Plainfield’s French’s Ledges – A View Worth Conserving

August 19, 2026

From the far right corner of the Plainfield Elementary School parking lot, the French’s Ledges trail system slips quickly into the woods. The trail winds gradually uphill beneath a canopy of hardwoods and evergreens, past great granite boulders and across a network of trails that has been part of this landscape and this community for generations.

Then, almost suddenly, the trees fall away.

At roughly 1,300 feet, the broad granite ledges open to nearly 360-degree views across the surrounding landscape. Meriden Village lies below, with the Croydon and Grantham mountains, Mount Ascutney and distant ridgelines stretching across the horizon.

It is a surprisingly big reward for an approachable local hike. And it is thanks to Ira and Sarah (Sally) Townsend and the many community land stewards after them, who made it and continue to make it available for the public to enjoy.

A Trail with a Story

Part of a network of trails, the French's Ledges Trail brings hikers to the summit

French’s Ledges takes its name from the family of Hezekiah French, an early Plainfield settler who lived in a house built in 1803 near the trail system.

More than a century and a half later, that same property became home to Ira and Sara “Sally” Townsend, whose stewardship helped shape the network of trails enjoyed today.

Ira began clearing and maintaining trails here in the mid-1960s, when nearby Kimball Union Academy needed trails for cross-country skiing. Over the decades, the network grew into a community recreational resource used for hiking, skiing and other human-powered activities.

In 2002, the Townsends permanently conserved 143 acres of their property through a conservation easement with the Upper Valley Land Trust, helping ensure that the forest and its trails would remain available for generations to come.

The Ira and Sara Townsend Bridge connects the elementary school access point to the French's Ledges trail network

Sharing the French's Ledges Trails

Today, the French’s Ledges trails cross a patchwork of public and privately owned conserved land. Access is made possible through the generosity of landowners, while volunteers continue to maintain the trail network.

That makes every visit an opportunity to practice the same spirit of stewardship that has kept these woods open to others.

Carry out what you carry in. Leave rocks, plants and other natural features where you find them. Respect neighboring landowners. Avoid trails when conditions are muddy enough that your footsteps or tires will cause damage. Well-behaved dogs are welcome; please clean up after them.

In winter, community volunteers groom portions of the network for cross-country skiing. Walkers and snowshoers should stay to the side of groomed tracks, and fat bikes should be used only when snow conditions are firm enough to avoid damaging the trail.

Green trail signs point the way to the French's Ledges summit

Know Before You Go

The French’s Ledges trail network offers many options. For the hike from Plainfield Elementary School to the Ledges, follow the Bridge Trail to the French’s Ledges Trail, watching for green French’s Ledges signs and blue blazes. The French’s Ledges trail network includes several interconnected routes, so take a photo of the trail map at the trailhead before setting out and pay attention to blazes and junctions along the way.

Plan on a roughly 3-mile, moderate hike, with roots, rocks and uneven terrain along the way. The trail climbs gradually for much of the route before a short scramble to the ledges. Depending on your pace, route, and how long you linger at the viewpoint, allow approximately one to two hours for the outing.

The trailhead is located at the far back right side of the Plainfield Elementary School parking lot.

Enjoyed your time on the trails? Consider making a donation to support the work of the Plainfield volunteers who keep these trails cared for and accessible for others to enjoy.

This trail is one of 10 hikes in the Sugar River Region Hiking Challenge. Complete all ten hikes and receive a commemorative patch. Find out more here!