A Detour Through Strafford's Wilderness

Cross Road winds along Clover Hill Wildlife Management Area.

We stumbled upon Clover Hill Wildlife Management Area while driving to New Hampshire last week.  While traveling south on Interstate 89, we took Exit 2 and headed east toward Strafford on Route 132, a scenic road that winds through Orange County.

After a quick Google map search, we decided to check out the 500-acre Clover Hill Wildlife Management Area. Owned by the State of Vermont, the forested area is open for hiking, wildlife viewing and regulated hunting.  

To get there, we took Route 132 to Cross Road, a quintessential Vermont country road that is also perfect for walking or biking. Just outside of the forest boundaries on Cross Road, we saw a few houses and an occasional car or two.  Other than that, we were surrounded by tall trees and a bright, blue sky.

We didn't see any wildlife during our brief visit, but we did come across a kids' lemonade stand. We bought two cups of lemonade and a few chocolate chip cookies for $3. The kids were thrilled to get some customers, and judging by the look on their faces, we made their day. 

They made ours, too.

**If you go: Take Route 132 east and take a left on Cross Road. 

More information: Clover Hill Wildlife Management Area.

A Path to the Great Outdoors in Stowe

The Stowe Recreation Path is at the top of my to-do list for anyone visiting or living in Vermont.  Whether you're biking, running, walking your dog or pushing a stroller, the five-mile path is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. 

Mostly flat and level, the path meanders along the West Branch River and features bridges, swimming holes, park benches, picnic tables and scenic views of Mount Mansfield. 

The award-winning path is free to use and is open year-round (I'm thinking about trying Nordic skiing on the path this winter!). You can access the path off Main Street/Route 100 behind the Stowe Community Church or along Route 108. 

For more information, visit www.gostowe.com/recreation-path.