Hoofing It in the Green Mountains – Part One

Now I know what some of you may be thinking: where in the blazes IS Vermont? Isn’t that where Bernie Sanders is from? Can you ride a moose? First, you can find us snuggled in between New York State, the Canadian province of Quebec, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Second, Senator Sanders has claimed us as his home state, and many of us are proud to have him. Thirdly, I would not recommend accosting such a large animal as to ride it. So, now that I have your attention...

Vermont has proven to be one of the few states with a landscape that allows for trips to many watercourses, easy access to the mountainside trails, and a rest stop at any of our local restaurants, breweries, or bar/pub scenes that many a tourist have ranted and raved about over the past few years—all within short distance of each other, for the most part. What I am hoping to cover here are some of the few places that are not covered in your traveler’s magazines, newspaper editorials, or during a conversation with your hiker enthusiast friend at your favorite coffee shop. I will also provide recommendations as to times of the year to travel to these locations, what you should pack, as well as what to expect when you get there! For this piece, I will focus on one of my personal favorites, which is also a destination that is commonly viewed when traveling in this area.

Dog’s Head Rock: Johnson, Vermont

Dog’s Head is one of the most popular spots with the local Northern Vermont University – Johnson Campus students, as it is not only ideal for sightseeing and having a moment of peace above the churning waters of the Lamoille River, but it also great for the avid fisherman, with a couple of prime swimming spots above and below the rocky outcrop, as well as to have a small gathering along the riverside. For those that are in the know, it can be found along one of the many dirt roads that leads to the west/southwest of town, after you head down Railroad Street.

For anyone that is commonly finding themselves out of doors, this is a great location for the year-round trek if you snowshoe, hike, bike, or just drive out for an afternoon swim. However, I do make a couple of recommendations, if you choose to seek this beautiful spot out:

1 - Carpool, Walk, or Bike It In

If there is one thing that can prove to be extremely inconvenient for yourself and anyone else that travels through or lives in this neck of the woods, it’s having way too many vehicles parked in the way. If at all possible, especially if you are traveling in a group, carpool to this location, though if you are not, it is not a bad scenic bike or walk down this old country road in order to get to this prime spot. Only a couple of miles away from the center of town, you can easily walk to Dog’s Head from any of the local inns or AirBNBs in the area.

2 - Despite the Name, Mind Your Four-Legged Best Friend

Because of some of the sudden drops that can be found in this area, which sit roughly 50 feet or more above the water, do be careful with your canine companions! Not only do I recommend having them on a leash during your time spent here, but I also do recommend treading carefully through the underbrush and along the sandbar; though this place is generally cleaned up by those who go to Dog’s Head, not everyone picks up after themselves, so it is not uncommon to find broken glass and some trash along the way. If you feel industrious, do clean up what you can; otherwise, mind yourselves and clean up what you bring in!

3 - Perfect for Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall

This little hangout is ideal for the middle part of the seasonal year in Vermont, though definitely make sure that you wear long pants in and out of this place, as there tends to be quite a bit of tall grass, which is a prime spot for pesky bugs and arachnids for the unwary subject. Check yourself when you get to where you’re going on the rocky outcrops or on the sand, and check yourself again before you enter your personal vehicle or before you enter any other buildings. You don’t want to bring any unwanted guests.

Bring out your cameras!

All told, this little spot can be one of the best locations to visit during the middle parts of the year; it can also be a photographer’s dream spot, with all of the options to choose from for your viewing pleasure. It is also a great spot to be, if ever you wish to stargaze or watch meteor showers throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled, and you never know what places you’ll come across in your journeys!