Bike, Hike, Run, Walk
Brandon enjoys proximity to many wonderful hiking trails of various difficulties, terrains, and elevations.
Designated parking areas near town provide access to the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area within the Green Mountain National Forest. Many of the trails described are accessible from more than one of these locations.
The US Forest Service offers guides to the trails accessible from parking areas near Brandon, including:
Silver Lake and Rocky Point
Leicester Hollow and Chandler Ridge
Rattlesnake Cliffs and Aunt Jenny
Sucker Brook Trail
Mount Moosalamoo Area
Road Biking
“If you ironed out Vermont, it would be bigger than Texas,” so the saying goes. There are lots of hills, but in and around Brandon to the north, south, and west, they are of the low, rolling type. Those looking for a real challenge may consider Brandon Gap in the National Forest, 8 miles east and 1800 feet higher than the village (12% grade last mile). The routes described here are all safe, scenic, and paved, suitable for thin-tire road bikes, hybrids, or mountain bikes.
All routes are cued as loops that start and end at the Visitor Center and Brandon Museum at 4 Grove Street. Park at the museum or the post office lot across Crescent Park. Village shops and eateries are available to supply your pre-ride picnic provisions or reward you with a tasty treat upon your return.
Loop #2 - Forest Dale Blast Furnace - 8.5 miles
Loop #3 - Forest Dale & Leicester - 14.5 miles
Loop #4 - Covered Bridges of the Marble Valley with an extension option to go to Wilson Castle
Loop #5 - Fort Ticonderoga, NY
Mountain Biking
Brandon’s downtown is only minutes away from some great rides for all ability levels. The Nearby Moosalamoo National Recreation Area of the Green Mountain National Forest contains miles of great loops and out-and-backs just ten minutes east of Brandon’s village center. R.A.S.T.A., a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and improving outdoor recreation opportunities has a wealth of information on their website. Within Moosalamoo biking is limited to trails designated as open to mountain bikes, or U.S. Forest Service roads open to vehicular travel. To ensure long-term access, please respect these trail designations.
Ride #1 - Falls of Lana to Silver Lake
Ride #2 - Minnie Baker Trail - 1.2 mile spur
Ride #3 - Chandler Ridge / Leicester Hollow Trail - 4.8 mile loop (moderate to advanced)
Ride #4 - Hawk Hill / Red Clover Trail - between 2-4 miles (beginner to moderate)
Trail Hiking / Running
Hike #1 - Churchill House Parking Area - Access to 3 Trails (need new reference point)
Hike #2 - Minnie Baker Parking Area - Access to 3 Trails
Hike #3 - Falls of Lana Parking Area - Access to 7 Trails
Town Walking / Running
There are a variety of walking and running suggestions for all distances and elevations.