Wu Ledges Town Forest

A short trail system that accesses Wu Ledges, an outcrop that provides fantastic views of the Mad River Valley and surroundings
Trail Activity
Hiking Mountain biking Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing
Length
1.60 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Waitsfield (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

April 2020 Update - The parking area on Hastings Meadow Road is limited to three vehicles. The loop used to access the parking area is privately-owned and maintained; please do not park elsewhere along the loop. Additional parking is available in Waitsfield Village (the Town owns a lot adjacent to the intersection of Route 100 and Bridge Street, for example); from this lot, walk up Bridge Street to Pine Hill Lane, and then up Pine Hill Lane to the trailhead.

This 145-acre forest, owned by the Town of Waitsfield, includes extensive woodlands, diverse habitats, bedrock outcrops, shore lands along the Mad River, and open land. Its signature feature, Wu Ledges, is a large outcrop and cliffs with outstanding views of the Mad River, Mill Brook, surrounding hillsides, and the spine of the Green Mountains. Town ownership of the land and trail rights-of-way on some adjacent parcels was made possible through several generous donations to the community between 1999 & 2017. Most of the Wu Ledges Town Forest has been permanently conserved by the Vermont Land Trust to protect its valuable natural resources and provide diverse recreational opportunities.

There are three main trails at Wu Ledges.

  1. A .84 main trail to and from Wu Ledges travels over easy to intermittent terrain and is marked with yellow diamond trail markers;
  2. A 0.26-mile alternate route to the main trail, over easy terrain marked with double yellow diamond trail markers;
  3. A 0.5-mile trail connecting the main trail and East Warren Road via Pine Hill Lane (a private road with NO PARKING), over easy to to intermediate terrain marked with yellow octagon trail markers. The nearest parking for this trail is in Waitsfield Village.

NOTE: Numerous unmarked trails intersect the marked trails. Many unmarked trails lead to adjacent private land with no established public access rights.

Other Information

TOWN FOREST RULES

• Open dawn to dusk
• Carry-in / carry-out trash, personal items & dog waste
• No fires, camping, motorized vehicles, horseback riding, rock climbing, disposal of trash, cutting or removal of any vegetation (dead or alive), or trail alterations

 

 This trail is part of the Mad River Valley Trails Collaborative.

The Collaborative is a watershed-wide network of lands and trails created through a partnership of local organizations, generous property owners, towns, the State of Vermont, the US Forest Service, and many volunteers. These trails reflect the Mad River Valley’s love of the outdoors and commitment to stewardship of land and recreational opportunities for current and future generations. Enjoy and help us care for this place. Click here to learn more and support recreation in the Mad River Valley.

Trail Manager

For more information, contact:

Town of Waitsfield

Town of Waitsfield
4144 Main Street
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: (802) 496-2218
waitsfld@madriver.com
View website

Trail Tips

Travel on Durable Surfaces
Walk single file in the middle of the trail. Wear the right shoes and enjoy the mud – you're in the great outdoors!
Legend
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Trailhead Information

The primary parking for Wu Ledges is off of Hastings Road. From downtown Waitsfield, head southeast on Bridge Street for 0.4 miles. Take a slight right onto East Warren Road and proceed for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Hastings Road. There is a 3-car parking area at the trailhead after 0.4 miles. 

Parking for the alternative access to Wu Ledges is in downtown Waitsfield. Access the trailhead on foot off of the private Pine Hill Lane which connects to East Warren Road. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
kclem
July 30, 2023
Nice hike with great views. Very limited parking, and a bit of an extra walk if you need to park in town. Trail crosses small streams in a few places - so spring hikes or rainy weather will make some pretty soupy spots. Fairy houses scatter the top! Lots of off-branching trails - we stuck to the yellow blazes for the most part.
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