For the love of dirt roads (and gravel ones too)

One of the year-round pleasures of life in Southern Vermont is taking a stroll down a dirt road. Or a run, gravel ride, motorcyle trip … 

There are significantly more miles of dirt road in Southern Vermont than there are paved, making for lots of possibilities for adventure.

• The Guilford Gravel Grinder in June is already a classic event, in its 3rd year. They still have spots for women and juniors, so get yourself on the list!
• The Vermont Puppy Dog Ride is a top-to-bottom scenic motorcycle route through the state on mostly dirt roads.
• Or really, just take a turn off any numbered state highway — the pavement will almost certainly end and you can find a little pull off to park and just meander (my personal favorite method). 

As you wander along, you’ll probably notice a surprising number of “private property” signs stapled to the trees along the road. This is because in Vermont, it’s a constitutional right to hunt on any private property that is not “posted.” Of course, this leads to some controversy … and putting up all those signs can take a lot of effort!

Vermont does not technically have a “right to roam” but some folks interpret the ability to hunt on private land as also giving the public the right to just walk without hunting. (And some owners post their land against hunting, but not against “trespassing,” because they want to leave it open for walkers.)

The best thing to do if you want to stray away from the road and start bushwhacking is to (a) talk to your neighbors first (if you can; some people really want their space) and (b) wear bright colors because it’s almost always one hunting season or another in Vermont. Oh yes, and (c) when you get home, throw your clothes in the dryer on high for 10 min, leave your shoes outside, take a shower within 2 hours, and do a tick check … because going off-trail is a solid way to stir up those little bugs.

For my part, I find the roads themselves are beautiful enough for me … and there are a ton of public trails to enjoy in Windham County as well.

However you get out there, be safe, be kind, and don’t forget to savor some deeps breaths of fresh spring air. 

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Southern Vermont Trails Association, a great org to connect you with group hikes, rides, and trailbuilding