Your Virtual Nature Walk: North Branch River Park
Our Virtual Nature Walks bring you to Central Vermont locations to explore the natural world as we transition into spring. Given the current events, we'll be choosing locations that are easy to get to, have wide trails or dirt roads, and are popular (but not too popular) places for our community to get some fresh air and exercise.
Just two miles north of downtown Montpelier, this old farm road parallels the North Branch of the Winooski River on one side, and the forested hillside of North Branch River Park on the other. Though there are plenty of side trails for hiking and mountain biking, this Virtual Nature Walk sticks to the wide, flat trail along the river. This trail runs from Cummings Street on the south end, to the bridge to North Branch Nature Center on the north end. Park at the big lot at the Montpelier Recreation Fields by the pool and head over the bridge and either way down the trail. Remember, stay 6 feet apart from others, and that goes for on-leash furry friends, too.
To go on our Virtual Nature Walk, click the button below.
Virtual Nature Walks: The Ground Rules
We hope you'll get out and see if you can find these features and creatures yourselves. If you do:
- Please heed CDC guidelines and remain at least 6 feet from other visitors.
- Pets must be on leash and at least 6 feet from others as well.
- Look but please don't touch: Since some of our observations bring you to very specific features, please refrain from touching them so that other curious nature lovers remain safe.
- If you live far away, consider visiting a closer location instead.
