South Hero Marsh Trail

South Hero Marsh Trail

South Hero, Vermont 05486

Official Website

Tips for Birding

From March through September the South Hero Marsh is a prime site for birding. Mallards, Wood Ducks, and Canada Geese nest there regularly, as do Northern Shovelers and Hooded Mergansers. Ring-necked Ducks and Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal turn up regularly in migration.

With all this waterfowl activity it would be easy to overlook the other birds that are regular visitors to the marsh. Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, and American Bitterns refuse to be ignored. Likewise, foraging Osprey, hunting Harriers, and soaring Red-tails make their presence known. Topping off the menu is a nice selection of warblers in migration enhanced by the occasional Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark that inhabit the adjacent grasslands.

To get to the South Hero Marsh and Recreation Trail, take Interstate 89 to exit 17, the Champlain Islands exit. Continue on Route 2 to the town of South Hero. After driving through the South Hero take the first left-hand turn onto Tracy Road. The parking lot for the marsh is on the left about 200 yards down the road.

About this Location

The Roy Marsh Trail runs along the old Island Line Railroad Bed, through the Roy Marsh Wildlife Management Area (owned by the State of Vermont). The trail is maintained by the South Hero Recreation Commission.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website and Bruce MacPherson, Green Mountain Audubon Society

Last updated July 24, 2023