A Beautiful Day for the Austin Walk

Yesterday I took advantage of some free time in the afternoon to go for a quick stroll on the Austin Walk, a short, 0.5-mile path just off the parking lot of the Lareau swimming hole.
The swimming hole was busy on such a warm day, but the path was relatively quiet. It was much cooler under the trees and out of the sun.

The trees arched over my head in many places, and the wildflowers, ferns, and tall grass alongside the dirt path brushed my legs as I snapped some photos.

The dappled sunlight was calming and beautiful in contrast with the birches. I could faintly hear joyous shouts from the river, but the path seemed surprisingly secluded from the nearby road and swimming hole.

The path goes on for about 0.25 miles before circling around a small meadow. There, the river can be seen from the path, and there is a nice view in all directions.

I even found an oddly shaped tree!

Once around the meadow, I made my way back along the path to the parking lot. A sweet set of stone steps marks the end of the path.

By the time I was out in the sun again, I was certainly ready to jump in the river!

A Walk on the Kingsbury Greenway

On one of the recent gorgeous days, I went out for a walk on the Kingsbury Greenway, near Rt. 100 between Waitsfield and Warren. The path starts at the parking area at the Kingsbury Park, just off Rt. 100 on the left after the Golden Lion. There are a couple access points to the Mad River near where the trail starts. It was already hot, and the river looked so inviting, but the path called. I still had a couple miles to walk before a swim.

Starting off, the trail led me through a sunny wooded area, following the river downstream. A few people were picnicking at one of the picnic areas between the path and the river. I crossed over the Clay Brook Bridge, watching the brook join with the larger river. Following the path, I climbed the stairway built by a crew from the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. Suddenly I was out in the full sun, walking through a meadow and up to meet the road. A cautious look in both directions-- left, right, left--and I was across. 

The Kingsbury Farm was visible just over the green steel bridge as I continued down a wide dirt road toward the Snowmaking Pond. Blue sky above, sun shining, all kinds of wildflowers along the path...it was beautiful!

The path actually goes around the entire pond, so I was able to get many beautiful angles!

The water in the pond looked refreshing, but unfortunately not swim-able. I had to make it back to the river. Back along the path, back across Rt. 100, back over the bridge...

...and finally back to the river for a dip! Ahhh...a bit chilly at first, but lovely. A successful walk and swim on a beautiful day.

Welcome to the Path!

Hello!

We are very pleased to welcome you to our new blog! Check back here for new postings, photos, and further information on the Path and the MRPA. We'll be sharing exciting news, event dates, and the daily goings-on at the Path.

Be sure to read our About and History sections to learn more about what the Mad River Path is, the MRPA's mission and goals, and how the Path began.

Click here for a map of the path: http://www.madriverpath.com/Maps.html

Please contact us if you're interested in supporting the Path or getting involved!

Thanks!