Addison Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Addison, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
A haven for hikers and campers alike, Underhill State Park sits at the base of Mount Mansfield's western slope in Vermont's largest state forest. Trails such as Sunset Ridge provide direct access to the mountain's summit ridge with breathtaking scenery along the way. Visitors can also enjoy rustic camping facilities surrounded by serene wilderness settings.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park boasts over 21,000 acres of outdoor recreation, including hiking trails that range from easy strolls to rugged climbs. The summit trails provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy peaceful walks along streams and through birch forests on less-traveled paths.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A hike to Lye Brook Falls offers a blend of adventure and tranquility in Vermont's Lye Brook Wilderness. The moderately difficult trail winds through dense woodlands, crossing streams and rocky terrain before reaching the towering waterfall. This natural wonder is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and solitude.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an invigorating hike through hardwood forests to a rocky summit with sweeping mountain views. Its well-maintained paths make it accessible while still providing a challenge for experienced hikers. This trail is a quintessential Vermont hiking destination year-round.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers one of Vermont's most iconic hikes, combining natural beauty with physical challenge. Trails like Bucklin Trail guide adventurers through dense forests before reaching a steep final ascent to the summit's open views. This hike is perfect for those seeking both solitude and spectacular scenery.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | RIPTON VT
The Green Mountain National Forest invites hikers to traverse its scenic landscapes, including the Monroe Skyline and Stratton Pond trails. From challenging climbs to accessible loops like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, there is something for everyone. Wildlife sightings and panoramic views enhance the hiking experience in this Vermont treasure.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park boasts historic carriage roads and stone staircases built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding character to the hiking experience. Hikers can explore multiple interconnected trails, including the House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road routes, each with unique features. Mt. Philo State Park preserves both natural beauty and local history, making every hike a journey through Vermont's past and present.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Located just off Route 100, Warren Falls offers an unforgettable experience with its series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools surrounded by forested cliffs. The short walk from the parking lot makes it an accessible yet rewarding destination for all ages. Whether visiting in summer or fall, this spot never disappoints nature enthusiasts.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park offers hikers the chance to explore Vermont's deepest gorge, carved by glacial activity over 13,000 years ago. The Quechee Gorge Trail provides scenic views of the Ottauquechee River and connects visitors to Deweys Pond for a tranquil experience. With moderate difficulty, this trail is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking picturesque landscapes.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Encircling The Pogue, this loop trail showcases Vermont's natural charm with its mix of forested paths and open vistas. Hikers can enjoy seasonal blooms, wildlife sightings, and peaceful water views throughout the journey. Its accessibility makes it an inviting option for all outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a unique segment of the Appalachian Trail, providing the first wheelchair accessible section in Vermont. The 0.5-mile out-and-back route includes a well-maintained boardwalk and a gentle ascent to a waterfall viewing platform. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is dog-friendly and connects to longer hiking options for those seeking more exploration.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park invites visitors to explore its well-maintained trails, which wind through woods and emerge at dramatic overlooks above Lake Champlain. The park's varied terrain at Red Rocks Park includes gentle slopes and steeper sections, suitable for all skill levels. Red Rocks Park is also a popular spot for photography and picnicking.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park is home to the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a scenic route that highlights the park's diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can expect to see everything from towering hardwoods to delicate wildflowers, with the lake always nearby. Emerald Lake State Park is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and enjoy Vermont's seasonal beauty.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is a direct and invigorating hike, ascending 2.7 miles to the summit's panoramic observation tower. The trail features natural attractions like Gerry Falls and Castle Rock, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must for hikers in the Windsor area.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park welcomes visitors to explore the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route famous for its rugged terrain and spectacular summit views. Branbury State Park's trail is best suited for experienced hikers, offering a steady climb and glimpses of rare plant life along the cliffs. Branbury State Park is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
16. Willoughby State Forest
MOUNT PISGAH TRAIL | WESTMORE VT
Willoughby State Forest is renowned for the Mount Pisgah Trail, a moderate hike leading to dramatic clifftop vistas over Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom. Multiple route options allow hikers to enjoy scenic overlooks, including views of the Passumpsic Valley and the White Mountains. The trail is especially popular for its panoramic lookouts and striking natural scenery.
17. Lowell Lake State Park
LOWELL LAKE LOOP TRAIL | LONDONDERRY VT
Lowell Lake State Park features the Lowell Lake Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile path that encircles the tranquil Lowell Lake. The trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of towering white pines, and scenic wetland vistas. With mostly flat terrain and moderate difficulty, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience immersed in nature.
18. Sterling Pond Trail
STERLING POND TRAIL | CAMBRIDGE VT
Sterling Pond Trail leads hikers on a moderately challenging ascent through Smugglers Notch to Vermont's highest alpine pond. The 3.3-mile loop features steep, rocky sections, lush spruce-fir forests, and panoramic views of Madonna Peak and Mount Mansfield. At the summit, Sterling Pond offers a tranquil spot for rest, reflection, or a refreshing swim.
19. Prospect Rock
PROSPECT ROCK TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Prospect Rock Trail in Manchester climbs steadily along Rootville Road and the Downer Glen Ravine, leading hikers to a dramatic overlook known as Prospect Rock. The trail is moderately challenging, with a spur that rewards visitors with sweeping views of Manchester Valley and Mount Equinox. The hike is well-loved for its scenic payoff, making the effort to reach the summit worthwhile.
20. Moss Glen Falls
MOSS GLEN FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Moss Glen Falls Trail is a short, mostly flat hike leading to one of Vermont's most beautiful waterfalls, cascading 125 feet through a lush gorge. The trail is less than half a mile each way, with boardwalks over wet areas and a brief, steep section near the falls for an up-close view. Hikers are rewarded with the sight and sound of the dramatic waterfall, making this a must-see stop near Stowe.