You may have traveled this route a dozen times on your way over to the Vermont ski areas, but in the Summer months Route 313 divulges some of her hidden secrets…
Route 313 – a 16 mile stretch of heaven linking Cambridge, NY and Arlington, VT – is worth traveling even if you don’t stop. It’s a breathtaking ride where the Green Mountains get started and slide right down to the roadside to greet you. The flat fields bordering the Battenkill River hide some interesting small businesses along the way, as do the mysterious dirt roads and paths leading up into the thickly wooded hills.
If you haven’t traveled this road, or at least not lately, you’d be interested to know that the State has recently officially named a 900+ acre section on both sides of the road as State Forest land. On the up side is a 5 mile trail (roundtrip) that leads you to Peaked Rock, with views that can only be described thusly:
On the other side of the road are fields and forests that are fun to explore and eventually lead you down to the Battenkill River. Many bears have been seen in this area, as have Bald Eagles and deer and fly fishermen. (You get all kinds!)
Still, if recreation isn’t your bag and you’re more into shopping bags, then check out the Creative Design Store. Here you’ll find authentic reproductions of Early American copper lanterns and lighting fixtures and other – I guess the word is odd – lawn ornaments and home accessories that, trust me, you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great place to stop and browse but it’s easy to miss on account of all the beautiful scenery that vies for your attention along the way.
So that’s a couple of secrets, but there are more to come…
