Vermont is full of hiking trails of all lengths and degrees of difficulty, but this hike puts you in one of the most isolated and beautiful spots in all of Vermont. Owl’s Head is one place that you absolutely must see for yourself. The best part is that such a short hike can take you away from it all!
Are you ready to be in one of the most remote and isolated spots in Vermont?
This short hike is only ½ mile and in about 30 minutes you’ll be at the summit of Owl’s Head in Groton State Forest.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the summit’s stone fire tower, the trail and the picnic shelter at the trailhead.
The Groton State Forest is a nature lover’s paradise, and despite being one of the most popular recreational areas in Northern Vermont, you’ll find yourself in an isolated area.
This area has been a favorite since the 1890s for hunting, swimming and snowmobiling and it supports a wide variety of wildlife including black bear, moose, deer, mink, beaver, otter, fisher, grouse, loons, herons and many others.
Once you get to the picnic shelter at the trailhead, take a moment to enjoy the view of kettle pond from the shelter.
Take the gradual hike through mixed hardwoods and up two sets of CCC constructed steps.
Halfway up the trail, you’ll see the octagonal stone fire tower.
Whether you make this trek alone...
Or with friends...
You'll truly feel like you're on top of the world!
Pictured: Kettle Pond is in the foreground, Spruce Peak is the sharp one on the left. Hardwood & Kettle Mountains are on either side of Kettle Pond and Camel's Hump is just to the left of Kettle Mountain with Mansfield to the right. What a view!
For a different view of the Groton State forest, check out this unbelievable footage taken from from Devil's Hill.
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