Peacham Bog Loop Trail

Peacham Bog is one of the largest and most beautiful bogs in all of Vermont, covering 748 acres. It is located in the massive Groton State Forest and within driving distance of seven Vermont State Parks. The bog is considered a dome bog because it naturally rises above the local topography.

Even on a summer weekend when the rest of Groton State Forest is crowded, you aren’t likely to see many people on this trail, but you will see and hear many songbirds and millions of dragonflies. Be on the lookout for the carnivorous pitcher plant, which flowers in mid July. The bog itself is a great place for a picnic; just follow the boardwalk to the lonely bench, and it’s about the halfway point if you’re following the loop trail.

Peacham Bog can be accessed by hiking the 4.5-mile Peacham Bog Loop Trail, which takes about four hours to walk if you stop for lunch. Begin your hike in the nature center parking area and pay close attention to your map, which you pick up a the nature center, and signage, as there are many connecting trails. The hike begins in a mixed hardwood forest, crosses Coldwater Brook Trail, and heads east for about 2 miles. There is a boardwalk through the bog to protect the fragile vegetation.

After crossing through Peacham Bog, take a right onto a dirt road, which will eventually diminish into a trail and reconnect with Coldwater Brook Trail. In the spring parts of the trail will be muddy. At the first intersection, take a right and head back to your car.