Unveiling the Natural Splendor of C.C. Putnam State Forest

An Alternative Path to Vermont's Natural Beauty

While Vermont's renowned \"Main Street\" showcases its charming towns and scenic beauty, lesser-known routes, such as Route 12, offer equally captivating experiences with significantly less traffic. Running parallel to and east of Route 100, Route 12 provides access to secluded destinations like Lake Elmore and the adjacent C.C. Putnam State Forest. This northern section expertly bypasses the seasonal traffic jams often encountered between Stowe and Waterbury, leading visitors to an area rich in natural wonders.

Exploring the Expansive C.C. Putnam State Forest

Encompassing 17,503 acres of dense woodlands and mountainous terrain, C.C. Putnam State Forest stands as Vermont's fifth-largest state forest. Its elevations vary from 500 to 3,642 feet, featuring a diverse ecosystem of northern hardwoods, white birch, spruce fir, and both white and red pine. The forest is crowned by five prominent peaks—Mount Hunger, Mount Worcester, White Rock, Putnam, and Stowe Pinnacle—which together form the \"third range\" of the Green Mountains. As the headwaters of the North Branch, a tributary to Vermont's third-largest river, the Winooski, the park supports a thriving population of wildlife, including bears, deer, grouse, beavers, minks, coyotes, and over 100 bird species. The increasing moose population underscores the need for hikers and campers to practice responsible outdoor ethics.

Navigating the Diverse Trails of C.C. Putnam State Forest

Given its vast size, C.C. Putnam State Forest offers numerous trailheads accessible from various points. On the eastern side, near Hampshire Hill Road in Worcester, adventurers can embark on the challenging Worcester Trail, a 4.5-mile round trip to Mount Worcester's summit with a nearly 2,000-foot elevation gain. Further south on Route 12, the Middlesex Trailhead on North Bear Swamp Road begins a 6-mile loop that includes the summits of White Rocks and Mount Hunger. Mount Hunger, particularly favored for its unobstructed summit views, can also be accessed from the forest's western side via a 3.8-mile trail from Waterbury.

Stowe's Gateway to Forest Adventures and Iconic Waterfalls

In Stowe, celebrated as \"Fall's Color Capital\" and one of America's premier small towns, two main trails lead into C.C. Putnam State Forest. The Stowe Pinnacle Trail offers two branches: a 3.6-mile path from Upper Hollow Road and a 2.6-mile route from Pinnacle Heights Road, both of moderate difficulty. At the summit, hikers can connect to the ridge-top Skyline Trail, which extends between Mount Hunger and Mount Worcester. Another popular option in Stowe is the trail to Moss Glen Falls. Although the waterfall is just a quarter-mile in, the trail continues for several miles beyond, drawing visitors who come to admire the falls, now famous through national and social media attention.