Hiking in and around Woodstock

Mount Tom Hiking Trails Mount Tom: Elevation: 1250' Walking and hiking are two the most popular recreational activities here in Woodstock. From the base of the mountain footpaths ascend to commanding views of the countryside. The mountain has trees with paint dots blazed on them to mark the paths. It is highly recommended that you keep to them on your hike. The top portion of the trails become rocky and slippery when wet, so it is recommended that proper foot wear be used. There are no facilities on the mountain. Please bring out whatever you take in. The main trail is steep, but there are benches along the way to rest. There are actually two summits. Many people stop and return at the first, not realizing that there is another. It is suggested that you continue on. The view is beautiful. There are also a number of smaller trails leading from the final summit, there are ponds, and clearings along the way. Enjoy!! Directions: 1. Go to the green at the center of town. 2. Go across the covered bridge and across River Street onto Mountain Ave. 3. Stay on Mountain Avenue until you will see a park on the right. 4. There is a big white mansion on the right (The Faulkner Mansion, but I don't think it is signed), you will see a stone wall, follow the walkway along the stone wall until it turns into a dirt path. 5. When it does you've made it. Bentley's will make up special picnic lunches for those wanting to make a day of it. They will make "Roll-up" sandwiches of various types; roast beef, turkey, ham and Swiss, as well as salads. The Sandwiches are $4.75 and the salads are $4.95. Additional items may be included; sodas, tea, fruit, etc. at additional cost. If interested ask for the café to make place the order. Please allow ample time, an hour or so for one or

Individual Trails

Faulkner Trail Trail length:1.6 miles Elevation change: 550 feet. Start at the open grassy Faulkner Park on Mountain Avenue. The gentle grade continues to an eastward vista slightly below the summit. Then it becomes steeper for the last hundred yards. (The paths were laid out in a manner similar to the so-called "Cardiac Trail" at the German spa at Baden-Baden).

Recipice Trail Trail length: .9 miles Start at the bridle trail that enters by River Street Cemetery. It is steeper than the Faulkner Trail, and the upper sections proceed along narrow rocky catwalks. It traverses through old-growth forests, ledges and boulder fields covered with lichen, sphagnum and polpody give this trail greater interest.

North Peak Trail Trail Length: 2.25 mile loop. Start at the Precipice Trail. It climbs steeply to a forest of hemlock and red oak. Although it ascends higher than the summit of Mount Tom, the view at the top is more restricted. In the winter, for those wising to ski tour it connects to the bridle trails which lead back over a stone causeway to the Mount Tom summit. A separate loop of this trail cuts along the lower north side of North Peak.

Texas Falls

A view of one of the Texas Fall's Cascades in the Spring.

This is a relatively easy hike, and the scenery you encounter driving there can be spectacular. The ride there takes about an hour. The falls, while not what many are accustomed to as a "classic" falls, are very pretty and the entire area is set off with well laid out hiking trails. The park is not huge, so you could cover the whole area in approximately an hour. Benches have been thoughtfully provided to allow one to sit and meditate, view the clean, clear water, or partake of a lunch or beverage. (Please make sure that you deposit trash in the receptacles provided.)

1. Take Rte. 4 west to Rte 100 N. 2. Take Rte 100 N. to Rte. 125 W. 3. Turn left on 125 W. 4. Take 125 W. to the entrance for Texas Falls State Park 5. Take a left into the park. 6. There is a parking area across the street from the Falls.

The Cliffs :

Trail length: .6 miles.

Our guest relaxing & enjoying the view from the top.

The Cliffs, while not a long hike, is quite strenuous. It is approximately 6/10th of a mile from the base to the top. It is mostly straight up and there are no benches or man-made rest areas along the way. (However, there are plenty of fallen trees and boulders by the side of the paths) Once you make it to the top the view is unobstructed with only you and the other hikers, along with occasional eagle soaring above you for company. No conveniences here either. So grab a boulder and enjoy the view while you catch your breath.To get there:

1. Take Rte. 4 West to 100 N. 2. Turn right on to 100 N. 3. Take 100 N. to Rte. 73 W. 4. Turn left on Rte 73 W. 5. Take Rte. 73 W. about 15 minutes. 6. At the top of the mountain you'll see a sign for Brandon Gap. 7. There is a parking area on the left for Brandon Gap. 8. Park and cross the road to the bottom of the Mountain.