Vermont
Wildlife, Walking & Hiking in the Green Mountain State
Program No. 22619RJ
Explore the picturesque woodlands of Vermont on expert-led walks and hikes, and learn about fascinating local wildlife and history of the area.
Participant Reviews
Based on 32 Reviews
SHOWING
The B and B we stayed at was marvelous. There was a game room downstairs that had ping pong, fuse ball, and air hockey. We were given three great plated meals. My companion does not eat red meat or cheese. They addressed those needs immediately. The couple that owns the B and B are welcoming and sweet. Upon arrival we were given a tour of the property.
The naturalist was knowledgable. I enjoyed all of his presentations. You could tell he enjoyed the outdoors and was ready to share his knowledge.
My only concern was when the lady led a hike. It was on a trail that was not well marked. I ended up being in a spot where I could not see the people in front of me or behind me. I waited for the people behind me to catch up and I was fine. The lady leader also asked if she could bring her 4 dogs on that hike. No-one objected. It worked out fine, they were on leash most of the time. My only concern was if one of us need assistance, the dogs would have been a distraction.
I would recommend this trip. It was a great time of year to go to Vermont. I have attended 16 programs and this was the best accommodations and food by far.
— Review left October 20, 2025
This Road Scholar hiking trip in Vermont was absolutely wonderful! The hikes were beautifully planned and showcased the stunning natural scenery. Mike and Carina were exceptional leaders—knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely caring. Michael Clough’s educational sessions added so much depth and interest to the experience. The innkeepers, Cary and Eamon, made us feel completely at home with their warm hospitality and delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals. The whole program was well-organized, meaningful, and inspiring. I came away with new knowledge, new friends, and a fresh perspective. I highly recommend this program to anyone who loves nature, learning, and great company!
— Review left September 20, 2025
A hiking program that allowed those at various fitness levels to participate. The location was very nice and the Gray Ghost Inn was excellent. The food was good and the owners did everything they could to accommodate dietary restrictions.
— Review left September 20, 2025
This RS trip is one of the best of the 15 I've been on! The Gray Ghost Inn is a great place to stay, with 3 wonderful meals daily, and an atmosphere created by owners Kerry & Eamon that makes you feel like you've been welcomed into their home. This area of southwest Vermont is full of interesting history, beautiful forests, beaver ponds, and a nature center that guarantees learning about many tress, plants, birds, and animals.
— Review left July 14, 2025
Outstanding program. Active, informative, entertaining, and a great group of people. What more could anyone want (except a longer program)?
— Review left July 13, 2025
My first trip with Road Scholar exceeded my expectations. Everything was perfect and the participants were a group of very interesting people. It was great and I will be back!
— Review left July 12, 2025
Absolutely wonderful program led by knowledgeable, friendly guides that instantly make you feel like family. This trip is a superb combination of educational group time and activities, free time (the pool and deck are awesome), delicious meals and a fun game room to boot!
— Review left July 7, 2025
This program and its leaders are amazing. If you are used to flat-land hiking, this can be challenging on several hikes, but you will be accommodated. The beauty of Vermont is not to be missed, and you enjoy the Gray Ghost Inn and the people involved with this program!
— Review left June 29, 2025
One lives one's life forward looking but sometimes we look back and see resonances that we could never have predicted. For example, I learned to ski in college in the 1970's when I was 20 and here I am in my 70's in the 2020's revisiting many of the same locations in VT that afforded me those early ski experiences! On this trekking trip instead of skiing down Stratton Mt., Mt. Snow or Haystack Mt., as I did 50 years ago, I was led on treks up these same beautiful edifices only now using my poles to navigate roots and rocks instead of circling moguls and other snow covered obstructions. Life can be interesting and new adventures provide us with knowledge of areas we might have experienced previously in a different fashion.
— Review left November 30, 2024
Don't miss this chance to understand why it is called a Beaver Pond.
— Review left October 6, 2024
This was a casually paced program with a nice balance of active and educational experiences. The guides, hosts, educator, and bus driver all worked well together and conveyed a happy commitment to providing a good experience. Of course, it did not hurt that our weather was perfect and the fall colors were at peak! The food was very good and plentiful and the accommodations comfortable. Cari and Eamon and their beautiful young children were wonderful and accommodating hosts of the Inn. Was hard to leave!
— Review left October 6, 2024
This is a marvelous time of year to be in Vermont, and the program staff, both at the Grey Ghost and on the trail, were wonderful.
— Review left September 24, 2024
Carina, Michael, Cary and Eamon were all very welcoming and made us feel right at home. Our hike leader Michael did an excellent job pointing out plants and animals. The finishing touch was the evening music with the "Vermont's Easy Street Duo". The inn keeper, Cary also went on hikes with us, and Carina made sure we had maps pointing out the location of our hiking trails. Carina made sure everything went together "without a hitch". They made a GREAT team!
— Review left July 19, 2024
This trip was exactly as advertised: a combination of walking and hiking, not too strenuous, but good exercise each day. The Grey Ghost Inn was a delight--Cary and Eamon and their children are welcoming and cheerful hosts. The improvements that they have made--new beds and bedding and some new flooring are signs of their investment in the key aspects of a comfortable stay. The Inn is sparkling clean and offered delicious meals throughout our stay.
Michael is a knowledgeable, interesting, easy-going instructor. His ability to engage an audience with a wide variety of backgrounds is impressive. He was a critical part of the program and delivered a consistently high level of programming each day.
Bob, the bus driver was another key contributor to the program's success. His cheerful willingness to participate added to our enjoyment of the time on the bus.
The teamwork on the part of the Innkeepers, instructors and support workers was exceptional.
— Review left July 13, 2024
This program is great! From the gorgeous hikes to the fabulous food to the interesting staff, I had a great time!
— Review left July 13, 2024
Wonderful trip. Well organized, great group of people, the hikes were beautiful, food was good (especially the lunches and desserts!) and the leaders were excellent. I especially enjoyed meeting the “animal ambassadors” from the VT Museum of Natural History.
— Review left October 16, 2023
fun and interesting getaway. good food and clean comfortable accommodations
— Review left September 24, 2023
You can't ask for anything better than the Gray Ghost Inn with food from a first-class restaurant and in beautiful southern Vermont. The teacher/hike leader was top-notch full of knowledge and made everyone feal comfortable. I fell on a hike (I take full responsibility) and the leaders were quick to help me down the mountain and get medical attention.
— Review left September 23, 2023
This was my least favorite Road Scholar trip of the7 I have now taken. Some was out of the host's control; massive flooding in the state and power outages. The rooms were extremely rustic - kind of like staying in a hostel or girl scout camp - very small, one small window. The commons areas were cozy and nice. Our itinerary was shot (obviously, due to nature's furies,) and they tried to entertain us as best they could, with most of the hiking trails washed away. My biggest problem was that I am the gluten-free problem child. Road Scholar KNOWS that. RS has accommodated my dietary restrictions well in Cornwall and Italy, but here, for the first two days, they had almost nothing I could eat. They apologetically made me a lettuce and tomato salad. The third day, they proudly bought some gluten-free crackers and a package of Tate's GF cookies, and thenthey started modifying some meals so that I could eat. By then I was SO hungry! (Fortunately, I had brought my own granola and almond milk for breakfast, and had protein bars in my cell.) Also, getting to West Dover, VT from Albany was very expensive and stressful. The tour leader Mike was knowledgeable and entertaining. The hosts were personable. I would give this trip a grade of C-.
— Review left August 30, 2023
This was a great trip. It rained a lot the week I was there, but the overall collaboration between the Inn Keeper Carina, the group leader Mike and the driver Bob made the experience worth it. The alternatives that they offered saved what could have been a bad trip and made it great!
— Review left July 15, 2023
If you want to experience the flora, fauna and history of Southern Vermont with expert guides then try this program. Black Labrador dogs are an added benefit!
— Review left July 15, 2023
It was a great experience and the activity level was what you made it. You could be more challenged if you desired or take it as easy as your want to.
— Review left June 30, 2023
I liked this program because the scenery was beautiful. We hiked in unusual locations--a dam, a fire tower, along a babbling creek, a beaver pond. Most of the hikes were in the shade. You could opt for a challenging hike or a walk in the town on the last day. The Inn keeper/guide was charming and accommodating. There was a short bus ride of about 30 minutes to our hiking locations. We boarded the bus at 9:00 a.m. We returned about 3:00 or 4:00, which gave us some rest time before a 6:00 dinner We had lunch at the Inn every day. A naturalist brought 7 animals to the inn one night and we had a close look at each one. We had musicians one evening that used an instrument I have never seen. We toured a natural history museum that had live animals. A cool wind blew every day. Some people swam in the pool.
— Review left July 23, 2022
Made the absolute right decision to hike the Green Mountains. walking shoes and trekking poles a necessity. Fantastic, Rustic Inn and awesome hostess Carina. Get away from tv for a few days and take in all the splendor this part of our great country has to offer. Trail guides and bus driver the best. Moderately challenging but 'do-able'
— Review left July 11, 2022
An excellent introduction to Vermont with opportunities to learn about wildlife and flora. The Gray Ghost Inn is a cozy venue which comfortably accommodates the group. The group leaders are excellent and work very hard to share their love of Vermont. For those who like a challenge, there are opportunities to go well beyond “no sweat” and explore the beautiful area. Highly recommend.
— Review left October 25, 2021
Vermont fall color at its best! The program title says it all. There were easy walks, moderate hikes and challenging climbs. And with each, there were options for individual participation. Staying at the Gray Ghost Inn B&B allowed program participants to get to know one another quickly. Carina & Michael were wonderful trip leaders. Add this one to your fall bucket list!
— Review left October 10, 2021
Great experience! Staff were knowledgeable and friendly! Beautiful scenery, good hikes and excellent food!
— Review left October 2, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar, I normally walk 3 to 4 miles on a walk but this was a little more challenging than walking urban areas, Loved it found it challenging but doable.
— Review left October 1, 2021
This is a beautiful part of our country and it was so wonderful to experience it on this hiking trip - the guide was so much fun and interesting and the inn was so warming and unique.. I'll remember this trip for a long time!
— Review left September 27, 2021
Just today met gal on hotel shuttle who is very excited to look into doing Road Scholar herself. She asked many questions. Plus…. The driver was very interested & she is African American. I hope to see more mixed nationalities in the program.
— Review left September 24, 2021
Mike and Carina make a great team and make the week fly by!!
Will Sigle
— Review left October 8, 2019
A lovely way to experience the green hills of Vermont in a lovely Inn and learn some new facts about the natural world.
— Review left June 29, 2019