BIKING EXCURSION: Kettle Pond to Marshfield Pond

Name of Excursion: Marshfield Pond Ride

Excursion length: 6.5 miles

Time for trip: 45 minutes

Rate of Difficulty: very easy

Location of starting point: Drive to the Kettle Pond parking area. This is a well marked location on Rt 232. Riding your bike turn left onto Rt. 302, go ¼ mile, and turn left onto the small rail trail.

Location of ending point: Approximately 3.15 miles from the start of the ride you will come up onto Marshfield Pond on the right. There is a small opening on the right which opens to the Pond and has a small bridge which goes over a brook. This is a great place to launch a canoe or kayak.

Suitability for children: Excellent, there is no traffic and the ride is easy

Reviewed by: Deborah Jurist

Highlights and special notes: The ¼ mile on Rt. 302 has a small incline, not to worry it is very short. There is also a small hump about ½ mile into the ride. These are the only inclines on the whole ride. At about 1.1 miles you will cross an intersection in the forgotten village of Lansboro. Just stay on the rail trail, you will pass some bodies of water with water lilies at the right time of the year.

Marshfield Pond lies under the watchful eye of the Owl’s Head cliffs. In the late spring the wild azaleas bloom. They are a very rare and endangered species. Pitcher plants can also be found on the rock formations in the Pond. This is just an enjoyable ride with few obstacles. If you continue past the pond you will arrive in Marshfield. A visit to the Rainbow Sweets Café is well worth the effort. http://www.vermont.com/Hunter/Vermont7.htm