I'm always amazed at the beautiful trails and the amount of use they  
get in the winter. This is truly an unknown treasure!

Maeve


On May 3, 2009, at 10:56 PM, Sally and Terry wrote:

> Thank you , Maeve. I actually skied that area 10 years or more ago  
> and it is
> lovely!
>
> Sally Fellows
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vermont Birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maeve  
> Kim
> Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 9:04 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [VTBIRD] directions to Crane Brook
>
> Several birders have asked for directions to this area, which has
> beautiful walking trails and a variety of habitats. Here they are:
>
> Drive out Pleasant Valley Road through Underhill Center. Either turn
> left onto Sand Hill Road or turn left further out at Underhill
> Central School (Irish Settlement Road). Sand Hill and Irish
> Settlement Road merge.
>
> About .7 miles past the merger of the two roads, there's a small pull-
> off on the right, with a metal gate. (There's room for two cars.)
> Once through the gate, trails will take you straight ahead to an open
> field with a spectacular view of Mt. Mansfield. (The field is the
> site of the old Underhill dump. You'll see several methane monitoring
> wells.) At the top of the field, trails head right or left. They're
> both beautiful. The right-hand trails go down to a river and
> eventually end back on Sand Hill Road.  You can also walk all the way
> down to Underhill Central School.
>
> If you choose the left-hand trails, bear right at the only
> intersection. The trail goes through woods down to New Road, an
> unmaintained road that goes by five or six beaver ponds. Water is
> often over the road, so if you want to see all the ponds, wear shoes
> that don't mind getting wet.
>
> The beginning of New Road can also be reached by continuing driving
> out Pleasant Valley Road beyond the school. Near the entrance to
> Underhill State Park, New Road is on the left. You can park by the
> town garage and walk New Road from there.
>
> Enjoy!
>
> Maeve