Once again the change in seasons reminds us why Vermont, and in particular Burlington and the Lake Champlain region, is a great place to live and to visit. By now, most of us have winterized our boats; docks have been stored; fishing gear readied for a winters hibernation; golf clubs (except for the real die-hards) tucked away in a shed, garage or shrine; and we are now looking forward to two more seasons of wonderful outdoor recreation.

Late fall brings with it excellent opportunities to hike the countless trails along lakes, rivers and deep into the woods. Little-known jewels exist in the Burlington city limits, just a few miles away in Essex and down the road in quiet Richmond. Within a half hour drive, serious hikers and climbers can find challenging hand over hand climbs, serious rock walls and steeps that reward the adventurous with spectacular 360 degree views of the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks and the Canadian plains. Kayakers looking for quiet waters and all too ignored views of the landscape can find opportunities on Shelburne Pond and Mallets Bay. Birding is still active with the southward migration of many species. Soon the eerie call of Canadian Geese will fill the sky. For many, this is the true harbinger of the changing season. Once cannot talk about late fall without bragging about our mountain biking trails from single track to wide open woodland promenades. Traditional pursuit advocates can find hunting opportunities for all species along Lake Champlain and the surrounding woods. Deer, wild turkey, woodcock and duck hunting opportunities abound as do ‘hunting’ opportunities for those who stalk their prey with a camera. Finally, there is no better physical exercise for the true Vermonter (by birth or choice) than to put the garden away for the season followed by raking the same lawn four or five times as the trees torture us with their intermittent shedding of leaves.

This wonderful season is rapidly followed, and often overlapped with, Vermont’s winter season. Its beginning is determined by the date of the first snowflake and its terminus by the date of the last. So, it traditionally runs from November through late April. Kidding aside, winter activities are as numerous as people’s imagination. True, we have world class skiing at our small mountains and high end resorts. The terrain is as challenging as anyone can want and it isn’t surprising to be sitting on the lift with Olympians (skiers and boarders) that call Vermont home. For those looking for quieter outlets, nearly every town and village is home to cross country and snowshoeing trails. In fat, snowshoeing is one of the most rapidly growing winter past times requiring little investment and even less athletic skill. If you can walk, you can get outdoors and enjoy the woods. Vermont’s easily accessible state parks are open to all in the winter. Many locals and visitors take the opportunity to explore Vermont along the clearly marked trails while looking for wildlife that goes hidden when the leaves are on the trees and the landscape not so barren. One cannot talk about winter activity without shining the spotlight on the exploding snowmobile industry. The network of trails called VAST makes it possible to go from one end of the state to another on a snow mobile. Trails cross general stores, gas stations and cozy inns making overnight excursions not only possible but truly country chic for the winter activity advocate. The contribution to Vermont’s economy by these snow travelers is not to be underestimated.

So, as we inexorably move towards winter’s grip on the landscape, we should all rejoice for it brings with it many more outlets for us to enjoy the gem known as the Lake Champlain Region of Vermont.