When winter settles into Vermont’s Upper Valley, Lake Morey transforms into something

extraordinary. On cold, clear days, the frozen lake becomes home to the Lake Morey Ice

Skating Trail, a seasonal attraction widely recognized as one of the longest natural ice skating

trails in the United States. Stretching around the lake’s shoreline, this outdoor skating

experience offers a rare chance to glide across natural ice surrounded by classic New England

scenery.

 

Located in Fairlee, Vermont, Lake Morey is known year-round for its peaceful setting, but

winter brings a special kind of magic. Once the ice reaches safe thickness, crews carefully clear

and maintain a continuous skating path that can extend more than four miles. Unlike indoor rinks

or short loops, this trail invites skaters to move through the landscape, passing snow-covered

woods, open lake views, and gentle hills rising in the distance.

Skating the Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail feels less like exercise and more like exploration. The

ice surface changes subtly from day to day, shaped by snowfall, sunlight, and cold temperatures.

Some sections are smooth and fast, while others encourage a slower pace, perfect for taking in

the quiet beauty of winter. The sound of skate blades cutting across the ice replaces the noise of

everyday life, creating a calm, immersive experience.

 

One of the trail’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Public access to the skating trail is free,

making it easy for locals and visitors alike to enjoy this unique winter activity. Families, couples,

and solo skaters all find space on the ice, whether completing the full loop or skating shorter

sections at a relaxed pace. Many visitors stop along the way for photos, conversation, or simply

to admire the winter scenery.

 

Amenities and Local Support
For those without their own skates, Lake Morey Resort offers skate rentals and a warm place to

gather before or after skating. The resort helps make the trail approachable for first-time visitors

while preserving its natural charm. Together, the resort and the town of Fairlee have embraced

the trail as a point of pride and a centerpiece of local winter recreation.

 Plan Your Visit

Because the trail depends entirely on weather and ice conditions, it is open only when nature

allows. Visitors are encouraged to check current ice updates before arriving and to skate during

daylight hours, as the lake is not lit at night.

The Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail is more than just a place to skate—it’s a celebration of winter,

movement, and community. For anyone seeking an unforgettable Vermont winter experience,

few activities compare to gliding across a frozen lake, surrounded by snow, silence, and natural

beauty.

For more information, updates, and winter activities, visit: