Refuge Trails

The Missisquoi Refuge offers some excellent trails for walking, snowshoeing and cross-county skiing.  Click map for a larger view.

The Discovery Trail:  1 mile loop—45 minutes

Starting at the Visitor Center, follow this trail past ponds, through fields and into the woods to the edge of Maquam Bog. Walk along oak islands and boardwalks for an opportunity to see deer, red fox, coyote, songbirds, and birds of prey. To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, walk quietly.   More…

The Jeep Trail:  5 miles round trip—1.5 hours, one way

Enjoy the peaceful floodplain forest. If you walk quietly, you might see a deer, mink or osprey. Great blue herons wade along the shoreline looking to snack on fish, frogs and tadpoles.  Watch your step—and save a leopard frog!   More…

Old Railroad Passage Trail:     3 miles round trip—45 minute walk, one way

On your way to Maquam Bay, look for bobolinks, field sparrows and meadowlarks in open fields. You’ll pass through Maquam Bog—home to rare and unique plant species such as rhodora, pitch pine and the state threatened Virginia chain fern. The trail ends at Maquam Bay, which provides habitat for waterfowl and other water birds.   More…

Black Creek and Maquam Creek Nature Trails:   2.5 miles round trip—45 minute walk, one way

These trails take you to Lookout Point.  Along the way, you pass through fields that provide cover for small mammals and nesting habitat for birds, wooded lowland where you may see deer, beaver, leopard frogs, squirrels, and rabbits, forest openings that provide habitat for woodcock, and wetlands, which provide habitat for waterfowl, reptiles, and amphibians—especially frogs.   More…

Stephen J. Young Marsh Observation Platform and Trail:    1 1/4-mile loop—1 hour

Take in the colorful sights and distinctive smells of a freshwater wetland. Listen to the chatter of migrating ducks and geese in autumn.  In summer, try to spot a green heron stalking fish, insects and frogs.   More…