Andover Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Andover, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Known for its challenging yet rewarding trails, Underhill State Park allows visitors to ascend Mount Mansfield via routes like Maple Ridge or Sunset Ridge Trails. At the summit ridge, hikers are greeted with expansive views and unique alpine vegetation rarely found in New England. The park also showcases historic CCC-era structures that add charm to this outdoor destination.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Camel's Hump State Park offers hikers scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. The summit provides unparalleled views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can also explore quieter paths featuring enchanting birch forests and serene brooks.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Lye Brook Falls is a stunning 125-foot waterfall nestled within the Lye Brook Wilderness in Manchester, Vermont. The moderate 4.6-mile round-trip trail weaves through serene forests, rocky terrain, and gentle streams, offering hikers a peaceful woodland experience. At the falls, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a tranquil spot for relaxation before retracing their steps back to the trailhead.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest is renowned for its short yet steep climb leading to stunning vistas of Vermont's peaks. This well-loved trail features diverse landscapes, including dense woods and open rock faces at the summit. It provides an unforgettable hiking experience for visitors year-round.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Hiking to Killington Peak is a quintessential Vermont adventure, blending natural beauty with physical challenge. The journey includes picturesque woodlands and a steep rock scramble near the summit. At 4,229 feet, the peak rewards hikers with sweeping views of three states.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | MANCHESTER VT
Encompassing 400,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Green Mountain National Forest is a haven for hikers of all skill levels. Trails like the Sunset Ridge Trail and Blueberry Lake Loop provide breathtaking views and peaceful settings. Visitors can explore lush forests, alpine ridges, and historic paths such as the Appalachian Trail segment.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park welcomes hikers in all seasons, with trails open for walking, snowshoeing, and even sledding in winter, and the summit road plowed for access. The park's changing scenery offers a different experience with each season, from wildflowers in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn. Mt. Philo State Park provides a versatile outdoor destination for year-round recreation and exploration.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known for its pristine waters and dramatic scenery, Warren Falls is a must-visit destination along Route 100. The falls provide opportunities for cliff jumping, wading in shallow pools, or enjoying a picnic by the riverbank. Its accessibility and charm make it one of Vermont's most beloved natural attractions.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park invites hikers to explore its picturesque trails that highlight Vermont's natural beauty, including the famous 165-foot-deep gorge. The main trail leads visitors through dense woodlands to serene spots along the riverbank. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this park combines adventure with peaceful scenery.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hikers on the Pogue Loop Trail can explore Vermont's conservation legacy while enjoying scenic views of The Pogue. The trail offers a gentle climb through diverse ecosystems, including century-old trees and vibrant meadows. This loop is perfect for appreciating nature's tranquility in all seasons.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a quick, 0.3-mile hike through peaceful woods to a spectacular 140-foot waterfall. The route is easy to follow, with packed dirt and boardwalk sections, and is perfect for a picnic or a family outing. Thundering Brook Falls Trail provides a refreshing break in the heart of the Green Mountains.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park features several miles of well-marked trails ideal for hiking, jogging, and snowshoeing year-round. The park's wooded paths lead to dramatic cliffs and a quiet beach on Lake Champlain. Red Rocks Park is a favorite spot for locals seeking tranquil outdoor adventures close to the city.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is perfect for those seeking a leisurely hike with rewarding views of both water and mountains. The trail's gentle grades and well-maintained paths make it accessible for all ages and abilities. Emerald Lake State Park is a beloved destination for both locals and travelers exploring the Green Mountain State.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is known for its consistent elevation gain and forested beauty, leading hikers to the summit in just under three miles. Along the way, visitors can pause at scenic spots like Gerry Falls and Brownsville Rock. Mt Ascutney State Park provides a quintessential Green Mountain hiking experience.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore and provides access to the renowned Rattlesnake Cliff Trail. Branbury State Park's trail winds past waterfalls and through dense woods before reaching rocky ledges with stunning views. Branbury State Park is a must-visit for those eager to experience Vermont's natural beauty on foot.
16. Button Bay State Park
BUTTON POINT TRAIL | FERRISBURGH VT
Button Bay State Park invites visitors to explore the Button Point Trail, a mostly flat path leading through hardwood forest to the rocky shores of Lake Champlain. The trail ends at a scenic point with panoramic views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are encouraged to stay on the trail to protect rare plants growing in the area's unique geology.
17. Coolidge State Forest
SHREWSBURY PEAK TRAIL | SHREWSBURY VT
Coolidge State Forest features the Shrewsbury Peak Trail, which ascends from the CCC Road to the summit of Shrewsbury Peak. Hikers traverse Russell Hill, pass historic Civilian Conservation Corps landmarks, and climb through varied forest terrain before reaching sweeping views of the Plymsbury wetlands and Saltash Mountain. The trail continues along the ridge, offering a challenging and rewarding hike for those seeking high-elevation vistas.
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. Milton Town Forest
MILTON TOWN FOREST TRAILS | MILTON VT
Milton Town Forest provides hikers with six miles of established trails that loop through 485 acres of woodlands and encircle the scenic 33-acre Milton Pond. The Milton Town Forest Trails offer a tranquil setting for nature walks, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems at their own pace.
20. Mount Abraham
MOUNT ABRAHAM TRAIL | LINCOLN VT
Mount Abraham is reached by hiking the Mount Abraham Trail, which traverses a mix of sugarbushes, hardwood forests, and alpine terrain to Vermont's fifth highest peak. The trail is known for its moderate difficulty, rare alpine vegetation, and a summit above treeline that offers expansive views of the Green Mountains, Champlain Valley, and Adirondacks. Hikers should stay on the marked path to protect fragile plants and enjoy the unique high-elevation landscape.