Brattleboro Retreat Tower
A historic 65ft stone tower built by asylum patients in 1887, nestled in the woods with a spooky reputation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, peaceful atmosphere
Brattleboro Retreat Tower
Best Time
Magical light, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 65ft stone tower built by asylum patients in 1887, nestled in the woods with a spooky reputation.
"It's a brisk hike, but so worth it to see this unique tower with its dark history."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is uphill and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must for the hike!
🚗 Parking Location
Park at the Harris Hill Ski Jump; the trailhead is a short walk down the road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Brattleboro Retreat Tower
Brattleboro, Vermont
A 65ft stone tower with a haunting past, built by asylum patients. Spooky vibes and unique architecture.
Retreat Trails
Surrounding the tower
Scenic paths through the woods leading to the tower, offering a peaceful, albeit sometimes eerie, walk.
Harris Hill Ski Jump
Base of the trail
A nearby landmark that serves as a common starting point for the hike to the tower.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Hike to the Tower
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is uphill and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must for the hike!
🚗 Parking Location
Park at the Harris Hill Ski Jump; the trailhead is a short walk down the road.
👻 Embrace the Spookiness
Many visitors report hearing unexplained sounds. It's part of the tower's haunted allure!
📸 Drone Photography
Drones offer unique perspectives of the tower and surrounding forest.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is uphill and can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must for the hike!
🚗 Parking Location
Park at the Harris Hill Ski Jump; the trailhead is a short walk down the road.
👻 Embrace the Spookiness
Many visitors report hearing unexplained sounds. It's part of the tower's haunted allure!
📸 Drone Photography
Drones offer unique perspectives of the tower and surrounding forest.
🔒 Tower Access
The tower itself is locked and closed to the public, but the exterior is still impressive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Brattleboro Retreat Tower a unique and worthwhile destination, despite the tower being inaccessible from the inside. The hike is described as a brisk uphill walk, and many are drawn to the tower's spooky history and reported paranormal activity. The surrounding trails offer a pleasant natural setting, especially during sunrise.
"Not the easiest to find but worth the trail hike. Not a huge hike but a lot of uphill. Really cool place to visit! And being completely honest, I heard people talking as I hiked up to tower and there was nobody there when I got up there. I never saw anyone. Take it for what it is worth but I heard people and never saw anyone."
Jeff B
"It was a really neat spot to check out and it was a great time walking through the trails. You can still feel cold air coming from part of the building from the outside."
Angela Myott
"Getting to the tower is an easy hike on the retreat trails. Parking is located at the base of the ski jump. It’s not possible to climb the tower as that is closed to the public, but it’s definitely worth checking out from the base! A little spooky, but very cool architecture."
Connor Louis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tower is accessed via a trail starting near the Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro, VT. Parking is available at the ski jump, and the trailhead is a short walk away.
Yes, visitors typically park at the Harris Hill Ski Jump. From there, it's a short walk to the trailhead leading to the tower.
No, the tower is only accessible by foot via a hiking trail. You cannot drive directly to it.
Locals and visitors suggest parking at the Harris Hill Ski Jump and looking for the trail entrance a bit down the road.
It's not always the easiest to find, but the hike is rewarding. Following signs from the ski jump parking area is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Brattleboro Retreat Tower or hike the surrounding trails. It's a free outdoor attraction.
The tower itself is locked and closed to the public for safety reasons. However, you can visit the grounds and admire it from the outside.
As it's an outdoor trail, there are no official operating hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
Unfortunately, no. The tower is locked and not accessible to the public. Special tours are occasionally offered, but these are rare.
No, the trails leading to the Brattleboro Retreat Tower are free to access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is described as a brisk, uphill walk on trails. It's not a long hike, typically taking 15-20 minutes round trip, but it involves a decent climb.
Many visitors report a spooky atmosphere and have heard unexplained sounds, contributing to its haunted reputation. +1
It was built in 1887 by patients of the former Vermont Asylum for the Insane as part of their rehabilitation program. +2
You can see the impressive 65ft stone tower from the outside, explore the surrounding forest trails, and experience the unique atmosphere.
There are no facilities directly at the tower. Restrooms and amenities would be found in the town of Brattleboro.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the tower from various angles on the trail, especially during sunrise for dramatic lighting. Drone photography offers unique perspectives.
Yes, drone photography is popular here and can provide stunning aerial views of the tower and the surrounding woods.
Sunrise offers magical light filtering through the trees, creating a serene and atmospheric scene.
The trail itself provides many vantage points. Getting closer to the base of the tower offers a good perspective of its scale.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the tower and its surroundings. A drone is highly recommended for unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tower itself is locked, the surrounding trails provide a natural playground for exploration. Pack snacks and water, and make it an adventure to discover the 'haunted' tower. The early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photos, making the experience more engaging for younger visitors.
👻 Urban Explorers & Paranormal Enthusiasts
While direct access to the tower is restricted, the surrounding grounds and the tower's exterior offer plenty to explore. Many visitors come hoping to experience the reported phenomena, such as hearing voices or feeling a chilling presence. Drone photography is also popular here, allowing for unique perspectives of this historically significant and reputedly haunted site.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Combine your visit with an early morning hike to enjoy the sunrise filtering through the trees, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The relatively short duration of the hike makes it accessible for those looking for a quick dose of outdoor activity with a unique historical backdrop.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dark History of the Retreat Tower
Visitors often report feeling a distinct atmosphere around the tower, with some experiencing unexplained cold spots or hearing voices and whispers when no one else is present. These anecdotal accounts contribute to the tower's reputation as one of Vermont's most haunted spots. While the tower is now locked and inaccessible to the public, its imposing presence and the stories surrounding it continue to draw curious visitors and paranormal investigators.
It's important to approach the site with respect for its history and the individuals who were treated at the asylum. The surrounding trails offer a chance to reflect on the past while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The Brattleboro Retreat itself, though no longer an asylum, remains a functioning psychiatric hospital, adding another layer to the site's complex narrative.
Navigating the Retreat Trails
The hike itself is relatively short, often taking around 15-20 minutes round trip, allowing ample time to explore the tower's exterior and the surrounding forest. The natural setting, with soft ground, pine needles, and rocks, creates a serene environment, especially during sunrise when the light filters beautifully through the trees. This makes the walk a highlight for many visitors, even before reaching the tower itself.
While the tower is locked, the trails offer a chance to appreciate the architecture from the outside and soak in the unique, somewhat eerie, atmosphere. The combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes the hike a worthwhile experience for anyone visiting the Brattleboro area.
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