Umaid Bhawan Palace | Jodhpur

Information

Landmark: Umaid Bhawan Palace
City: Jodhpur
Country: India
Continent: Asia

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India, Asia

The Bennington Area Trail System is a network of hiking trails located in and around Bennington, Vermont.

Visual Characteristics

The trail system traverses varied terrain including deciduous forests, open meadows, and rocky outcrops. Trail surfaces range from packed earth and gravel to exposed roots and stones. Elevation changes are significant on many routes, with some trails reaching higher elevations offering views of the surrounding Green Mountains.

Location & Access Logistics

Access points are distributed throughout the Bennington area. The main trailhead for the Long Trail section is located off Route 9 (Molly Stark Trail) approximately 5km west of downtown Bennington. Parking is available at designated lots at several trailheads, including the one on Route 9 and another off County Road 11. Public transport options are limited; the Green Mountain Express bus route serves parts of Bennington, but direct access to most trailheads requires private vehicle transport.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Bennington Area Trail System incorporates sections of the historic Long Trail, established in 1910 by the Green Mountain Club, making it the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. Other trails are maintained by local organizations and have evolved over decades to provide access to the region's natural features, which are primarily characterized by Appalachian oak-hickory forest ecosystems.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity. Specific trails include the ascent to the summit of Mount Equinox via the Equinox Trail (challenging), the more moderate hike to the summit of Glastenbury Mountain, and sections of the Long Trail offering through-hiking opportunities. Birdwatching is common due to the diverse forest habitats.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Mount Equinox summit parking area and at some larger trailhead parking lots. Shelters are present along the Long Trail at designated campsites. Cell phone signal is intermittent and generally unreliable within the deeper forest sections. No food vendors are located directly on the trails; provisions should be carried in.

Best Time to Visit

For hiking, late spring through fall (May to October) offers the most favorable conditions. Summer months can be humid. Fall foliage provides peak visual interest from mid-September to mid-October. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography, particularly on eastern-facing slopes.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the presence of the Bennington Battle Monument, though not directly on a trail, it is a significant historical marker in the town. Local folklore sometimes speaks of elusive wildlife sightings in the more remote sections of the trail system.