Robert Frost/Lake Parran Trail(North Bennington, Vermont)

Hiked the Robert Frost Trail, located off Route 7A in North Bennington Thursday afternoon.  The trail is 2 miles in length starting from the late poets farm and connects to Lake Parran Beach.  For more information please refer to http://www.northbennington.org/frost.html.  The trail can be hiked either way, but today I chose to start from the Robert Frost Stone House Museum.

Parking is available by taking an immediate left from the entrance in a large lot for hikers.  The trail begins just past this trail sign.

 After passing by an area of red pines planted by Robert Frost in the 1920's, I enjoyed crossing through a wide wetland.

 A couple enjoying a quiet stroll along the well marked trail through the woods.

 The trail emerges from the woods along an old farm boundary of mature maple trees.

 Stone cliffs tower above a low section of trail near Parran Creek.

After about 1.1 miles(roughly halfway), the trail arrives at a bridge crossing over Parran Creek.

 Looking upstream at Parran Creek.

 Downstream of the bridge.

The trail ascends a pretty steep hill after the bridge, leading to an open meadow, where a bench allows for nice spot to stop and relax.  Maybe on a warmer day, however.

 A second, open meadow allows for the first glimpse of Lake Parran from above.

 The trail drops directly down to a boardwalk along the shoreline, providing beautiful lake views.

 After 2 miles, the trail comes to an end at the Lake Parran Beach.  Climbed up a small hill near the beach house for a fine look at Lake Parran and East Mountain beyond to the east.

 Ice fisherman enjoying the frozen lake.

 Clear blue skies did little to warm up the cold, winter day.

Strolling along the trail in the late afternoon sun.

 Arriving back at the Robert Stone House Museum and Barn.

Hiked about 4 miles RT on a cold, but sunny winter afternoon.