Green Trails Inn and Ski Touring Center

Brookfield, Orange County, Vermont

"Green Trails Country Inn and Ski Touring Center, Brookfield. Network of marked trails around frozen ponds, through woods of maple and evergreen, and over rolling meadows with highland vistas; suitable for all levels of proficiency; Allis State Park nearby. 40 km total. Elev. 1132'-1572'. Instruction, rental, lodging (meals included), inn to inn tours by reserv. Betty and Jack Russell, Box 402, Brookfield 05036. Tel. 26-3412." -Cross Country Ski Vermont, 1984

a recent photo of the Green Trails Inn

from the Green Trails Inn website

Location: 24 Stone Rd., Brookfield, Vt. 05036

Directory listings: 1974-2001

Known operators: Williams and Taylor families; Betty and Jack Russell

Today: Green Trails is still operating as an inn but no longer offers cross country skiing

History

Green Trails got its start in 1932 as a summer riding camp by Jessie Fiske. Fiske continued to extend the property--which was run by her relatives following her death in 1966--so that by 1971 Chris and Sherrill Williams purchased Green Trials with an inn, a restaurant, a store, two residences, and 75 acres. Soon two friends, Ed and Mary Ellen Taylor, joined the Williams' in the business and Green Trails underwent extensive renovations to make it a year round facility--all according to The History of Brookfield, Vermont published by the Brookfield Historical Society in 1987.

At the time of The History of Brookfield, Vermont's publication, David and Linda Threlkeld owned Green Trails and Jack and Betty Russell served as the managers. The book also indicated that by that time Green Trails had "developed a fine reputation for it's cross country skiing facilities."

Green Trails was listed in cross country directories between 1974 and 2001. The Green Trails Inn offered around 25 miles/40 km during it's operation and appears to have started offering machine groomed trails in 1985.

As of 2006, professional cookbook author Jane Doerfer has owned and operated Green Trails Inn. When I called in 2013 to inquire about cross country skiing, I was told that the cross country center had been closed by the previous owners and was no longer offered at the inn.

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See the full listing of directory entries for Green Trails Inn and Ski Touring Center here.