Pawlet VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pawlet, Vermont.
1. Haystack Mountain
360-DEGREE PANORAMIC VIEWS
Haystack Mountain offers spectacular 360-degree views of Bald and Middle Mountains, the north-south forested hills, and the serene Mettowee Valley. Locals refer to Haystack, Middle, and Bald Mountains as the Three Sisters, with Haystack being the most distinctive due to its sheer cliffs and dramatic outcrops of slate and quartzite. From its modest 1,919-foot summit, visitors can see as far west as Glens Falls, NY and south beyond the farms of the Mettowee Valley to Mount Equinox in Manchester.
2. Merck Forest and Farmland Center
SUSTAINABLE FARMING PARADISE
Merck Forest and Farmland Center is a family and nature lover's paradise with trails, farm animals, and information on sustainable farming. The center is located about 6.2 miles south of Pawlet on RT 30 towards Dorset, with the entrance at the summit of RT 315. This attraction is considered a must-see for any visitor to Southern Vermont who enjoys outdoor activities and learning about sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail
SCENIC 19.8-MILE PATH
The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail is a 19.8-mile long converted railroad bed which was once part of the Delaware and Hudson Rail system. Perfect for biking or walking, the trail offers diverse scenery ranging from mountain views and open farmlands to wetlands and small villages in both Vermont and New York. Visitors to West Pawlet are encouraged to check out this recreational path for its natural beauty and historical significance.
4. Pawlet Public Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY HUB
The historic Pawlet Public Library is considered the crown jewel in the heart of the village, built in 1911 in Colonial Revival style. Originally functioning as a three-room schoolhouse for over 85 years, it has been transformed into a state-of-the-art community center offering free movie nights, children's story and activity hours, and internet access. Located on School Street across from the Historic Pawlet Town Hall, it is regarded as one of the finest public libraries in Vermont.
5. North Pawlet Hills Natural Area
PRISTINE FOREST PRESERVE
North Pawlet Hills Natural Area features a series of rounded, forested peaks in the northern Taconic Mountains, clustered in an extensive landscape of unbroken forest. The conservation of this area is a collaborative effort, with local group Friends of Haystack successfully conserving the summit of Haystack in 2012. The natural area provides visitors with opportunities to explore Vermont's pristine wilderness and appreciate the undisturbed forest ecosystem.
6. Consider Bardwell Farm
AWARD-WINNING ARTISAN CHEESE
Consider Bardwell Farm is a highly-rated attraction in Pawlet with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The farm specializes in artisanal cheese production using traditional methods and milk from local grass-fed cows and goats. Visitors can tour the facilities, learn about the cheese-making process, and sample the farm's award-winning products.
7. Lake St. Catherine State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Saint Catherine State Park consists of 117 acres, first opened as a small picnic and swimming area in 1953. The campground offers tent sites, swimming facilities, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities for visitors. This serene state park provides an excellent opportunity for tourists to enjoy Vermont's natural beauty and engage in water-based activities.
8. Mach's Market
LOCAL CULINARY TREASURE
Mach's Market is one of the top-listed attractions for visitors to Pawlet. This local market offers a selection of fresh produce, specialty goods, and prepared foods that showcase Vermont's culinary traditions. Visitors appreciate the authentic small-town shopping experience and the opportunity to purchase local products.
9. Lake's Lampshades
ARTISANAL LIGHTING CRAFTS
Lake's Lampshades is featured as one of the noteworthy attractions in Pawlet for visitors. This unique shop specializes in handcrafted lampshades and lighting fixtures that showcase Vermont craftsmanship. Tourists interested in home decor and artisanal products will find this shop a distinctive stop on their Pawlet itinerary.
10. Slate Valley Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Slate Valley Museum, rated 4.6 by visitors, preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the slate industry in the region near Pawlet. The museum features exhibits on slate quarrying, the immigrant communities who worked in the industry, and examples of slate products and art. Visitors can learn about the geological, historical, and cultural significance of slate in the development of communities spanning the Vermont-New York border.
11. Pember Museum
NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Pember Museum, with a 4.7 visitor rating, is located near Pawlet and houses an impressive collection of natural history specimens. The museum features taxidermy, minerals, fossils, and other artifacts that spotlight the region's natural heritage and scientific interest. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved historic building and the educational value of the exhibits.
12. Village Yarn Shop
FIBER ARTS HAVEN
The Village Yarn Shop boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors to Pawlet. This specialty shop offers high-quality yarns, knitting supplies, and fiber arts materials for both locals and tourists. Crafting enthusiasts appreciate the selection, expert advice, and the shop's contribution to preserving traditional textile arts in Vermont.
13. Historic Pawlet Town Hall
ARCHITECTURAL TOWN LANDMARK
The Historic Pawlet Town Hall stands as an important architectural landmark in the center of the village. Located across from the Pawlet Public Library, this historic building serves as a community gathering place and symbol of the town's heritage. Visitors can appreciate the classic Vermont town architecture and its continued role in local governance and events.
14. Mettowee Valley
SCENIC AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE
The Mettowee Valley offers visitors to Pawlet a serene agricultural landscape filled with working farms and stunning mountain views. The valley is visible from Haystack Mountain and forms an integral part of the region's scenic beauty and cultural identity. Driving or cycling through the valley provides tourists with an authentic glimpse of Vermont's pastoral traditions and natural splendor.
15. Middle and Bald Mountains
THREE SISTERS PEAKS
Middle and Bald Mountains, along with Haystack, form what locals call the Three Sisters in the Pawlet area. These forested peaks in the northern Taconic Mountains offer hiking opportunities and views of the surrounding landscape. Nature enthusiasts can explore the unbroken forest and experience the geological features that characterize this part of Vermont's mountain terrain.