Best Hiking Trails in White Rocks National Recreation Area

Overview

White Rocks Recreation Area is a designated backcountry recreation area in Wallingford, VT. Historically used as a quarry by Native American tool-makers, the area was later cleared for agriculture and logging in the 1850's. Quality wildlife habitat, stunning views, easily accessible vistas, and unique geology make this area popular year-round. The Ice Beds Trail, White Rock Cliffs Trail, and the AT/LT can be accessed from White Rocks Recreation Area- once you're done gawking at the views, of course.

Getting Started

From rte 7, head east on rte 140 in Wallingford for approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Sugar Hill road. Follow the signs to the parking area. From rte 130, head west on rte 140 for approximately 4 miles to the intersection with Sugar Hill road. Please note, the dirt road to the trailheads is not maintained in the winter and can be icy. Be prepared to park at the bottom and walk the road up past the gate to access the trails.

White Rocks Ice Bed trail is a 0.4 mile out-and-back trip with an elevation change of 180 feet (most of which you cover via switch backs at the onset). After said switchbacks, the trail heads downhill to a stream crossing and then follows the same stream to the bottom of a talus pile (fancy term for a pile of rocks that accumulate at the bottom of a cliff, chute, or slope). In between these massive rocks is where the ice beds form in the winter. Protected, they last into the early summer and the water trickling through doesn't get much above 40 degrees F. Plan on 1-2 hours depending on how long you want to spend at the multiple vistas overlooking the northwest face of the White Rock Cliffs. Details, Rules, and Regs

The White Rocks Cliff trail begins life as the Keewaydin Trail and follows the AT/LT about a half mile in. Additional side-trip options include the falls at Bully Brook and the Greenwall shelter/privy. After about 1.5 miles, the Cliff Trail splits from the AT/LT at a wacky and impressive collection of rock cairns. Spend some time here, it's pretty epic. The spur trail out to the cliff overlook heads downhill from here, offering vistas of the Taconics and, if you're lucky and it's clear enough, the Adirondacks in the far distance. At a little over 3 miles round trip, and an elevation gain of 1250 feet, this moderate climb is well worth the effort. Details, Rules, and Regs

When to Go

There isn't a bad time, although the picnicking is far superior in the summer. The climb will warm you up in the winter, and the ice beds and resulting chilly water will cool you down in the summer.

Permits

There is not a parking or day use fee in the winter.

Dog Info

This area is popular with dog-owners, but as always, refer to the Vermont Forest Service website for rules and regs concerning leashes.