Haystack Mountain

Hike Haystack Mountain! Once called in local advertisments the Gibralter of the America, Haystack affords the hardy hiker one of the best panoramic views in Southern Vermont.

Start from the center of town and proceed 1.7 miles North on RT 30. Make a Right turn at Waite Hill road (dirt) and go exactly 1.2 miles and park at the entrance to Tunket Road, this is the entrance to the hike.

Please do not block the entrance to Tunket Road. There are lots of “Do Not Enter” signs about – no worries- this refers to cars. Just follow the trail marked with the green sign for the Nature Conservancy.

The trail head is about a 15 minute walk from the parking area. To reach the summit will take between 1 and 1.5 hours (bring water and good shoes). This is not an easy hike (the last 20 minutes are steep) but the panoramic views from the top of Haystack are well worth it!

The lower photo shows the entrance to the Haystack Mountain hike on Waite Hill Road.

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Fish the Mettawee

Considered by many to be one of the best fly fishing rivers in Vermont, access to the Mettawee is readily available from many points on Rt. 30. An easy entrance is to follow RT 30 North for 2.7 miles from the center of town to River Road (paved, also look for state sign for Indian Hill Imageworks). Make a left turn onto River Road. Just past Indian Hill Imageworks there are 3 easily accessible entrances to the Mettawee…Just remember to get permission to cross someone’s land and leave no trace behind. Also, do not park in the Indian Hill Imageworks parking lot as it is private property and do not access the river by crossing field, go on the edges of the river.

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Merck Forest and Farmland Center

Merck Forest and Farmland Center is a family and nature lover’s paradise with trails, farm animals and information on sustainable farming. A must-see for any visitor to Southern Vermont!

From the center of Pawlet head South on RT 30 towards Dorset. Follow RT 30 for exactly 6.2 miles till you come to RT 315, make a Right turn onto RT 315. Follow for 2.5 miles up the mountain till the entrance for Merck Forest and Farm Center is on your Left (the entrance is at the summit of the road).

Web Site: www.merckforest.org

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Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail

While in West Pawlet be sure to check out the Rail Trail, a 19.8 mile long converted railroad bed which was part of the Delaware and Hudson Rail system. Perfect for biking or walking, the scenery along this trail ranges from mountain views, open farmlands and wetlands to small villages in Vermont and New York.

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Lake Saint Catherine State Park

The perfect place for an afternoon picnic on the water. Lake Saint Catherine State Park consists of 117 acres, first opened as a small picnic and swimming area in 1953. The campground has tent sites, swimming, and a playground. Only minutes from Pawlet!

Head North on RT 30 from Pawlet for 12.3 miles (you will pass through the Town of Wells), Lake Saint Catherine State Park is on the Left.

Park Phone: 802-287-9158

Season: Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend

VT Parks Web Site

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The Pawlet Public Library

The historic Pawlet Public Library is the crown jewel in the heart of the village. Built in 1911, this Colonial Revival style building functioned for over eighty five years as the community three room schoolhouse before being transformed into the state-of-the-art community center that it is today.

Free movie night, children’s story and activity hours, and internet access are just some of the services provided by the Pawlet Public Library.

One of the best ways to judge the vitality of any town is by the quality of its public library and Pawlet has one of the finest in Vermont!

Located on School Street across from the Historic Pawlet Town Hall.

 

802-325-3123

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Mettawee Valley Community Center

A great place to picnic in a true Vermont setting. The Mettawee Valley Community Center is nestled within corn fields and flanked by Vermont Forests. There are picnic benches, a play ground and a ball field. Free and open to the public.

Directions / Location: Head South on RT 30 from the center of town for 3.3 miles, the center is on the left.

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Historic Downtown Pawlet

Visit our historic downtown! View from Pawlet Mountain after a clearing storm.