White River Ledges Trail

Nestled in the Central Vermont Piedmont region on the shores of the White River is a protected area containing several natural communities that are representative of the region, including floodplain forest and northern hardwood forest. A walk through the hills here can yield surprising views of the valley landscape and of unexpected species like the distinctive rattlesnake plantain orchid. A hydrological phenomenon known as ice shear creates ideal conditions for several rare plants along this portion of the White River. In winter, ice sheets build up on the stream. In spring, the ice breaks up and jagged chunks float downstream, scouring the shore, and removing woody shrubs and tree seedlings. Only hardy herbaceous plants and mosses survive this annual scouring.