Breadloaf Hill

Local Guide

Our favorite places around Breadloaf Hill

Bartlett Falls

Favorite

Beautiful natural swimming hole with rock ledges for jumping. A classic Vermont spot on the New Haven River.

~5 miles10 min

Texas Falls

Scenic gorge with cascading waterfalls in the Green Mountain National Forest. Great for wading — swimming is limited.

~8 miles15 min

Middlebury Gorge

Deep pools and rope swings along the Middlebury River. Popular on hot summer days.

~6 miles12 min

Your family favorite spot

Know a secret swimming hole? Add it here!

Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

Favorite

Easy 1-mile loop through woods and meadows with poems posted along the way. Great for all ages.

~2 miles5 min

Long Trail (access from Rt 125)

Vermont's famous end-to-end trail crosses Rt 125 near Breadloaf. Hike north toward Mt. Abraham or south toward Middlebury Gap.

~3 miles8 min

Skylight Pond Trail

Moderate 4-mile hike to a beautiful alpine pond with views. Connects to the Long Trail.

~4 miles10 min

Mt. Abraham via Long Trail

Strenuous hike to one of Vermont's 4,000-footers with panoramic views above treeline.

~3 miles to trailhead8 min

Spirit in Nature Trails

Peaceful network of short trails in Ripton, each themed around a world religion. Family-friendly.

~1 mile3 min

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area

Extensive trail network with options from easy walks to challenging climbs. Falls of Lana and Silver Lake are highlights.

~10 miles20 min

American Flatbread (Middlebury)

Favorite

Wood-fired flatbreads with local ingredients. Lively atmosphere — a Middlebury staple.

~12 miles20 min

Tourterelle (New Haven)

French-inspired bistro in a beautifully restored building. Perfect for a special dinner.

~10 miles18 min

The Bobcat Cafe (Bristol)

Cozy cafe with great burgers, local beers, and a relaxed vibe.

~14 miles25 min

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op

Excellent deli counter, prepared foods, and local products. Great for stocking up.

~12 miles20 min

Family favorite — add yours!

Discovered a great spot? Share it with the family!

Middlebury Farmers Market

Favorite

Saturdays in season on the town green. Local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.

~12 miles20 min

Middlebury College Museum of Art

Free admission. Impressive collection in a beautiful building on the Middlebury campus.

~12 miles20 min

Otter Creek Brewing

Local brewery with a taproom. Tours available — a fun afternoon stop.

~12 miles20 min

Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm

Trail rides through the Green Mountains on gentle Icelandic horses. Unique Vermont experience.

~5 miles10 min

Blueberry Hill (Cross-Country Skiing)

Excellent cross-country ski center in Goshen. Beautiful trails in winter, hiking in summer.

~8 miles15 min

Middlebury

Favorite

The nearest real town — charming college town with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and all services. The hub for errands and dining.

~12 miles20 min

Ripton

The tiny town we're in! Home to the Bread Loaf campus, Robert Frost's cabin, and not much else. That's the charm.

~1 mile2 min

Brandon

Artsy small town with galleries, antique shops, and the Brandon Artists Guild. Nice for a half-day visit.

~18 miles30 min

Bristol

Friendly village with a town green, local shops, and the Bristol Bakery. Worth the drive.

~14 miles25 min

Vergennes

One of the smallest cities in America. Cute downtown near Otter Creek with shops and restaurants.

~22 miles35 min

Warren / Waitsfield

Mad River Valley towns with Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. Warren Store is a classic stop.

~30 miles45 min

Know a great spot we're missing? Share it on the Family Board and we'll add it here.