A Peaceful Retreat at Robert Frost Mountain Cabins in Ripton, Vermont

When the trees begin to blush with fall color and the mornings turn crisp, I know it’s time to plan a dog-friendly weekend away in the Green Mountains of Vermont.

This year, in early October, I packed up my car, my camera, and my black lab, Malinda, and headed north for a few quiet days in Ripton.

My destination? Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, a collection of seven artisan-crafted log cabins tucked into the woods — just ten miles from Middlebury, but worlds away from the rush of everyday life.

I stayed in Cabin #3, Blackberry Bend, one of the coziest spots I’ve found in Vermont.

From the screened porch, I could see morning mist curling through the trees as the sun rose over the mountains.

With a cup of coffee in hand and Malinda dozing at my feet, I watched the forest come alive in that soft golden light — an experience that reminded me why I unplug in the woods whenever I get a chance.

A Cozy Escape in the Green Mountains

Robert Frost Mountain Cabins feel remote in the best possible way.

They sit on more than 100 acres of forested land near the Green Mountain National Forest, where hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks are never far away.

Yet, despite the sense of seclusion, it takes less than twenty minutes to reach the restaurants, shops, and college-town magic of Middlebury.

Each cabin is designed to be a comfortable, self-contained retreat.

Also Read: Explore Route 125 through the Green Mountain National Forest

Mine had two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table, and a living area with a gas fireplace and smart TV. The décor was simple but thoughtful; cozy quilts, warm wood tones, and small touches that made it feel more like a home than a rental.

The cozy bed was the perfect mix of soft and supportive, with luxurious linens that made crawling into it after a day of hiking pure bliss.

The Trail, the Porch, and the Quiet Moments Between

Behind my cabin was the Trillium Trail that meandered through a grove of mossy rocks, dark spruce trees, and colorful hardwoods.

Malinda and I followed it just after dawn, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and the smell of earth and evergreens filling the air. In the afternoon, we’d wander down to the community fire pit and expansive lawn, where the mountain views stretched all the way to Bread Loaf.

Back at the cabin, the screened porch became my favorite spot, a front-row seat to nature’s show. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book on a sunny afternoon and sip coffee in the morning while watching sunlight filter through the forest.

It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.

Thoughtful Touches and Warm Hospitality

Hosts Jaime and Chris have created something special at Robert Frost Mountain Cabins: a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort that feels effortless but is clearly well-considered. Their hospitality is what truly sets this place apart.

On my first morning, a fresh-baked cinnamon twist appeared at my door still warm from the oven. It was flaky, sweet, and unforgettable, and it came with a small treat for Malinda, too.

That simple gesture captured what I loved most about this stay: the feeling that someone cared enough to make it personal.

The property has a shared space called The Loft, stocked with books, maps, puzzles, and DVDs; a cozy gathering place for guests who want a sense of community.

There’s also a six-person hot tub overlooking the best mountain views on the property, complimentary firewood for the campfire, and even EV chargers for those arriving by electric car.

Exploring Ripton and the Green Mountains

Ripton is tiny, quiet, and surrounded by wild beauty, exactly what I look for when I adventure into the Green Mountains. I’ve written about exploring this area on a day trip, but now I see no reason not to make it into a weekend adventure!

Here are a few favorite spots I explored nearby:

• Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. A gentle loop trail with excerpts of Frost’s poetry posted along the path. It’s a magical walk in any season, but especially beautiful in fall.
• Texas Falls. A cascading waterfall tucked into the forest in Hancock, just a short drive from the cabins.
• Pleiad Lake. Located just a short hike from Middlebury Gap on the Long Trail, this is a peaceful swimming and picnic spot with crystal-clear water, ideal for dogs.
• Skylight Pond Trail. A moderately challenging hike through the Breadloaf Wilderness to a serene mountain pond.
• Ripton Country Store. A classic Vermont general store with provisions, snacks, craft beer, and that familiar sense of small-town warmth.

Dog-Friendly Comforts

One of the things I appreciate most about Robert Frost Mountain Cabins is their genuine pet-friendly policy. Not every cabin allows pets, but the ones that do make dogs feel as welcome as their humans.

Malinda’s welcome bag included bowls, bedding, and waste bags, and she was allowed on the trails and the spacious lawn. With miles of forest to explore, she was in her element, and so was I.

For dog owners looking for a getaway that’s both comfortable and accommodating, this is one of the best dog-friendly cabins in Vermont!

Planning Your Stay at Robert Frost Mountain Cabins

If you’re craving a peaceful Vermont escape that blends nature, comfort, and authenticity, these cabins are hard to beat.

A few tips for future guests:

• Book early to ensure you get the dates you want. The cabins fill quickly year-round.
• Bring groceries from home (or from Middlebury) if you plan to cook; the kitchens are well stocked, so you can cook anything from TV dinners to gourmet meals.
• Don’t skip the cinnamon twists. They’re famous for a reason.
• Take time to unplug. Though Wi-Fi is reliable, the peace and quiet are even better.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Sneakers or trail shoes are best.

Robert Frost once wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

That iconic line echoed in my mind as I watched the sunrise from my screened porch, the forest bathed in amber light.

At Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, you’re reminded that slowing down, stepping away, and finding stillness in the woods can make all the difference, too.

If you’re looking for a quiet, restorative Vermont cabin getaway, whether for solitude, inspiration, or simply the joy of being surrounded by nature, Robert Frost Mountain Cabins in Ripton is a place worth discovering.

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