Sugar Trails

“There’s just something about being in the woods…. It humbles you” – Jordan Wyckoff grew up in his local forests. From building forts as a kid, to later sculpting trails, to now where he roams deep in the woods in search of maple trees. He feels just as much at home in the sugar bush as he does in the house he grew up in.

When Jordan refers to the sugar bush, he’s talking about the vast woodlands of Vermont where he works as a sugar maker for his family business, making maple syrup. Maple trees are common in the area of Vermont, which is why maple syrup is so popular in the surrounding area. Nestled within the vast network of sugar maples are astounding trails with geographical features, all enjoyed by hikers, sugar makers and mountain bikers alike.

Sap boiling takes place shortly after in the springtime. In the fall is when sap lines are being set up, people are ripping around on four wheelers, trimming branches and trees, and carrying out other general maintenance task, getting set up for the winter.

Their voice is forging the path for access, upkeep and shared recreation across Vermont’s trail network. Thanks to the association, their dedication has led to landowners and trail users working side by side. They’ve enabled trails to be enjoyed by all, and to stand the test of time.

Whilst techniques like bare flames or horse drawn sleds are no longer in use in the syrup making industry, the sugar trails will continue to be an instrumental part of their creation process.