Durfee Hill Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · Vermont

Durfee Hill Management Area

Durfee Hill Management Area is a protected natural area in southern Vermont offering diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting across its rugged forested terrain.

Wildlife Management Area1,2134+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

1,213

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Durfee Hill Management Area

Durfee Hill Management Area is a protected natural area in southern Vermont offering diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting across its rugged forested terrain.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Durfee Hill Management Area covers over 1,200 acres of forested hills and wetlands in Windham County, Vermont. The landscape is characterized by mixed hardwood and conifer forests, steep ridges, and several small streams that contribute to local watersheds. The area plays an important role in regional conservation efforts by providing habitat for a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and numerous bird species. Historically, the land was used for timber and small-scale farming before being acquired for conservation and managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Visitors enjoy seasonal activities such as hiking on informal trails and old logging roads, wildlife watching, and during hunting season, the area is open for regulated hunting, which helps maintain healthy wildlife populations. Though it lacks developed facilities, Durfee Hill provides a quiet natural experience with limited crowds, making it ideal for solitude and nature study. The area's forested hillsides offer scenic views of the Deerfield River valley and the surrounding Green Mountain foothills. It is a valuable resource for local outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore less-developed wild spaces in southern Vermont.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Durfee Hill Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Views from Durfee Hill summit overlooking Deerfield River valley✦ Diverse wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, and black bear✦ Quiet, undeveloped forestland offering solitude✦ Network of old logging roads and informal hiking routes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Durfee Hill Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
Park Recreation

Trail Running

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
Park Recreation

Nature Photography

Available in Durfee Hill Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Durfee Hill Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access with no permit required; hunting requires state licenses and compliance with regulations.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Durfee Hill Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Brattleboro, Vermont
⌖ 3.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brattleboro, Vermont

Brattleboro, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts diverse year-round activities including hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and cross-country skiing. Set on the Connecticut River with nearby forests and trail systems, it’s a welcoming basecamp rich in natural beauty and small-town charm.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Lyons, Vermont
⌖ 4.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lyons, Vermont

Lyons, Vermont is a peaceful town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, paddling, and biking adventures amid lush forests and the scenic Winooski River. It’s a great spot to unwind and explore the natural side of Vermont.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Marlboro, Vermont
⌖ 5.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marlboro, Vermont

Marlboro, Vermont is a tranquil outdoor destination known for its forested hiking trails, quiet paddling on the West River, and peaceful winter skiing. Ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty in a small-town setting.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and paddling; winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Dummerston, Vermont
⌖ 5.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dummerston, Vermont

Dummerston, Vermont offers serene outdoor adventures with peaceful hiking, paddling on the West River, and scenic cycling routes. This quiet town is perfect for nature lovers seeking gentle terrain and fewer crowds throughout the year.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Chesterfield, New Hampshire
⌖ 7.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chesterfield, New Hampshire

Chesterfield, NH offers quiet forest trails, scenic paddling on the Connecticut River, and peaceful winter sports. Perfect for travelers wanting a less crowded, nature-focused outdoor experience year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowshoeing and skiing
Explore Town
Hinsdale, New Hampshire
⌖ 8.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hinsdale, New Hampshire

Hinsdale, New Hampshire offers quiet outdoor experiences on the Connecticut River with paddling, hiking in town forests, and peaceful bird watching. Ideal for travelers seeking a low-key escape in classic New England scenery.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Durfee Hill Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.