Thanks to a very generous land donation by a long-time supporter, NorthWoods now has 1500 acres of conserved forestland rising from the lower slopes of the Clyde River wetlands to the top of Tripp Hill, back down to the shores of Echo Lake.

Nordic Ski & Snowshoe

Visit our Nordic Trails page for maps and details on snow conditions and grooming for NorthWoods trails as well as other nordic ski areas we maintain in the region. Trail access is by donation (suggested $5/individual), and ski (NNN) and snowshoe rentals are available for on-site use during office hours. Nordic ski or snowshoe lessons or guided tours are available by reservation with advanced notice – just email: ski@northwoodscenter.org, or call 802-723-6551 x303

Summer Hiking

More than 30 km of trails wind through river valley, upland hardwood forests, beaver ponds, and turn-of-the-century pine and spruce plantations. All trails are open for summer hiking, but groomed ski trails are limited depending on winter staffing.

Lang Brook Nature Trail

In summer 2009, NorthWoods developed and published an illustrated interpretive guide to the Lang Brook Trail, which follows a perennial stream named for the family who cared for this land from the 1830’s to the 1980’s (see Gardner Path). Eight signposts offer distinctive views of habitats and native species explained in the guide, including topics like species succession, glacial geology, and wildlife habitat. Click here to view an online tour of the trail.

Gardner Path Living History Trail

The Gardner Path History Trail is a half-mile loop that traces the signs of human habitation on the NorthWoods land. Interpretive signposts lead visitors through a pine plantation and past the Lang family homestead and round barn foundation points out wildlife habitat and describes the importance of the nearby Clyde River as important transportation for the Abenaki, the first people of this region. Click here to view an online tour of the trail.

Spitzer Demonstration Forest

Dedicated in 2013, the 1,475 acre Lydia Spitzer Demonstration Forest is a sustainable, educational, multi-use working forest, available as an educational tool for you  – landowners, forestry professionals, and anyone curious about managing a healthy forest ecosystem.  With that in mind, we’ve added informational signs and trailside access to many of our forest management areas. Click here to explore the Spitzer Forestry sites online.

The NorthWoods Stewardship Center site is intended to be a long-term community resource, and will not be posted. However, management priorities and educational programs may require that we prohibit or limit certain activities. These include, but are not limited to research, school programs, and other forms of recreation. Hunters should exercise special caution while hunting on NorthWoods property, as it remains open to the public for a variety of non-motorized recreational uses throughout the year. Hunters should review the NorthWoods Trail Map to be familiar with areas that are likely to be used by other visitors.

Our Restrictions

There is a Safety Zone around our Main Campus, Lodge, and Buildings where NO HUNTING is allowed.  See the highlighted area around the Main Lodge that indicates this safety zone on the map. 

Hunting dogs- use of hunting dogs is permitted only during the hunting season. The use of dogs for training outside of hunting season is prohibited on the NorthWoods property. 

Trapping- trapping is allowed on-site by written permission of the forest manager. Permission may include limitations on trapping locations, species that may be trapped, and bag limits. 

Game Cameras – are allowed on-site by written permission of the forest manager, who will confirm approved location. Name and phone number should be included on the camera. 

All hunting and fishing shall be in accordance with appropriate Federal and Vermont State Laws and Regulations governing these activities.

Of special note: 

Stands – per state law, any stands or blinds erected or used on the site must have the prior permission of the forest manager. Where permitted, the stand/blind must be clearly marked with the hunter’s name, address and phone number.  It is also illegal to use someone else’s stand or blind without the forest manager’s permission.  Existing stands/blinds that do not conform to the State law will be removed. 

Baiting – baiting (salt or apples) for hunting purposes is illegal anywhere on the site, per state law.

To inquire with the forest manager, contact forestry@northwoodscenter.org, or call 802-723-6551 ext 302.

A RESPONSIBLE HUNTER:

• Always thinks of safety first.
• Follows laws and regulations and insists that his or her companions do as well.
• Values the land and treats it with respect.
• Ensures the safety of themselves and their companions by (1) wearing hunter orange when required; (2) adhering to hunting seasons and hours; and (3) clearly identifying the target before taking the shot.
• Develops a personal code of ethics and follows it unfailingly.
• Protects wildlife by supporting conservation efforts as well as following all regulations pertaining to limits and hunting practices.
• Respects others by displaying kind and courteous behavior to other hunters, landowners and the general public.
• Displays restraint and does not abuse privileges.
• Takes full responsibility for his or her actions, including mistakes, and does whatever necessary to correct those mistakes.

From the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports