Brewster Upland’s trails are broad and flat, attracting the occasional horseback rider in addition to hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers. The paths are well-maintained and undemanding.
The Alden Bryan Brewster River Trail (1.2 miles) meanders south along hemlock forest and the tranquil Brewster River, where there are opportunities to view the river and its cascades. A short spur trail leads to Brewster River Falls.
Just past the falls spur trail there is the option of heading east on the Brewster River Connector Trail (0.1 miles) to the West Farm Trail. The West Farm Trail (1 mile) is striking in every season, occasionally emerging from the forest to open fields and stunning views of Mt. Mansfield.
The West Farm Trail will leads across West Farm Road to the Pond Loop (1 mile). This unique stretch of woods features an alder swamp and vernal pools. Plant species include many ferns (royal, bracken, cinnamon, and sensitive fern), creeping snowberry, bunchberry, lady’s slipper, and mad-dog skullcap.
The Pond Loop incorporates best practices for universal trail accessibility. It has a compacted crushed stone surface, and is 5-6 feet wide. Its typical cross-slope and grade are under 2%, with a maximum grade of 3%. Benches are placed every ¼ mile on this trail. There are two parking lots on West Farm Road; use the upper parking lot to the south for ADA-compliant parking and the accessible trailhead to the Pond Loop Trail. See Trail Access Information below for more information about this Accessible Experience.
From the Pond Loop, a short stretch on farm roads will connect you with the property’s northern trails: Junction Hill Trail (0.9 miles), Loggers Loop (0.8 miles), and the Old Carriage Road Trail Loop (0.4 miles). These trails are relatively flat and wide like other trails on the property. However, they are a bit more isolated and a great way to explore some of the more undisturbed, “backwoods” areas at Brewster Uplands.
Please note that the two farms on the property are not open to public recreation.
TRAIL ACCESS INFORMATION
(Applies to Pond Loop Trail)
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 8/28/2024
Rules & Guidelines
For additional information, visit the Vermont Land Trust website, or contact:
From the North
Traveling south on VT-108 towards Smugglers Notch, you’ll reach the village of Jeffersonville. After half a mile, just past the house on the left with the old water mill, bear left onto Canyon Road and turn left immediately over the Grist Mill Covered Bridge. Continue 1 mile to the intersection of Canyon and West Farm Road.
From the South
From Stowe and Smugglers Notch, head north downhill on VT-108 towards Jeffersonville. As you approach the village, there is a very sharp right onto Canyon Road just before the house with the water mill. Only cars with a tight turning radius should attempt this turn! Otherwise, continue on for half a mile to the village, then turn around and head back up VT-108 so you can make an easy left turn onto Canyon Road. Turn left immediately across the Grist Mill Covered Bridge. Continue 1 mile to the intersection of Canyon and West Farm Road.
An additional upper parking lot on West Farm Road (~400 feet from the main parking lot) features ADA-compliant parking, with recently improved drainage and surfacing, and an improved driveway entrance.
Please note: Smugglers Notch is closed all winter—as early as October and as late as May some years. There is no route from Stowe north on VT-108 when the Notch is closed.
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