Vermont

Vermont, a northeastern state in the United States, is celebrated for its charming landscapes, including the iconic Green Mountains and picturesque valleys.

The Green Mountains, adorned with lush forests and pristine lakes, serve as a backdrop for exploration. From ascending scenic trails to cycling through quaint villages, the state caters to diverse interests. The Green Mountain National Forest provides a haven for camping under the stars, while Vermont’s serene lakes and rivers offer opportunities for kayaking and water-based escapades.

This webpage centers on free camping opportunities within the Green Mountain National Forest, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. With a focus on hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, Vermont offers a plethora of adventures.

In Vermont, the union of nature’s wonders and outdoor pursuits promises a memorable and enriching experience for all who seek it.

Memorial Day Weekend Hike to Bourne and Stratton Ponds.

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Last year during Memorial Day Weekend, I hiked back to Bourne Pond and Stratton Pond via the Bourne – Stratton Pond Trail and Branch Pond Road.

Entering The Lye Brook Wilderness

The trail between those two ponds is somewhat lightly traveled, a bit overgrown and in one spot challenging to follow, but has some beautiful views.

Pond Along The Windhall River

One of the challenges is crossing the Windhall River, but up a ways from the main trail, rocks have been placed to ease with crossing.

Windhall River Crossing

Lots of deer and moose poop could be seen along the way.

Shit Ton Of Moose Shit On Lye Brook Trail

Being spring time, there was Columbine to be seen along the trail.

Columbine

As you reach Stratton Pond, you follow the Stratton Pond outflow, a pretty but buggy little stream.

Stratton Pond Outflow

Stratton Pond is quite a nice little pond.

Stratton Pond

While Bourne Pond isn’t quite as nice, it is very popular with campers during the holiday weekend.

Bourne Pond sure is scenic

After my hike, I was happy to get back to camp.

Weekend Started Out Quite Nice

Stratton Pond

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This time I decided to hike the full Stratton Mountain - Stratton Pond loop on Sunday. While hardly a beautiful day, it was interesting to see the other side of Stratton Pond from the one I visited last Memorial Day.

Taken on Sunday May 26, 2019 at Stratton Mountain.

Stockbridge, VT

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Stockbridge is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, in the Woodstock-Quechee region. The town covers approximately 28,300 acres, or 45.41 square miles. The population of Stockbridge was 718 at the 2020 census. Stockbridge is bordered by Barnard to the east, Bridgewater and Sherburne to the south, Bethel and Rochester to the north, and Pittsfield to the west. Stockbridge is located in the physiographic region known as the Intermountain Valleys and foothills of the Green Mountains. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain, narrow valleys and a few peaks above 2,500 feet.