One of the most popular outdoor assets located immediately in the town of Middlebury is the TAM, or the Trail Around Middlebury. It is a 16 mile path that completely circles the town, moving through both settled streets and scenic forests. It is an interesting peek into the layout of the town itself. In just minutes, one can go from the urban feel of downtown to not being able to see any markers of civilization.

The trail is maintained by the Middlebury Area Land Trust, which is completely supported by donations and support from the National Land Trust. Construction of the trail involved building two pedestrian foot bridges, as well as an intense network of planks and path variations to help walkers and runners during the wet season. There are picnic tables on the path of the trail to stop and sit.

The trail’s claim to fame is the TAM Trek, an 18 mile race that occurs every Fall. It serves as both a fundraising event for trail maintenance, and  to increase the notoriety of the tail for distance runners across the state of Vermont. There are also 6 mile and 2 mile options for those who are not so interested in the whole shebang. For those technical runners out there, the website for the race says the course gains and loses 1000 feet of elevation during the course, with some sections more difficult than others. For those incoming freshman with an inclinations towards athletics, the TAM Trek is a great introduction to the town where you will be spending the next four years.

Map of the trail

Site for the TAM Trek