Peacham Bog Four Corners Circuit
Classic Vermont village-to-village loop
This 18-mile loop connects the villages of Peacham, Barnet, Ryegate, and Groton via a network of dirt roads that date back to Vermont’s early settlement period. The route passes through some of the state’s most photographed autumn scenery, following ridgelines that offer sweeping views across the Connecticut River Valley to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The road surfaces range from well-maintained gravel to barely-passable two-tracks, with the most challenging section being the abandoned settlement road between Peacham and Barnet that requires careful navigation around several large granite boulders.
Suitable for any high-clearance vehicle during dry conditions, though spring mud season can make sections impassable. The route showcases classic Vermont hill farming country with stone walls, sugar maples, and abandoned farmsteads throughout. Best driven September through October for peak foliage, or June through August for comfortable camping weather. Multiple historical markers along the route tell the story of Vermont’s agricultural past, and several spots offer excellent dispersed camping with mountain views.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1850 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Peacham, Vermont |
| Land manager | Town of Peacham/Private landowners |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle this, or do I actually need a 4x4?
A stock Subaru or similarly sized AWD wagon with decent clearance will manage this trail in dry conditions. After heavy rain the dirt sections get slick and rutted, so 4WD helps but isn't mandatory. This isn't a trail that'll punish a capable stock rig.
When does this trail typically close or become a mess in Vermont?
Stick to June through October. Vermont mud season (April–May) tears up dirt roads badly and many town roads post weight restrictions that technically prohibit through traffic. Early November can work but leaf-off means wet, slippery conditions and hunting season traffic.
Do I need any permits or is there a fee to run this loop?
No permit, no fee. The route runs mostly on town roads and through private land corridors — stay on the established track and respect posted property. The Town of Peacham manages the public road portions; no registration required.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The abandoned settlement road segments between villages are the roughest — expect off-camber two-track, water bars, and occasional deep ruts after wet weather. Nothing technically demanding, but a few spots will ground out a low-clearance car. At easy difficulty, the challenge is more about patience than skill.
Where can I actually camp on this loop, and is water available on trail?
Dispersed camping is possible at pull-offs along the abandoned road sections, but this is largely private land so site selection matters — camp where it's obvious others have before and leave no trace. There are small stream crossings on trail but treat all water before drinking; no developed water sources exist on the route. Fill up in Peacham or Cabot before heading out.
Trail track
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