Indian Brook Park

Multi-use path shared by hikers, horseback riders, dog-walkers, and mountain bikers alike.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing
Length
7.80 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Advanced
Town
Essex (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
Yes

Description

Indian Brook Reservoir is enjoyed by families and dog walkers, making it a popular weekend destination. Mountain bikers enjoy the trails when there is less traffic early in the morning or evenings on weekdays. Please be courteous to all trail users.

The loop around the reservoir is a multi-use path shared by hikers, horseback riders, dog-walkers, and mountain bikers alike. The loop is a wide-track beginner/intermediate trail with a few climbs that will challenge beginners.

There is a much more challenging mountain bike trail that begins from the upper right parking lot (the boat launch area) and winds it way up to the look out. This is an intermediate/expert trail - it is quite rocky and definitely not for beginners. From the lookout you can easily see Malletts Bay in Colchester.

Fee: Access to the park requires a paid pass, which can be purchased from the Rec. Department at 81 Main Street in Essex Junction.

Trail Manager

For more information, contact:

Essex Parks & Recreation

Essex Parks & Recreation
81 Main Street
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: (802) 878-1342
mberry@essex.org
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Tell someone your plan and when you’ll return, just in case.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

Follow Route 15 from either Essex Junction (5 Corners) or Jericho toward the Essex Outlet Stores at Lang Farm. Turn north on Old Stage Road. Take your second left at the Alliance Church onto Indian Brook Road. Follow this dirt road until the end, where you enter the park. For riding the loop you can start from either the lower parking lot (take your first left inside the park) or the upper boat launch lot (first right inside the park).

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
thisisemjay
July 15, 2025
I did the outer loop trail from the kayak launch parking area - counter clockwise. The trail is well-blazed through most of it, though I had to use a trail app to navigate a few intersections. I would not recommend this trail to anyone using mobility devices or who would have difficulty stepping over roots and rocks. The lookout view is excellent, but most of the path is spent in the woods and becomes quite narrow at times. Anyone with sensory concerns about having vegetation touching them might find some of the path uncomfortable. Also, there is a section where dogs are allowed to be off-leash. This posed no problem for me, but good to know for those who do not wish to encounter off-leash dogs. #accessible
mageray
June 05, 2023
I used to love this but is now overused and too many dogs, many out of leash. Nice for dog owners and lovely for canoe/kayak. But again, overused.
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