Cady Hill Forest
A 258-acre forest near Stowe with a multi-use trail network for hiking and mountain biking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See wildlife and enjoy cooler temps
Cady Hill Forest
Best Time
See wildlife and enjoy cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 258-acre forest near Stowe with a multi-use trail network for hiking and mountain biking.
"Fantastic well-maintained trails, great for all ability levels and a top MTB park in the area."
Check Trail Conditions
Visit Ranchcamp on Mountain Rd for the latest trail updates and info.
Stay Aware of Bikers
Hikers should watch for oncoming mountain bikers, especially on tighter trails.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cady Hill Loop
Main trail network
A popular, relatively flat loop offering a great introduction to the forest's natural beauty.
Sap Bucket & Macutchan Trails
Designated trails
Enjoy fast-paced travel and scenic views on these easier, well-maintained trails.
Jump Line
MTB park area
An incredibly fun area for mountain bikers with new options and well-maintained terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Awareness
Best Footing for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Conditions
Visit Ranchcamp on Mountain Rd for the latest trail updates and info.
Stay Aware of Bikers
Hikers should watch for oncoming mountain bikers, especially on tighter trails.
Use Trail Maps
Maps are posted at the entrance and mid-trail for easy navigation.
Birdwatching Paradise
Great spot for birding; use apps like Merlin to identify new species.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Conditions
Visit Ranchcamp on Mountain Rd for the latest trail updates and info.
Stay Aware of Bikers
Hikers should watch for oncoming mountain bikers, especially on tighter trails.
Use Trail Maps
Maps are posted at the entrance and mid-trail for easy navigation.
Birdwatching Paradise
Great spot for birding; use apps like Merlin to identify new species.
Explore Different Trails
Even if you lose track, trails often reconnect within a short distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cady Hill Forest for its well-maintained trails, variety of difficulty levels, and convenient location near Stowe. It's a popular spot for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering beautiful wooded scenery, especially during fall. Some users note that certain trail connections could be better marked and advise caution due to the presence of bikers.
"Nice easy way to get out into nature not far from Stowe village. Easy footing and relatively flat for being nestled among mountains. The trails are fairly densely packed in places and not always super well marked. That said, it's easy to pick up the next turn and loop around. I did the main Cady Hill loop in less than 2h at a pretty casual pace taking pictures along the way. I encountered more mountain bikers than other hikers on a Saturday morning and saw two deer!"
Andrei Mackenzie
"An excellent series of trails, some connections of which are not fully marked. It’s pretty tight, so anywhere you lose track of where you are you can travel another 0.1-0.25 miles along the trail and reconnect with a well-marked section of trail. Lots of roots, pretty challenging if you’re running or hiking depending on how your legs are, but a great variety. Sap bucket and macutchan are two easy trails where you can travel fast and enjoy the scenery without worrying about footing."
Blake Rasmussen
"Great hike, very easy for new hikers. Very popular, many people on the trails running and biking. Wide trails which are clear of brush and debris. Maps posted at entrance and also about midway through the hike path I chose. I picked up 7 new birds on my Merlin app! :-) My group was walkers and we were constantly on the lookout for bikers - if that bothers you, stay away. It would be dangerous for very young kids or people who can't stay aware of oncoming bikers."
Jacob Moseman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cady Hill Forest is conveniently located near Stowe village. Access is typically via Mountain Road, with a dedicated kiosk and parking lot. For the most current information on trail conditions and access, it's recommended to check in at the Ranchcamp shop on Mountain Road.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the entrance to Cady Hill Forest, which is generally large enough to accommodate visitors.
Information on public transport access to Cady Hill Forest is limited. It is primarily accessed by car. Visitors often combine a trip to Cady Hill with exploring Stowe village.
The forest features a multi-use trail network. Maps are posted at the entrance and midway through the trails to aid navigation.
Absolutely! Cady Hill Forest is renowned for its mountain biking trails, including a jump line and various difficulty levels from greens to blacks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cady Hill Forest is a recreational property with a trail network and parking lot. Entry is generally free, and there are no specific tickets required for general access.
As a natural forest area, Cady Hill Forest does not have set operating hours and is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's always a good idea to plan your visit to allow ample time before dusk.
There is no stated entrance fee for Cady Hill Forest. The property is managed for public recreational use.
While there are no official guided tours mentioned, local bike shops or outdoor outfitters in Stowe may offer guided excursions. Checking with places like Ranchcamp could provide options.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. Be mindful of trail etiquette, especially regarding yielding to bikers and staying on marked paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cady Hill Forest offers a multi-use trail network with a variety of trails, including easy, moderate (greens and blues), and challenging (blacks) options suitable for hiking and mountain biking. +1
Yes, Cady Hill Forest is great for hiking, with easy trails like Sap Bucket and Macutchan offering scenic enjoyment. Be aware that it's popular with mountain bikers. +1
The terrain varies, with some areas offering easy footing and relatively flat paths, while others can be rooty and more challenging, especially for runners. +1
While many trails are well-marked, some connections may not be fully marked. However, it's generally easy to reconnect with a marked section within a short distance.
Visitors have reported seeing deer and a variety of birds. Birdwatchers can use apps like Merlin to identify species.
📸 📸 Photography
The forest offers beautiful wooded scenery, especially during fall foliage. Look for scenic overlooks and clearings along the trails. The well-maintained trails themselves can also make for great action shots for bikers.
Absolutely! Vermont in the fall is magical, and Cady Hill Forest, with its 258 wooded acres, provides a stunning backdrop for capturing autumn colors.
Given its popularity with mountain bikers, action shots of biking are common. However, the natural beauty also lends itself to landscape and wildlife photography.
While specific viewpoints aren't highlighted, exploring the main loops and any areas with clearings or elevated sections can offer good photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit