Montpelier might be Vermont’s capital city and home of the state Legislature, but you can still find plenty of ways to be in the quietude of nature. Our crown jewel, Hubbard Park, sits just behind the capitol building, and is easily accessed from several points within the city limits. It only takes a few minutes on any given trail before you feel like you have the place to yourself. Birders will be in paradise: ruby-throated hummingbirds, a variety of woodpeckers and warblers, and hermit and wood thrushes with their unmistakable songs call Hubbard Park home for a portion of the year. The North Branch Nature Center and adjacent North Branch Park just up Elm Street offer more open habitats with meadows and a long ambling walk along the North Branch of the Winooski. 

In the winter, snowshoeing affords another opportunity to get deep into nature. Most hiking trails welcome snowshoers as long as the trails are snow-covered (not wet and muddy as hiking during these conditions can damage the trails). Snowshoeing in deep snow is quite the workout, but you’ll be rewarded by quieter trails and perhaps even more of an opportunity to commune with nature.

If you’re on the hunt to spot a moose, head northeast to the Groton area. While we can’t promise you’ll see one, chances are better in these northern forests. For signs of black bear, you might spot scat or tree damage near Chase’s Mountain Trail in Middlesex (wear a bell if you want to avoid seeing one up close!). In addition, indigo buntings, fishers, and moose have been seen in this area. In Little River State Park, you might spot a scarlet tanager, and you’ll definitely hear thrushes and likely barred owls in the summer evenings. 

The local spots

Hubbard Park, North Branch River Park, Stonewall Meadows, other recreation areas

Just outside town

Chase Mountain Trail in Middlesex, Little River State Park in Waterbury (seasonal day use fee),  Irish Hill in Berlin, Spruce Mountain in Plainfield, and the Worcester Range has a number of hikes including Hunger Mountain, White Rocks, Mount Worcester and Stowe Pinnacle (experienced hikers can combine them all for what’s called the Skyline Trail)

Day tripping

Groton State Forest (particularly Peacham Bog), Moss Glen Falls (striking waterfall) in Stowe, Warren Path and Interpretive Trail in the Mad River Valley