The Mile Around Woods(North Bennington, Vermont)

After our warmest June day in over 50 years yesterday, today was a sunny and comfortable day with little to no humidity.  Anxious to get out and enjoy the weather, I ventured out this afternoon to an area called The Mile around Woods, in the village of North Bennington, Vermont.   The village is located just over the New York state line, less than 10 minutes from Route 7.  The trailhead for The Mile Around Woods is located on the south side of West Street, just west of the village center of North Bennington.  There is parking available for several cars along the shoulder of the road, and a sign marks the trailhead.

From West Street follow the fence lined old carriage trail south, which was laid out back in the mid19th century.

The carriage road is a peaceful, tree lined walk past open meadows with distant views.  Almost seems like a great place to take a date for a walk.  Not to self: Bring the wife next time!

Where the road enters the woods, a gate permits entry into the woods, where a large trail map greets you.

The Mile Around Woods Loop is actually just a continuation of the carriage road through a handsome old growth hardwood forest.

Perfect mid June conditions, with some bugs, but not a lot.

Sever storms passed through the Bennington area last night, leaving tree damage in its wake.

I left the woods and entered another large field with a bench to soak in the view.

Crossing the fields, I passed by many lovely wildflowers and lush green meadows.

I hiked further south and back into the woods on the Short Aldrich Trail for a distance.  Eventually I realized that this trail leads down into the village, so I retraced my steps back out into the fields.  There is a confusing network of trails that meander through the fields, with little to no markings.  I did my best to stay on the obvious paths, which brought me to a high meadow.

From this high, open meadow, many of the surrounding hills and peaks became visible.

To north West Mountain can be seen rising above the countryside. 

Continuing north, the view NW began to open up towards the Washington County, NY hills. 

Near the top of the high meadow, the view south towards Mount Anthony is outstanding.

Farmland to the north with the mass of West Mountain rising beyond.

NW views across the open fields.

Nearby farm buildings and farmland are visible and surround this gorgeous area.

Beautiful view towards the farmed lands on the rolling hills near the New York state line.

Arriving back at the carriage road, I strolled along this country lane.  Doesn't get much sweeter than this.

Heading back towards the car, with growing shadows in the late afternoon sun.

Just before arriving back at the car, I was lucky enough to pass by several beautiful all white horses, grazing along the park road.

 Hiked a very lovely 3 miles, with a couple hundred feet of elevation change at a fantastic place to take a walk and soak in your surroundings.
On my drive back home I made a quick pit stop at the Burt Henry Covered Bridge, which was originally built all the way back in 1840.  It was rebuilt in 1989.

After a couple of minutes checking out the bridge, I took a short walk down along the peaceful Walloomsac River.  What a gorgeous little area.