Upland Trails at Windekind

In these parts, we use the word “upland’ to denote the mountainous region between the valley below and the high peaks above. This “upland” country is a mix rich of trails and vistas set in abundant topographical, geographic and animal variety.

For example, guests who travel 300 feet from the farm and discover a waterfall and a rushing mountain brook 60 feet below. (yes, there is a bridge) Beyond this brook is a second and larger one that cuts even deeper.

In contrast to deep and dark canyons is “Henpecker Ridge” about a ten-minute ski or walk from the Farm. On Henpecker, the view encompasses thousands of square miles, including: the near by Camel’s Hump State Park.

In between are more brooks, boulder, some the size of barns, and the remains of upland meadows marked by the meandering stone walls that remind us of the ways of the old farmers. Guest are apt to surprise a deer (and themselves) while spotting the tracks of rabbits, small fisher cats, porcupines and many other woodland critters.

Beyond Windekind

The trails on Windekind land can keep you busy for hours and longer if you add in picnics and other stop overs. However, the trails go beyond the Farm. For example, the Catamount Trail Association runs right through the Farm. Guests, if they wanted, could ski the trail north to Canada or south to Massachusetts.

The trails of the Camel's Hump Skiers Association join the Windekind trails. The CHSA trails are approximately 25 kilometers of groomed trails and another 35 kilometers of back country trails that lead to the high mountain areas that surround Camel's Hump mountain. CHSA, supported by landowners and volunteers, is one of Vermont's most interesting and unique cross-country ski areas because of the diversity of its terrain. The map of the trail network is below.

Windekind is also just 5 miles from the Sleepy Hollow Bike & Ski Center in Huntington. Sleepy Hollow is a great day-use cross-country ski and mountain bike facility, offering over 30 km of well-groomed skating and classic skiing trails in the winter. In the summer their ~20 kilometers of intermediate and expert single track biking trails will challenge and inspire you.

Guests at Windekind can also rent skis at Sleepy Hollow.

Downhill Skiing

Windekind is only a half-hour drive from Mad River Glen and Sugarbush in Waitsfield & Warren, and Bolton Valley in Bolton. We are about 45 minutes from Stowe and Smugglers Notch as well.

Windekind really is ideally situated for a winter get-away!

click map image to enlarge

Recreational Resources at Windekind

We maintain, at Windekind, a small, focused library of books and DVDs on hiking, cross country skiing , snow shoeing, biking and downhill skiing. We do supply snowshoes for guest use.