West Windsor, Vermont (August 20, 2021) – Come September, there will be one more reason to visit Mount Ascutney.  The finishing touches are being made on the new Ascutney Discovery Trail with a grand opening scheduled for Sunday, September 5 at 1 p.m.  The Ascutney Discovery Trail is a 1-mile  interpretive trail that features 11 interpretive stations with interactive activities such as a 3D map, artist-created benches, tree stump playground and chairlift swing.  The Trail introduces visitors to the natural and cultural history of the mountain as they take in breathtaking views while walking through the forest and over the ski slopes.  

On Sunday, September 5 (Labor Day weekend), Ascutney Outdoors will cut the ribbon on this new interpretive trail and offer a guided tour and light refreshments.  The event starts promptly at 1 pm at the Ascutney Outdoors Center with a dedication followed by a trail walk.  Join a guided group or walk the trail on your own. Ascutney Discovery Trail markers will show you the way.

 

The Ascutney Discovery Trail (ADT) offers an entirely new experience for visitors on the mountain, inviting and encouraging people to learn more about this special place in a fun and engaging way.  While many come to Mount Ascutney to mountain bike or ski the challenging terrain, the ADT is designed as an easy-entry experience that can be enjoyed in part or as a whole.  For instance, a walk from the Outdoors Center to the Valley Vista interpretive stop can be a whole trip, with this scenic picnic spot a great option for families with small children. 

 

The trail was designed with professional help from the National Park Service Rivers & Trails

Program and Murphy & Smith Interpretive Solutions.  Trail planning brought many stakeholders together to specifically envision a much better system of connecting trails and offering more entry-level physical activities and education opportunities on the mountain. Ascutney Outdoors volunteers put in a tremendous amount of time to install all of the trail elements in order to provide the local match to the grants secured for the project.

 

Join Ascutney Outdoors on September 5 to celebrate this new trail and explore the natural and cultural history of this special place in our community!