Windham County

Windham County can be explored among waterfalls, forest paths, mountains, and cultural experiences. Those planning a trip that appeals to different interests will find opportunities here for active days as well as nature observation, exhibitions, and music. When choosing your vacation rental, it is therefore worth identifying your personal priorities: Would you like to explore trails and landscapes, enjoy mountain activities, or incorporate culture into your trip?

Waterfalls, Lakes, and State Parks

Camping is available at Jamaica State Park. The West River Trail offers two miles for walking and cycling there. The Overlook Trail leads to a viewpoint with views to the south. A distinctive natural destination is Hamilton Falls in Jamaica, Windham County: there, Cobb Brook plunges 125 feet down a mountainside. The Hamilton Falls Trail provides access to the upper and lower parts of the falls and connects with the West River Trail in Jamaica State Park.

Lowell Lake State Park is a day-use area. The 3.5-mile Lowell Lake Trail circles Lowell Lake, while the park encompasses significant state-recognized wetlands. Dutton Pines State Park is also designed as a day-use destination: It is free of charge and has public parking and trails. Several historic structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps era are located near State Route 5. The park is also home to a rare forest community of eastern white pine, red oak, and black oak.

Mountain Trails and Active Excursions

In Townshend State Forest, the Bald Mountain Hiking Trail rises from 472 to 1,680 feet. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular there. The character of the forest also includes approximately 550 acres of deer wintering habitat. This information helps with planning different daily rhythms without limiting the trip to a single season.

On Stratton Mountain, the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail share part of the route. A 0.75-mile trail leads from Stratton's gondola station to the Stratton Fire Tower, which offers views across four states and mountain ranges. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Stratton Bike Park has more than 10 miles of downhill terrain and 20 downhill trails. Mount Snow adds four different mountain faces, 86 trails across 601 acres, and chairlift rides to the summit with views of Somerset Reservoir and the valley. Mount Snow Bike Park ranges from green beginner runs to extreme double-black trails.

Culture and Special Discoveries

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents 15 to 20 exhibitions each year and is located in the historic Union Station in Brattleboro. Brattleboro's Gallery Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month. A historic church in Brattleboro offers live music year-round, while Yellow Barn continues to be active in Putney.

The Nature Museum also combines nature and discovery: Its grounds include restored wetland and meadow trails as well as the Magic Forest Playscape. Every year on the last weekend of September, the Nature Museum hosts an outdoor festival for building fairy houses. You can include destinations like these in your plans if, in addition to hiking trails and mountain activities, you would also like culture, landscape observation, or a special seasonal experience.

The Right Location for Your Trip

Choose your accommodation based on your preferred daily itinerary, not just a single destination. A trip focused on waterfalls and state parks offers different experiences than a plan centered on mountain trails, downhill runs, or exhibitions. This keeps your search for a vacation rental in Windham County aligned with your actual vacation ideas.

For further orientation, consider Brattleboro, Newfane, West Dover, Rockingham, Wardsboro, Dummerston, Halifax, Stratton, Putney, and Whitingham.

For the broader travel overview: Vermont.