The Retreat Tower Trail at Retreat Farm in Brattleboro, Vermont is a moderate 0.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a stone tower located in the woods, built in 1887, known as Retreat Tower.
Hike
This hike begins along Cedar Street in Brattleboro at the trailhead located on the east side of the road. Hikers will find a very small parking turnout along the road on the west side of Cedar Street. The trail almost-immediately heads uphill and does not stop until you reach the stone tower. Along the way are signs for each named trail -- this route follows all signs labeled "Tower Road" and "Tower Trail". The hike follows a moderate-grade as it ascends the hill, so plan on getting your heart rate up along your way to Retreat Tower.
Retreat Tower - Mile 0.25
Not long after hopping on the trail, and hiking to the top of the hill, hikers will reach the stone tower around mile 0.25. This stone tower, known as Retreat Tower, was built in 1887.
Due to timing and other plans, this route ends here; however, hikers have the choice to explore more of this public property by following the trails further into the forest. If not, the out-and-back hike's turnaround point is right here at the tower. The hike back to parking is quick and follows a descent the entire way to the trailhead for a short 0.5-mile hike.
Parking
Hikers will find an off-road parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located on the west side of Cedar Street. Alternatively, you can instead park up the road in a real parking lot for the Harris Hill Ski Jump, located on the west side of the road near 42.859493738777545, -72.56782590967076. If parking on-street, ensure your vehicle is all the way off the road!
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Hike
This hike begins along Cedar Street in Brattleboro at the trailhead located on the east side of the road. Hikers will find a very small parking turnout along the road on the west side of Cedar Street. The trail almost-immediately heads uphill and does not stop until you reach the stone tower. Along the way are signs for each named trail -- this route follows all signs labeled "Tower Road" and "Tower Trail". The hike follows a moderate-grade as it ascends the hill, so plan on getting your heart rate up along your way to Retreat Tower.
Retreat Tower - Mile 0.25
Not long after hopping on the trail, and hiking to the top of the hill, hikers will reach the stone tower around mile 0.25. This stone tower, known as Retreat Tower, was built in 1887.
Due to timing and other plans, this route ends here; however, hikers have the choice to explore more of this public property by following the trails further into the forest. If not, the out-and-back hike's turnaround point is right here at the tower. The hike back to parking is quick and follows a descent the entire way to the trailhead for a short 0.5-mile hike.
Parking
Hikers will find an off-road parking turnout at the coordinates provided, located on the west side of Cedar Street. Alternatively, you can instead park up the road in a real parking lot for the Harris Hill Ski Jump, located on the west side of the road near 42.859493738777545, -72.56782590967076. If parking on-street, ensure your vehicle is all the way off the road!
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
