose suitable accommodation is according to the planned balance of downhill skiing, nature and culture. In particular, consider whether your group prefers shared ski days or separate activities and which trails, transportation services or excursion destinations should be included in the daily itinerary.

FAQ

How extensive are Bromley Mountain's trail and lift offerings?

Bromley Mountain has 47 trails and nine lifts. A 360-degree view across the Green Mountains from the summit is also noted.

Where is snowshoeing possible?

Snowshoeing is possible on existing forest roads in the Whipstock Hill Wildlife Management Area. Hiking and wildlife observation are also listed there as non-motorized activities.

What restriction applies on Emerald Lake?

Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on Emerald Lake. Swimming, fishing, hiking and non-motorized water sports are also listed at Emerald Lake State Park.

Which hiking trails are available?

The Healing Springs Nature Trail is an easy trail that runs around Lake Shaftsbury. Woodford State Park has a 2.7-mile trail around the lake. The 272-mile Long Trail also begins in Pownal.

What cultural offerings are available?

The American Museum of Fly Fishing offers exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events and presentations. The Southern Vermont Arts Center presents exhibitions and offers workshops as well as studio and outdoor classes.

When does Garlic Town USA take place?

Garlic Town USA takes place every Labor Day weekend in Bennington. The event has a tradition spanning more than 30 years and offers fresh garlic bulbs as well as garlic-flavored oils and sauces.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vermont.