Top Accessible Outdoor Recreation Activities
Five Accessible Outdoor Recreation Experiences
The hills and valleys in the heart of the Green Mountains in central Vermont are a stunning backdrop to explore outdoors.
From a contemplative journey on a nature trail to an exhilarating on snow experience, Vermont offers outdoor recreation for every body. Bringing this mantra to their mission, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized statewide program empowering people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming. Year-round opportunities combine environmental, holistic wellness and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.
This curated list offers up some of central Vermont’s top accessible outdoor recreation activities and experiences.
Thundering Brook Falls
Vermont is spotted with hundreds of picturesque waterfalls, due to the mountainous terrain and dense forests. A part of the Appalachian Trail, the trail to Thundering Brook Falls begins with a boardwalk with sweeping views of the valley floor. To reach the falls, venture through lush greenery on accessible switchbacks, where you’ll hear the water rushing before you see it. The scenic falls feature a steep and narrow 125-foot drop, making this one of the more dramatic falls in Vermont.
Millstone Trails
Millstone Trails is a network of multipurpose trails on over 1,500 acres in and around the historic granite quarries of Barre Town. The network offers a diverse mix of trails for riders of different abilities and is especially known for mountain biking.
Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail
The Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail is a 19.8-mile section of old railroad tracks that spans the western parts of Rutland and Bennington counties. This multi-use trail is open year-round, but ideal for use from March through October.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
Just east of Ripton, you’ll find the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, a one-mile loop perfect for all skill levels. This National Recreation Trail honors Frost’s poetry, featuring poems printed on signs at posts along the trail. Stop along the trail and read Frost’s famous lines, steeped in natural imagery.
Mount Independence State Historic Site Baldwin Trail
Mount Independence State Historic Site, one of the nation’s most significant Revolutionary War sites, offers walking and hiking trails that wind past archaeological sites and offer scenic views. At just over a mile and a half, Baldwin Trail features 15 stops along the compacted surface, with signage depicting the history of the buildings and archeological features, as well as picturesque Lake Champlain overlooks.
Pico Mountain
Vermont is an iconic skiing destination with 19 alpine areas and 30 Nordic ski areas. Pico Mountain is one of four Vermont Adaptive winter locations, with programming and state-wide administrative offices located in the organization’s adaptive sports facility. Pico Mountain offers big mountain terrain and small mountain charm.
Vermont Adaptive’s programs are available statewide – winter and summer programs are located in multiple areas in northern, central and southern Vermont. Vermont Adaptive loves to help people play in Vermont and makes that attainable for every body, visitors and locals alike. Vermont is too beautiful to just sit on the sidelines; try something new or continue a sport that you love.
In Vermont, outdoor recreation experiences abound for everyone, no matter their skill level or interest. Vermont is a year-round outdoor playground. Get out and explore the unmatched natural landscape and outdoor recreation of central Vermont.