Introduction to Centennial Woods

Centennial Woods is 65 acres made up of mature conifer stands and hardwoods such as Black Cherries, Eastern White Pines, Oaks, Maples, and Birches. Centennial Woods is located in the middle of Vermont’s biggest metropolitan areas making it an essential for the University of Vermont’s natural laboratories as students study Vermont’s native animals, plants and natural processes. Centennial Woods also holds a 3.8-mile looped trail which is rated easy to moderate by Trail Finder. The hike offers fields, streams, boardwalks, wetlands, and many historic and arcane structures. 

There are four Trail Heads at Centennial Woods, the first one is found on University Road behind Centennial Field. Two more are located off of Catamount Drive, one is near the Vermont Police Department via Eastern Ave and the other (with a parking lot) is right behind the Burlington Brew Tour company. The last Trail Head is on Grove Street near the Bayberry Commons Apartment complexes.

Field Notes: 10/22/19

At the entrance of Centennial woods, you see a crumbling concrete wall on the steep hillside covered in colorful graffiti. As you get closer you will notice that it is an old abandoned bunker. 

Further down the trail is a small eroded metal semicircle with an engraving, “City of Burlin – C.B. 40” This is a city boundary survey marker.