All trails begin and end at the Welcome Center where guests get a glimpse of all that Hildene encompasses. It is here that guests can access information on everything from the Pullman car to the floating boardwalk and how to get there and how to get back.
Rich in trails, Hildene is a special place to be in all seasons and year-round. With approximately 12 miles of walking trails, guests who choose these paths are immersed in nature and a variety of landscapes from woods to meadows. Our 412 acres provide sanctuary for pollinators; bees and butterflies and ground nesting birds. On the lower part of the property at Dene Farm, the trails lead to a working farm, teaching greenhouse, bobolink sanctuary observation platform and 600’ floating boardwalk through the Battenkill wetland.
All guests must purchase admission (Members must check in) to use trails.
African American Heritage Trail
Hildene’s “Many Voices” exhibit at our Pullman Car, Sunbeam, is one of the southernmost sites on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail. The trail takes you to historic and cultural sites where actions, events, and individuals significant to African American history and civil rights are remembered.
Winter Trails
Wintertime is beautiful at Hildene, and our 12 miles of trails are a wonderful way for our guests (with the purchase of admission) to experience the property. Our trails are of varying levels of difficulty, all natural, and ungroomed. Guests may find their walking shoes, hiking boots, ice cleats, Nordic skis, or snowshoes variably appropriate as conditions change. For those needing rental equipment, several Nordic centers and shops are in the vicinity.
The winter sports season typically runs from mid-December to mid-March (when Mother Nature cooperates). When there is a substantial snowfall, we like to share it on Facebook and Instagram – so please follow us for updates on trail conditions (and much more). You may also call our Welcome Center during business hours.
