I finally made it up to Boyce Hill Town Forest the other day, and honestly, I can see why everyone in Fayston keeps talking about it. If you've spent any time in the Mad River Valley, you know there's no shortage of places to hike, but this spot feels a little different. It isn't your typical deep-woods Vermont trek where you're staring at tree trunks for three hours before getting a payoff. At Boyce Hill, you get those "top of the world" vibes almost the second you step out of your car.
It's one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even though it's becoming more popular with locals and visitors alike. The land used to be private, and for a long time, people just sort of hoped it would stay accessible. Luckily, through a lot of hard work and community effort, it became a town forest a few years back. Now, it's 170 acres of pure, open Vermont hillside that's open for everyone to enjoy.
Getting There and Setting the Scene
If you're planning to head out there, you'll find the entrance on High Bridge Road in Fayston. I should probably give you a heads-up about the parking situation, though. It's not a massive paved lot; it's more of a small pull-off area. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, it can get a bit cramped. If you show up and it's packed, do everyone a favor and don't block the road. The neighbors are great, but nobody likes a driveway-blocker.
The walk up from the gate is a bit of a climb, but it's nothing that'll leave you gasping for air if you take your time. What makes Boyce Hill Town Forest so special is the lack of dense tree cover on the upper sections. A lot of Vermont's hills were cleared for sheep farming back in the day, and while most have grown back into thick forests, this one has stayed remarkably open. Because of that, you get these sweeping, panoramic views of the Green Mountains that are hard to beat.
The Views are the Real Deal
I'm not exaggerating when I say the views are the main event here. Once you get past the initial incline and the land starts to level out into these high-altitude meadows, you're looking straight across at the big guns: Sugarbush Resort, Mt. Ellen, and Mad River Glen. On a clear day, you can see the ski trails etched into the mountainside across the valley. It's the kind of scenery that makes you want to just sit down in the tall grass and stare for an hour.
One of my favorite things about the forest is the pond. It's this small, quiet body of water tucked away on the hillside. On a still day, it acts like a mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding hills. It's a great spot for dogs to get a drink—though you should definitely keep an eye on them—and it adds a bit of serenity to the whole experience. There's something about water and mountains together that just hits differently.
A Different Kind of Hike
If you're looking for a grueling, technical hike with rock scrambles, you might want to head over to Camel's Hump instead. Boyce Hill Town Forest is much more about the "stroll with a view" vibe. It's perfect for those days when you want to be outside and get your heart rate up a little, but you don't necessarily want to commit your entire Saturday to a mountain expedition.
The trails are mostly old farm roads and mowed paths. It's easy to navigate, so you don't really have to worry about getting lost or needing a compass. I've seen families with small kids, older folks with walking sticks, and plenty of trail runners taking advantage of the terrain. It's accessible in a way that many Vermont peaks just aren't.
That said, don't let the "easy" label fool you. In the winter, this place transforms. If you're into snowshoeing or backcountry skiing, it's a blast. The open slopes are perfect for making a few mellow turns after a fresh snowfall. Just be prepared for the wind—since it's so open, there's nothing to block those Vermont winter gusts once you get toward the top.
The Community and Management Side of Things
It's interesting to think about the work that goes into a place like this. Since it became a town forest, there's been a lot of discussion about how to manage it. Do you let it grow back into a forest? Do you keep mowing the meadows to preserve the views? For now, the town has decided to keep it mostly open, which I think is the right call. Those views are a huge part of what makes the property valuable to the community.
They're also doing a lot of work to protect the bird habitats. If you're a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars. The open grasslands are home to species that you won't find in the deep woods nearby. It's a delicate balance between keeping the land "useful" for recreation and making sure the local ecosystem stays healthy. As a visitor, the best thing you can do is stick to the paths and follow the "leave no trace" rules. It sounds cliché, but when a place is this beautiful, you really don't want to be the person who leaves trash behind.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Honestly, there isn't really a bad time to visit Boyce Hill Town Forest, but some moments are definitely more "Instagram-worthy" than others. Fall is the obvious choice. When the maples in the valley start turning those fiery oranges and reds, looking out from the hill is like looking at a painting. The contrast between the golden meadows and the multicolored mountains across the way is incredible.
Summer is great too, especially for sunsets. Because the hill faces west toward the main ridge of the Green Mountains, you get some of the best sunset views in the county. I've gone up there with a light jacket and a snack just to watch the sun drop behind the peaks. It's peaceful, quiet, and way cheaper than going out to dinner.
Spring can be a bit of a gamble—mostly because of "mud season." If we've had a lot of rain or the snow is just melting, the lower parts of the trail can get pretty soupy. If you do go in the spring, try to stick to the drier spots so you don't end up eroding the trail.
A Few Final Tips
If you're planning your first trip out there, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, there are no trash cans. Whatever you bring in, you have to take out. That includes dog bags, folks! Let's keep the place clean. Second, there isn't much shade. Since it's so open, you're going to be in the sun most of the time. If it's a hot July day, bring water and maybe a hat.
Also, keep an eye out for the old stone walls. They're scattered all over the property and serve as a cool reminder of the land's history as a farm. It's wild to think about how much work went into stacking those stones back in the 1800s.
Overall, Boyce Hill Town Forest is just a special place. It's not the biggest park in Vermont, and it's not the most famous, but it has a character all its own. Whether you're there for a quick morning walk, a sunset picnic, or a winter snowshoe session, it's hard to leave without feeling a bit better than when you arrived. If you find yourself in Fayston, do yourself a favor and check it out. Just remember to park responsibly and take a second to actually breathe in that mountain air. It's worth it.