The Nature Conservancy in Vermont - White River Ledges Natural Area

View of the White River.

Visitor Information

White River Ledges can be enjoyed by foot. There is a one-mile trail loop on the hill above the river. Trail Guide (410KB)

Get Involved

Would you like to get outside and help nature at the same time? Our stewardship staff holds volunteer work days here and around the state. Check out our volunteer page.

Nestled in the Central Vermont Piedmont region on the shores of the White River is a protected area containing several natural communities that are representative of the region, including floodplain forest and northern hardwood forest. A walk through the hills here can yield surprising views of the valley landscape and of unexpected species like the distinctive rattlesnake plantain orchid.

Size
186 acres

What to see: plants
Several natural communities at this preserve are directly adjacent to the White River. Floodplain forests are found on the lowest land near the river where soils are subject to annual flooding but become relatively dry during the summer months. Clays and silts deposited by the flooding river are rich in organic matter and help these forests to develop. Along this section of the White River, floodplain forests are found in small patches on either side of the river, and on small islands. They are dominated by ash-leaved maple, with occasional cottonwoods and white ash. The forest floor is often covered with chest-high ostrich ferns, as well as other herbs, ferns, and sedges. Floodplain forests are no longer common in Vermont because many of the state’s nutrient-rich floodplains have been converted for agricultural use.

Another rare riverside community found here is the calcareous riverside seep. This natural community occurs only in areas where calcium-rich groundwater seeps through exposed bedrock on river shores. The bedrock is maintained in an open condition by annual river flooding and ice scour. Larger woody plants cannot gain a foothold, but the nutrient-rich water seeping through bedrock crevices is an ideal habitat for many unusual grasses, forbs, sedges, and mosses.

Northern hardwood forest, a community dominated by American beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch, and pockets of rich northern hardwood forest grow on the upland areas of White River Ledges Natural Area. Rich northern hardwood forest communities occur where rich humus and the downslope movement of calcium-laden water provide vegetation with a steady supply of nutrients. As a result, plant diversity and overall growth is greater in this forest type than in regular northern hardwood forests, which lack the characteristically rich herb layer found in rich northern hardwood forests.

What to see: animals
Rivers are like animal highways. They create corridors for aquatic and terrestrial animals. Migratory fish such as Atlantic salmon depend on undammed rivers like the White for their journey upstream to spawn. River otter, mink, raccoon and beaver use the river corridor for feeding habitat. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, bank swallows, bald eagles and several species of ducks depend on the river’s resources for food and daily travel. White-tailed deer live in the uplands, and red newts are common in the forest. The White River’s many bedrock pools host crayfish and a variety of small fish.

What The Nature Conservancy is doing
Stewardship staff and volunteers continue to control invasive exotic species that threaten the species found here.

Visitor information
There is a mile-long trail loop on the hill above the river. It takes you through rich northern hardwoods, a young white pine and hemlock forest, and an old sheep pasture and has views of the nearby hills. A brochure is available for download. Trail Guide (410KB) Please read our preserve visitation guidelines.

Directions
From I-89 take exit 2 for the town of Sharon. From the exit, travel south on Route 14 about 5 miles. As you enter the village of West Hartford, take a right and cross the green metal bridge. After the crossing, make a sharp right onto Pomfrct Road. Travel 1 mile and turn right onto White River Lane. Park at the pull-off just after the turn. You may not be able to see the trailhead sign from here. Just walk back to Pomfret Road toward the upland area and look up at the hill for the preserve sign.

From White River Junction, travel north on Route 14 for 7 miles until you reach the village of West Hartford. Take a left and cross a green metal bridge. After crossing the bridge, make a sharp right onto Pomfret Road. Travel 1 mile and turn right onto White River Lane. Park at the pull-off just after the turn. You may not be able to see the trailhead sign from here. Just walk back to Pomfret Road toward the upland area and look up at the hill for the preserve sign.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Sarah Wakefield/The Nature Conservancy (View of the White River).