Hayfield & Ursa Way Loop

The Hayfield & Ursa Way Loop is a short, family-friendly hike in Bennington, Vermont — at just under 1.6 miles with about 475 feet of elevation gain, it packs a meaningful bit of climbing and a lake view into a route that most hikers can finish in under an hour. It's the kind of trail that locals know about and out-of-towners almost always miss.

Tucked into the southern Vermont landscape near the historic town of Bennington, the loop combines open meadow walking with shaded hardwood forest and a lakeside section that's worth the trip alone.

The Trail

• Distance: 1.55 miles (loop)
• Elevation gain: ~473 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Route type: Loop
• Surface: Dirt singletrack, some grassy and rooted sections

The loop combines two named trails — Hayfield (the open-field section that gives it its name) and Ursa Way (the forested portion) — into a satisfying short hike. The route undulates with a few short climbs, then circles back through the woods with a section overlooking a small lake.

Most hikers complete the loop in 45 minutes to an hour at an easy pace. Trail runners can do it in under 20.

Highlights

• Hayfield section — open meadow walking with sunny exposure, wildflowers in season, and birds along the field edges
• Lake views — a small lake near the loop, perfect for a quick pause or photo stop
• Mature hardwood forest along the Ursa Way section
• Wildlife — white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and the occasional moose sighting in the area
• Quiet — far less crowded than the famous Vermont hikes farther north
• Quick payoff — usable as a morning shakeout, after-work walk, or kid-friendly outing

Who It's Best For

• Families with young kids — manageable distance with some real climbing for the legs
• Dog owners — leash-friendly with varied terrain
• Travelers passing through — quick stop on a southern Vermont road trip
• Trail runners — short enough for a quick session
• Anyone visiting Bennington looking to stretch their legs without a major commitment

Seasonal Guide

• Spring (April–May): Wildflowers in the hayfield section, but watch for mud — Vermont's spring mud season is real
• Summer (June–August): Forest sections stay cool; bring bug spray for mosquitoes
• Fall (mid-September to mid-October): Peak season — the hardwood color in southern Vermont is excellent
• Winter (December–March): Suitable for snowshoeing; the short distance makes it a low-commitment winter outing

What to Bring

• Water — bring your own, no water on trail
• Sturdy walking shoes — some rooted/rocky sections
• Bug spray in summer
• Dog leash if bringing a pup
• Camera for the lake overlook

Practical Info

• Location: 337 Mansion Drive, Bennington, Vermont
• Parking: Trailhead lot at the address — verify size before busy weekends
• Dogs: Welcome on leash
• Fees: Likely free (verify with local land manager)
• Best for visitors: Pair with a stop at the Bennington Battle Monument, Park-McCullough House, or a drive on the Molly Stark Byway for a full day in southern Vermont
• From Bennington town center: ~5–10 minute drive
• Nearest food/coffee: Downtown Bennington has plenty of options

Bennington Context

Bennington is one of the oldest towns in Vermont, anchored by the Bennington Battle Monument (commemorating a key Revolutionary War victory in 1777) and a vibrant arts and outdoor scene. The town sits at the southwestern corner of Vermont, making it an easy entry point from New York or Massachusetts. Short hikes like the Hayfield & Ursa Way Loop are part of what makes Bennington a quietly excellent stop for outdoor lovers passing through.

Worth verifying before publishing:

1. Who manages the land? — Park, town conservation, land trust, or private preserve? The rules and parking details will depend on this.
2. Is the "lake" specific? — A named pond or local lake worth calling out by name?
3. Are there blazes/markers? — Adding that to "what to bring" would help.

If you can confirm those, I can sharpen it up significantly. Otherwise, the write-up above is safe and accurate to the route stats but generic on the specifics. Want me to update once you have details?