The two-mile Robert Frost Trail is located on land owned by The Fund for North Bennington, Inc. between the recreational area on the north shore of Lake Paran (beginning of trail, at left) and a parking lot just south of the Robert Frost Stone House Museum on Route 7A in Shaftsbury (end of trail, at right).
The route of the main trail is shown above in blue. The Shore Trail (red) runs along the east lake shore and then along Paran Creek. The eastern end of the Shore Trail is near the bridge over Paran Creek.
The Robert Frost Trail can be walked in either direction. The western access is near the Lake Paran swimming area. Map to parking here. The trail starts at the point where the sidewalk to the beach reverses direction. The eastern access is from a parking area that is reached by turning left immediately after entering the entrance drive to the Stone House Museum on Route 7A in Shaftsbury. The trail there starts at the parking lot. (The separate museum parking lot, located farther down the entrance drive, is reserved for museum visitors.) No bicycles are permitted on the Robert Frost Trail.
The main trail is blazed with blue paint. Informational signs are located at intersections with The Shore Trail.
A popular two-mile loop starts at the Lake Paran beach, follows the Robert Frost Trail to the bridge across Paran Creek, where benches provide views up and down the creek. The return trip is then made on the Shore Trail.
The trail features lovely views over Lake Paran and vistas south to the Bennington Battle Monument and the Berkshires. The trail also threads its way through deep woods under stone cliffs near Paran Creek and passes through a pine stand planted by Robert Frost in the 1920s. A footbridge over Paran Creek at the trail’s mid-point features benches that provide a comfortable resting spot and afford views up and down the stream.
Walkers on The Robert Frost Trail should take suitable precautions against deer ticks. Long sleeves and trousers are recommended.
This land was acquired for public use through two grants from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the donation of a key parcel by Sage City Syndicate, Incorporated, a landowner bargain sale, foundation grants and many generous donations of time and funds by members of the public.
For more information or questions about accessing the trail, please contact us.
- Learn more about The Robert Frost Trail
- View a gallery of photos of The Robert Frost Trail
- View a map of conserved properties around Lake Paran.Learn more about conservation at Lake Paran
- View a gallery of historic and contemporary photos of Lake Paran
- Precautions for avoiding ticks and preventing Lyme Disease
