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Bramhall Wilderness Preserve
Bridgewater, Vermont
North Branch of the Ottauquechee River
This mature forest in the core of the Southern Green Mountains offers excellent habitat for bobcat, black bear, songbirds, wildflowers, and brook trout, and gives visitors the chance to splash in cool streams or wander below a towering wild forest.
- Public access: Yes
- Activities: Open to quiet, on-foot recreation like hiking, nature study and photography, birdwatching, dipping in the river, and fishing
- Caretaker: Northeast Wilderness Trust
Bramhall Wilderness Preserve
Tucked into a shady hollow at the headwaters of the Ottauquechee River, Vermont River Conservancy holds a “forever wild” easement on this 359-acre preserve. This protection makes sure the public will always be able to enjoy shady walks or splash in the cool stream, protects habitat for black bear and moose, helps keep water running cool and clean for native brook trout, and ensures that the forest will be allowed to grow old.
Bramhall Preserve is owned and managed by Northeast Wilderness Trust. Visitors are welcome to park and walk the dirt road through the property, splash in the mountain stream, and wander beneath the towering hemlocks and hardwoods.
The property is ecologically significant in that it protects 1.74 miles of river/brook frontage, including picturesque Bridgewater Hollow Brook with cascades and waterfalls, providing secure habitat for brook trout. It’s also home to mature forest ranging in age from 75-100 years, well on its way to old-growth status, and a red spruce-cinnamon fern swamp – a State Significant Natural Community.
Conservation Details
- River: North Branch of the Ottauquechee River
- Acreage: 359.00
- River frontage (ft): 9,187
Funding Partners
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
Before You Go
Hunting by is by permission only. Please visit Northeast Wilderness Trust’s Hunting Program page.
Directions
From Route 4 in Bridgewater, head north on Bridgewater Center Road (very close to Long Trail Brewery and Restaurant). Continue north on Bridgewater Center Road for 2.4 miles, and then keep left to continue on Chateauguay Road for another 2.2 miles to the intersection with Bridgewater Hollow Road.
There is no established parking area. At the intersection of Bridgewater Hollow Road and Chateauguay Road there is room for 1-2 cars. There are many other areas with room for a single car to park along Bridgewater Hollow Road and Chateauguay Road along the border of the preserve.
