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| Visit the High Ponds Farm The High Ponds Farm is a privately-owned nature preserve and stewardship demonstration site located in the Hazen's Notch Area of Montgomery, Vermont. The High Ponds Farm is open to the public on a limited basis. Directions The entrance to the High Ponds Farm is on the Rossier Road, 2 miles east of Montgomery Center [8 miles west of Lowell, Vermont] off of Route 58, the Hazen's Notch Road. After leaving the Hazen's Notch Road, bear right at the fork in the Rossier Road near the grey house, drive uphill through the main gate and continue straight ahead to the parking area by the information sign board. Please park "facing in" towards the mountain so that as many cars as possible can fit in the small parking lot. Note: Several other driveways leave the main road. These driveways are not open to the public. Please Observe These Rules May 15 - November 15: Area open sunrise to sunset. Only walking allowed. Dogs must be on leash. Hike along several miles of gentle woods roads past numerous beaver ponds that support a rich diversity of wildlife. Along the way you'll find places to stop for a picnic and to enjoy the view. More rugged trails lead to the summit of Burnt Mountain which offers spectacular views from its open, rocky crest. In Winter, trails are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Trails are not open at night. When snow cover is thin, trails are icy or thawing conditions exist, trails may be closed for user safety and to prevent further deterioration of trail surfaces. Observe all "Trails Closed" signs to ensure personal safety. Snowboarding, Snowmobiling and All Terrain Vehicles are not allowed. Trail Fees In Winter a fee is charged for the use of the trails and is payable at the HNA Welcome Center located 1.5 miles east of Montgomery Center on Route 58, 1423 Hazen's Notch Road. Winter trail fees help to pay the many costs associated with the operation of the Welcome Center, including trail maintenance and the staff needed to serve winter trail users. There is no charge for the use of trails in Spring, Summer & Fall. Membership contributions and donations to the HNA Trails Fund help meet the many expenses associated with the maintenance and management of the HNA trails in Summer and Fall. Thank you!
Group Visits Please note that while the HNA Trails are open to the public at no charge in the summer, a fee is charged for groups. This includes school, home school, church or other community groups. This includes both non-profit and for-profit groups and whether your visit is self-directed or facilitated by HNA staff. There are many costs associated with the management of trails that are open to the public. Group use fees and membership contributions help the HNA office to meet these expenses. Please contact the HNA office to arrange your group visit. Thank you.
Pets Pets are not allowed on trails in the Winter. In Summer and Fall, pets must be kept on a short leash at all times.
Picnicing Picnicing is permitted at the High Ponds Farm on the Rossier Road and at Bear Paw Pond and Little Rock Pond on the Hazen's Notch Road. A picnic shelter is located near the Moosewood Ponds on the High Ponds Farm. The High Meadow is also a good place to enjoy a lunch or snack while taking in the panoramic view. Fires are not allowed at any time. Tipis are private property and are not open to the public. Please observe all "private" signs. Thank you!
Hunting Hunting on the High Ponds Farm is restricted to the rifle and muzzle loader portions of the whitetail deer season. In addition, hunting for ruffed grouse and woodcock are permitted during the regular season only. The following are Not Allowed: Bear Hunting, Bow Hunting, Tree Stands, Trapping, & Fishing. Hunters as well as hikers can respect their own safety as well as others by wearing an article of clothing that is in blaze orange. Observe all signs restricting public access to ensure continued hunting in the Hazen's Notch Area. Thank you!
Please observe the following restrictions: The following are not allowed: Fires, Camping, Tree Cutting, Plant Collecting, Motorized Vehicles and Bicycles, Snowboarding, Sledding, Boating, Wading, Swimming, Radios, Overnight Parking and Commercial Activities.
Hazen's Notch Conservation Lands The High Ponds Farm is one of two preserves that make up the 500-acre Hazen's Notch Conservation Lands. The other preserve is the 100-acre Bear Paw Pond Conservation Area.
Hazen's Notch Association The High Ponds Farm is one of over 30 privately owned properties in the Hazen's Notch area of Montgomery which allow limited public access and that are managed by the Hazen's Notch Association, a non-profit conservation organization. |