From the parking lot, the trail leads into the woods and climbs moderately to a bridge at 0.2 miles. The trail continues beside a stream to a second stream crossing that has no bridge, but can be crossed on rocks. Ascending steadily after the second stream crossing, the trail climbs to a third stream crossing after which the terrain is gentler. The trail arrives at the outlet of Abbey Pond at 2.1 miles. Abbey Pond supports a community of marsh plants and animals. This trail is sometimes closed to protect nesting great blue herons. Watch for the closure posters. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.
Trail description and directions are courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service. The USFS home page is www.fs.fed.us
Directions:
From Middlebury, travel south 4.0 miles on Route 7 to where it intersects with Route 125. Travel east on Route 125 for 0.6 miles to the intersection with Route 116. Travel north on Route 116 for 4.4 miles, and look for a sign for the Abbey Pond Trail on the right. Turn right onto a gravel road and follow the right spur to the trailhead parking at 0.3 miles. The land adjacent to the road and parking lot is private property. Please be respectful of the owner.
