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Brownsville - Story Ridge Forest

This 750-acre parcel supports 10 distinct natural community types. 92% of the natural communities on the property are considered state-significant. The forest is predominantly a northern hardwood forest consisting of tree species such as sugar maple, yellow birch, and American beech. Hemlock and red spruce forests can also be found on the property. There are two open meadows in the center of the property which cover 7 acres. These open areas provide views across the valley to the Green Mountains and a variety of meadow and early successional forest habitat for wildlife.

Although Brownsville  Forest was an active hill farm community through the 1940s, today, it feels wild and remote. Before the property was posted several years ago, neighbors and community members long appreciated using the land for hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross country skiing, walking and more.

Brownsville Forest is part of the Worcester Range: one of Vermont’s most wild and least protected mountain ranges. The State of Vermont has designated the Worcesters as a Highest Priority Area within the state and the region for maintaining biodiversity and an ecologically resilient landscape in the face of climate change. Protecting Brownsville Forest is a local conservation effort that has a global impact.

Public Access

Brownsville-Story Ridge Forest is open to the public for a variety of non-motorized recreational activities. A limited trail network is currently open to pedestrian use, and all trails on the property are currently closed to bikes. Mountain biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling are permitted on the Class IV sections of Brownsville Road that cut through the forest. Click here to see a map of open pedestrian trails.

Directions

From Stowe Village take Route 100 north to Brush Hill Road. Turn right and follow Brush Hill Road up to the top of the hill where it takes a sharp right turn at the Morrill Farm and becomes Brownsville Road. The closest portion of the property will be an open field on the right in half a mile. Brownsville Road then continues through Brownsville-Story Ridge Forest and connects on the other side of the property with Moss Glen Falls Road.

A 3-season parking area is available along the Class IV section of Brownsville Road. See trail map. In winter months, when the Class IV road is unplowed, please park along the roadsides at either end of Brownsville Road. Please be sure to park out of the way of driveways, traffic, snowplow turnarounds, and to be respectful of neighbors and adjacent private land.

Facts

  • 758 acres
  • Vermont State Forest
  • Conserved in 2019
  • Brownsville Road, Stowe

Protecting this gem for the public not only provides wonderful benefits locally, but it also enhances a significant statewide asset for all Vermonters and our guests to enjoy now and into the future. Michael Snyder, Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner

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