Fairlee: Nature, Hiking Trails and Culture

Fairlee brings together a range of different travel interests: Lake Fairlee and other scenic spots, trails in Fairlee Forest and the Morey Mountain Conservation Area, and cultural events in summer and winter. When choosing where to stay, specific questions can help guide your decision: Would you like to explore a viewpoint, a body of water, or special natural areas? Are you interested in a trail network or a longer, named trail? Or would you like a concert or winter event to coincide with your travel dates?

Scenery and Natural Areas

Natural Lake Fairlee is two miles long, covers 462 acres, and extends across Thetford, Fairlee, and West Fairlee. From Bald Top Mountain in Fairlee, panoramic views open up over the surrounding Vermont hills and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Glen Falls Brook features an 80-foot cascade and waterfall just upstream from its inlet into Lake Morey. Near the destination, the “LoonCam” monitors nesting loons—for everyone’s enjoyment and to help protect them.

The Morey Mountain Conservation Area in Fairlee has four miles of loop trails that pass through most of the area. The trail network offers a self-guided tour of its diverse natural areas. The conservation area also includes parts of the “Hemlock-Sphagnum Acidic Basin Swamp,” a natural community that is rare in Vermont. Those interested in the natural areas can explore them using the loop trails or on a self-guided tour.

Hiking Trails in Fairlee Forest

Fairlee Forest has about 25 miles of walkable forest roads and hiking trails. The 36-mile Cross Rivendell Hiking Trail crosses the forest from east to west. These figures describe different scales: a trail network in the forest and the total length of a named trail that crosses it. This makes it possible to distinguish crossing Fairlee Forest from the length of the entire route. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Historic Town Hall and Seasonal Culture

Fairlee Town Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upstairs, there is a hall with a historically painted curtain; the hall is available for events. Fairlee Community Arts hosts a summer concert series on the Common in Fairlee and winter events in the Town Hall auditorium. The cultural offerings therefore vary by season and venue.

In winter, Fairlee and Lake Morey Resort also host the Skating Trail. If a concert, winter event, or the Skating Trail is a deciding factor for your trip, check the relevant dates and details in advance. That way, you can plan your travel dates around seasonal offerings without confusing the summer and winter programs.

Discover more destinations: Newbury, Corinth.

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