After stopping in Manchester in southern Vermont (and hiking in the Equinox Preserve), we continued our road trip, this time heading east. As we passed by the White Rocks National Recreation Area, we decided to stop and hike there.
The White Rocks National Recreation Area—also named after Robert T. Stafford, a former Vermont governor and senator—protects 22,624 acres in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont. It has a few hiking trails, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail.
We obviously didn’t have time to hike the 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the national area, so we decided to follow a short trail that apparently led to a pretty view: the White Rocks Ice Beds Trail.
The trailhead parking lot is at the end of a gravel road near Wallingford. We were the only ones on the trail that morning, but we were immediately enchanted by it. It is well marked, and I really liked all the big white rocks that dot the forest floor.
These rocks are Cheshire quartzite that was exposed and eroded during the last ice age. Indigenous peoples often used the stone from around White Rocks to create tools.
Starting in the 19th century, the land in the area began to be exploited for other reasons. European settlers cleared the land to try to cultivate it, then the forest began to interest logging companies. Fortunately, the area has been protected since the 1980s.
After a few switchbacks, the trail led us to a first lookout. It offers a beautiful view of White Rocks Mountain and its white rocks cliffs (which probably give it its name). My partner joked that all these rocks deposited on the mountain by the glaciers were a bit reminiscent of Mount Rigaud (but on a much more impressive scale).
A few metres further, the trail took us to another lookout, this time over the valley to the south, bordered by White Rocks Mountain. For a hike that had not required much effort up to this point, the views were impressive, especially in the soft morning light.
But our hike was not quite over yet. The Ice Beds Trail owes its name to the fact that it leads to a ravine where the ice melts very slowly and often lasts until the end of summer. After the lookouts, the trail gradually descends into the forest to lead to the bottom of the ravine.
We crossed a small stream, then after a few turns, we arrived at the bottom of the big rock pile. In the winter, ice forms deep within the recesses of that rock pile. We did not see any ice, but the temperature suddenly became much cooler at this point.
Since we had reached the famous “ice beds” and the end of the trail, we now had to retrace our steps. So there was a good climb to get out of the ravine and back to the rocky lookouts. Then after that, it was just a matter of going back down to the parking lot.
In the end, our hike was a little over 3 kilometres (2 miles), with a vertical gain of 233 metres (764 feet). Although quite short, I really enjoyed this trail, its pretty views and its beautiful and quiet forest. It just made me want to explore the Green Mountains again and again!
Such beautiful scenery and views! The cooler temperatures near the ice beds sounds like a real treat, especially on a hot day!
It was! It was also so interesting to feel the contrast of temperature as we got near the big rocks. It was suddenly chilly! Thanks for reading!
Looks like a very healthy forest with great views. I don’t mind a few rocks along a trail. It is often the roots that trip hikers up. Have a great Saturday. Allan
You are right! I do love a good rocky trail. This one was very enjoyable, and not too long. Thanks for reading, Allan, have a great weekend! 🙂
Beautiful views, Vanessa, well worth the two mile hike! I’ve never been in Vermont.
Yes, it was a short hike with nice views, so perfect for a warm summer day! Vermont is beautiful, it reminds me a lot of some parts of Canada. Thanks for reading, John!
You’re welcome, Vanessa, Vermont is very close to Canada. 🤙🏻