[WWF-VT]

If you are staying in Granville take the short drive up Rte 100 and check out Warren Falls.

Here's a link to info on some hiking options. Sunset Rock is an easy novice hike with great views

[URL]http://www.central-vt.com/visit/hiking.htm[/URL]

[rootsandwings]

I've got a great list going from all the suggestions! Thanks so much! No shortage of great outdoor rec opportunities in central vermont, huh? And you guys don't have to worry about snakes when you're hiking or swimming - my kids can't believe that! Our area is loaded with copperheads and moccassins and an occassinal rattlesnake. Have even had 2 coral snakes. That combined with 110 degree heat index makes you pretty much wanna stay inside all day. Really looking forward to our trip and spending every minute we can playing outdoors! Anyone know of any great lakes and/or rivers for canoeing? Especially those that are away from the crowds?

[FreedomThroughAnarchism]

YouTube has quite a few videos of "swimming holes" in Vermont, including some with gentle little cliffs (8 - 15 feet high the kids could jump off of... and also there is one that has smooth really rock that kind of forms a slide, and all the locals slide down it about 20 feet into the pool below.

I don't recall the names offhand (not really being from that area), but I was watching the videos a while back just because I'm always on the look-out for fun outdoor activities when I travel to different states. You could perhaps do some research on YouTube, in addition to here.

[arctichomesteader]

There's endangered timber rattlers in Rutland County...though rattlesnakes are not exactly a big issue. Watch out for moose though, they are dangerous...

[arctichomesteader]

Watch out at Twin Falls in Westminster, and Huntington Gorge in Richmond, if you're swimming, they're deadly dangerous.

[jackmccullough]

Speaking of swimming holes, you might be interested in this real memo issued by our senior Senator, Pat Leahy, when he was the State's Attorney for Chittenden County:
Legal Opinion from the State's Attorney

[joe moving]

This aint chittenden county!

[rootsandwings]

O.K., so...
1. Don't have to worry about snakes unless I'm in remote areas of Rutland county
2. Do have to worry about close encounters with moose
3. Avoid swimming at twin falls and/or huntington gorge (but do enjoy them from a safe distance I hope 'cause they look beautiful!)
4. Also avoid swimming in the buff in obviously public places or where others might find it offensive.
Got it! This trip sounds more and more fun by the minute!

[owldoph]

If you are staying in Granville you should check out Texas Falls in Hancock. Also, like other people have said you should drive into Warren and check out Warren Falls; the water is unusually clear and sometimes a unique green/bluish color, and there are 10-60 ft. cliffs to jump off of. Someone mentioned Sunset Rock which is a good hike with an amazing view right in Warren. There is also Burnt Rock in Fayston which goes up to the Long Trail and also provides a nice view because the trees that usually block your view at the top are all burnt down. You can reach Burnt Rock from the appalachian gap someone else mentioned, but I prefer to hike up the hedgehog trail out of North Fayston

Also in Warren is a little swimming hole called the Punch Bowl which encourages nude swimming, which you seem to be interested in.

I've never been to Twin Falls but I've swam at Huntington Gorge and jumped off the cliffs plenty of times... just be careful. Warren Falls can be really dangerous as well but just always be cautious when jumping off of cliffs or swimming near falls.

You should also check out Burlington; it's only about an hour from Granville (maybe less if you take the App Gap). Unfortunately there was really bad flooding on Lake Champlain this year and I hear the lake is still unswimmable and beaches are still flooded/eroded. If that's not the case, Red Rocks is a great lookout/swimming hole/walk through the woods right on the Lake in South Burlington.

Hopefully your kids end up preferring Vermont to Houston (no offense). I grew up right in the Mad River Valley and loved it so if you have any more questions let me know. One thing I will say is that there's a significant prescription pill/heroin problem in Vermont which seems to surprise a lot of people from out of state and is definitely something to be aware of if you're planning to raise a family there. Obviously it doesn't compare to Houston, but I would encourage your kids to have a healthy array of extracurriculars, hobbies, sports etc. Boredom seems to be what sends kids down the wrong road up there

edit: i forgot to mention that the Mad River is known for being one of the best rivers for kayaking/canoeing in Vermont. I don't do it myself, but people seem to love it because it can get pretty fast and bumpy at some spots but never too dangerous.

[joe moving]

i would not mind hearing about growing up in the mad river valley

seems like many people who grow up in vt want to leave as soon as they graduate.. your thoughts?

where did you go to school and how did you like it?

are there a lot of homeschoolers and do you interact with them
what about the GMVS kids?