One Of The Highest Treetop Walkways In The Northeast Lets You Walk Through The Snowy Forest From 100 Feet In The Air, Just A Short Trip From NYC— With Light Up Pathways, Mountain Views And Unique Wildlife Spottings

As winter cold continues to bite, wanderlust continues to await. Yes, it sure is cold outside . But the season never lasts as long as you think it will, and what better ways to make the most of it than by experiencing winter at it’s most picturesque? Case in point, you can escape the city and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland just a few hours from NYC. The VINS Forest Canopy Walk in Vermont offers a one-of-a-kind experience: stroll 100 feet above the forest floor on one of the Northeast’s highest treetop walkways. With sparkling light-up pathways, panoramic snowy mountain views, and the chance to spot unique wildlife , this magical winter adventure is perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking scenery, a touch of adventure, or serene moments among the trees, this canopy walk promises an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 🗽 Your Weekend Itinerary from NYC ------------------------------------- To maximize your time in the clouds, aim for a Friday afternoon departure. The drive from New York City to Vermont typically takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on your final destination in the Green Mountain State. * Friday Evening: Arrive and settle into a local lodge. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and a glass of local cider by a roaring fireplace * Saturday Morning: Head to the Canopy Walk early. The morning light hitting the frost-covered hemlocks is nothing short of ethereal * Saturday Afternoon: Explore the surrounding trails or visit a nearby alpine village for some boutique shopping and hot cocoa * Sunday Morning: Enjoy a slow Vermont breakfast (maple syrup is mandatory) before a scenic drive back to the city, perhaps stopping at a local creamery on your way out 🌳 What to Expect on the Treetop Walk ---------------------------------------- Stepping onto the IS Forest Canopy Walk is a sensory shift. The structure is an engineering marvel, designed to blend seamlessly into the environment while providing a sturdy, accessible path through the sky. * Height & Perspective: At 100 feet up, you aren’t just looking at the trees; you are living among their crowns * The Ascent: The walkway is designed with a gentle grade, making it accessible for various fitness levels while still providing that “top of the world” rush * Illumination: During the winter months, the path is often lined with subtle, sparkling lights, creating a glowing “ribbon” through the dark evergreens as the sun begins to set ❄️ Winter Wonderland: Snowy Forest Views -------------------------------------------- From this elevation, the Vermont landscape transforms into a vast, white tapestry. The canopy walk offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Green Mountains , which look like crumpled velvet under a layer of fresh powder. Unlike a traditional hike where your view is often obscured by trunks and brush, the walkway clears the “sightline clutter .” You’ll see the way the snow clings to the tops of the balsam firs and how the frozen streams below weave through the valley like silver threads. It is a silent, breathtaking theater of ice and light. 🪵 Vermont Institute of Natural Science & Beyond ----------------------------------------------- This 47-acre campus is a world-class environmental center dedicated to avian rehabilitation and nature education. While the walk gets you into the air, the rest of the facility keeps your feet on the ground—and your eyes on some of the world’s most impressive predators. * The Raptor Enclosures: Home to over 40 “ambassador” birds, including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Snowy Owls. These are residents that cannot be released back into the wild, now serving as educators for the public * Raptors Up Close: During the winter, VINS hosts indoor and outdoor live bird programs where you can watch hawks and owls fly just inches over your head while trainers explain their silent flight and hunting prowess * The Forest Exhibit & Adventure Playscape: If you have “fidgety” explorers, the indoor forest exhibit features a second-story slide and interactive displays that teach the layers of the forest ecosystem * A Forest of Lights: On select nights in January and February, the entire campus—including the Canopy Walk—is transformed by thousands of twinkling lights, featuring a “Sparkle Dome” and “Fiery Tower” 🦅 Spotting Wildlife from Above ---------------------------------- One of the most underrated perks of the canopy walk is the “stealth” factor. By being elevated, you are removed from the direct line of sight of many forest inhabitants, allowing for rare observations of winter wildlife in their natural rhythm. * Avian Life: Look for Barred Owls camouflaged against the bark or the bright flash of a Blue Jay against the white snow * Tracks in the Snow: From 100 feet up, the forest floor becomes a map. You can easily spot the wandering trails of Red Foxes , White-tailed Deer , or even the heavy prints of a Moose * Squirrels & Porcupines: High in the branches, you might catch a porcupine nibbling on hemlock twigs—a sight rarely seen from the ground 🚙 How to Get There from NYC ------------------------------- * By Car: About 4–5 hours via I-87 North and I-89 North. Winter roads can be snowy, so drive carefully * By Train/Bus: Amtrak or regional buses take 5–7 hours; you may need a short car or rideshare from the station to the trailhead * Tip: Check weather and trail conditions before leaving, and allow extra time for winter travel Winter may be cold, but adventures like this warm the soul. From snowy treetops to cozy Vermont lodges, a weekend at the IS Forest Canopy Walk is the perfect escape from city life. Source: https://secretnyc.co/ins-forest-canopy-walk-winter-getaway-nyc/