Lewis Deane Loop

Forested nature trail with birdwatching and views of the Vermont hills. The Lewis Deane Loop begins and ends at the Lewis Deane Nature Preserve Trailhead on Endless Brook Road in Wells, Vermont. This moderate route circles through a mix of hardwood forest, wetlands, and rocky terrain managed by the Lake Champlain Land Trust. Follow the well-marked singletrack as it winds gradually uphill through mature forest. Around the midway point, short steep sections and glacial erratics appear, offering glimpses of the surrounding hills through tree breaks. From here, the trail gently descends past wetland pockets and mossy outcrops, often alive with birdsong in the warmer months. Occasional small streams cross the route, but none offer reliable drinking water. The trail may be muddy during spring and fall, and becomes snow-covered and impassable in winter. Dogs are allowed on leash, and no permits are required to hike here. This quiet, shaded loop provides a peaceful escape into the forest with rewarding natural features along the way.