Porter Brook Nature Trail

Location Greensboro, VT
Acreage 76
Protected Since 2016
Featured Recreation Land

Explore a scenic loop trail along Porter Brook near the shores of Caspian Lake

The Porter Brook Nature Trail offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse landscape of meadows, forests, wetlands, and streams just minutes from Caspian Lake and the Highland Lodge. The loop trail winds through the conserved property’s forests and wetlands, crossing Porter Brook, several smaller streams, and areas shaped by active beavers. Conserved in 2016, the property is a treasured destination for recreation, education, and habitat conservation.

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A woodland walk along Porter Brook

The Nature Trail loop descends from the parking area through an open meadow before entering a deciduous forest. The trail follows packed earthen paths, boardwalks, and small bridges as it skirts the edge of a spruce-fir forest, crossing several tributaries that feed Porter Brook.

Please note: Stream crossings may be wet, particularly after rain events. Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and use caution on slippery rocks and surfaces.

Wetlands and wildlife await

At 0.6 miles into the trail, there is a pavilion offering a peaceful place to rest and enjoy the surrounding forest. Beyond the pavilion, the trail descends into a wetter landscape where cedar and alder trees thrive, and signs of beaver activity are often evident.

The loop follows the edge of an alder wetland before crossing Porter Brook and continuing to a dirt road. After a short walk along the road, the trail turns left on to a wide path before reentering spruce-fir forest. From there, the path gradually climbs back to the parking lot, completing the loop.

Protecting a valuable watershed

Porter Brook is an important tributary to Caspian Lake. The brook and the 22 acres of surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for aquatic wildlife and plants. The brook is vital spawning habitat for rainbow and brown trout. Trout will migrate from the lake far upstream to lay eggs.

Conserving the land around Porter Brook helps preserve this habitat and improve water quality in Caspian Lake.

Visit Porter Brook Nature Trail

Public Access
Dogs Allowed On Leash
Parking

This 1.1-mile gentle loop trail passes through spruce-fir and mixed northern hardwood forest and wetlands around Porter Brook on the northeast corner of Caspian Lake. It is marked with blue blazes and has interpretive signs about local plants and wildlife.

The trail is owned by Highland Lodge and managed by Greensboro Land Trust. It is open sunrise to sunset.

The trail is available for all-season hiking and seasonal snowshoeing. Please note, dogs must be leashed, and mountain biking is not allowed.

Following rain events, some stream crossings may be wet, so please bring appropriate footwear.

Access to the trail is from the Highland Lodge (1608 Craftsbury Road). The parking area is across the road from the lodge. The trail departs from the parking area.

There is space for about 15 cars in the main parking lot, with some additional parking on the other side of the road to the south.

Trail Map

Conservation on the shores of Caspian Lake

For many years, longtime Highland Lodge owners Wilhelmina “Willie” and David Smith envisioned permanently protecting the land stretching from the lodge to the shores of Caspian Lake. In 2016, that vision became a reality when they partnered with VLT and Greensboro Land Trust (GLT) to conserve the property.

Funding for the conservation came from the Greensboro Conservation Fund, the Freeman Foundation, and the Stony Point Foundation. Thanks to the partners, the Smiths, and additional support from the community, 76 acres of forests, wetlands, and shoreline surrounding Porter Brook are forever protected.

A nature trail for future generations

The trail’s history dates back to the early 1970s, when the Smiths developed a cross-country ski trail through the area. In 1996, naturalist Cheryl Ecklund transformed the route into a nature trail, enhancing visitor access with bridges, boardwalks, and interpretive information about its natural features.

Years later, aging infrastructure forced the trail’s closure. GLT led a fundraising effort to restore the trail and reopen it to the public. Working with the new owners of Highland Lodge, GLT also secured an easement for permanent public access, ensuring visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Porter Brook for generations to come.

Today, GLT manages the trail in partnership with Highland Lodge, maintaining infrastructure and interpretive signage to welcome all visitors.

Porter Brook Nature Trail

Explore a scenic loop trail along Porter Brook near the shores of Caspian Lake

A woodland walk along Porter Brook

Wetlands and wildlife await

Protecting a valuable watershed

Visit Porter Brook Nature Trail

Hours & Contact

Recreation Rules & Guidelines

Directions

Trail Map

Conservation on the shores of Caspian Lake

A nature trail for future generations

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