Longing for Landgrove Dirt Roads
May 29, 2014

“I guess my feet know where they want me to go, walking on a country road.” – James Taylor

I love those Landgrove dirt roads. I’ve often fantasized about buying a renovated farmhouse in Landgrove with gardens, an old red barn and lots of land. Ever since I was in high school, I’ve had a soft spot for this small hamlet tucked away on the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest in Bennington County.

While taking photos in Landgrove over Memorial Day Weekend, it dawned on me why I love the town so much. Nearly every stretch of road in Landgrove is dirt—not pavement—making the entire town feel like a dreamy, never-ending country road.

Landgrove Dirt Roads: Choosing Dirt Over Pavement

The town, which has a population of 158 people, has 15 miles of roads. Every road in the community – except for a one-mile section of Route 11 that briefly passes through Landgrove between Peru and Londonderry – is dirt.

“It’s been a conscious decision by the town to keep it that way,” says Landgrove Town Treasurer Andrea Ogden, who jokes that having so many dirt roads can be especially tricky during mud season. Still, the community’s decision to avoid pavement has clearly maintained the town’s bucolic character.

If you want to get a flavor of the town and explore the Landgrove dirt roads, explore Landgrove Road by foot, mountain bike or car and enjoy views of Magic Mountain and Stratton, and see some interesting local sites, including the the local meeting house or the local tennis club.

Another highlight in town is the Danby/Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road, which runs through the Green Mountain National Forest. Closed in the winter, the road offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, including access to the Appalachian/Long Trail. (Dave and I once came across a moose in this area).

After all these years, I’ve finally figured out what’s kept me coming back to Landgrove. Yes, it’s beautiful, rural and scenic. But more than anything, Landgrove’s country roads have been the true key to my heart.

**If You Go: To get to the Danby/Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road, take Landgrove Road from Weston to Little Michigan Road to the Danby/Mount Tabor-Landgrove Road.