Falling into Family Fun

Author: Stephanie Joyce and Emily McDonald

If you have not had a chance to explore the Middlebury area recently, Fall Family Weekend is the perfect time to start. Your parents are bringing their car (which means that you do not have to pay for gas), the temperature is ideal for hiking and the local area offers a wealth of wonderful outdoor activities. The fall colors will be in full swing this weekend and the beautiful autumn leaves will undoubtedly be swirling around, making virtually any outdoor activity aesthetically enchanting. This time of the year is the peak season for harvesting a real cornucopia of yummy fruits and vegetables that can be baked into delightful snacks that will outlast your parents' visit. From full-day hikes to laid-back cruises with plenty of handpicked apples in between, there is something for everyone to do to celebrate the fall and get outside this weekend.

BRISTOL FALLS AND NEW HAVEN RIVER

For anyone willing to travel a little out of the way, Bristol Falls offers a great hiking and picnicking option. From Bristol take an immediate right after crossing the first bridge and the Falls should be visible from the road. The Falls have plenty of cool rock formations and a multitude of places to sit and enjoy the New Haven River. There are also a number of good cafes in Bristol where you can stock up for a picnic by the river.

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY VISTAS FROM SNAKE MOUNTAIN

Another beautiful local hike is Snake Mountain. An hour's stroll up a moderate grade rewards you with spectacular vistas over the Champlain Valley and potential views of migratory hawks. For those of you with extreme parents in tow, the trail is also suitable for mountain bikers. The Snake Mountain trailhead is located on Mountain Road off of Route 17E.

DUNMORE AND SILVER LAKE HIKE

Unless you are an avid polar bear-er, you might not want to dive into Lake Dunmore at this time of year, but that does not mean you should write it off as a fall weekend destination. Surrounding Lake Dunmore are Branbury State Park and Moosalamoo Recreation Area, both of which boast a huge variety of trails and wildlife. Walk to the Falls of Lana and picnic by the waterfall or hike all the way up to South Rattlesnake Cliff for dramatic views over Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore. The trail up to the cliff is only 1.6 miles long, making for a nice afternoon hike. More information on trails and wildlife can be found at www.moosalamoo.com or at www.fs.us.fed.

APPLE PICKING AND ORCHARD OGLING

If hiking is not your forte, then perhaps apple, raspberry or pumpkin picking is more up your alley. Happy Valley Orchards, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, is a beautiful farm with a large and plentiful apple orchard located just outside Middlebury on Quarry Road. Apples, raspberries, blueberries and cucumbers are all in season. For directions and more picking information check out www.happyvalleyorchard.com or call (802) 388-2411.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN LUNCH CRUISE

If you'd rather sit back and enjoy a gentle breeze on the water, try a lunch or brunch cruise on Lake Champlain. The hour and a half-long cruise leaves at noon and offers ample time to relax, enjoy the scenery and even search for Champ, the famed Lake Champlain monster. More information on the cruises is available at www.lakechamplaincruises.com.

BREADLOAF CAMPUS HIKE AND PICNIC

The Breadloaf Campus, where many parents are staying this weekend, has great walks on the cross-country ski trails. If you are looking for a hike, Breadloaf Mountain, the twelfth-highest peak in Vermont, is right next door. Take highway 125 E out of Middlebury, go .3 miles beyond Breadloaf Campus and turn left onto Steam Mill Rd. After 3.6 miles you will come to Steam Mill Clearing and the Skylight Trail. This trail connects with the Long Trail, which will lead you to the summit. Check out www.summitpost.org for more information.