Barton Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Barton, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located on the west side of Mount Mansfield, Underhill State Park gives hikers access to some of Vermont's most iconic peaks via well-maintained trails like Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge. The summit ridge offers striking views of New England landscapes and rare alpine vegetation. Its combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a must-visit spot for outdoor lovers.
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 is one of the highlights of CC Putnam State Forest, offering hikers a challenging route with incredible summit views. Its steep inclines are balanced by moments of respite in tranquil forested areas along the way. This trail is perfect for those seeking both exercise and scenic rewards in Vermont's outdoors.
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 | ROCHESTER VT
Nestled in Vermont's scenic mountains, Green Mountain National Forest features trails such as Blueberry Lake Loop and Mount Abraham that cater to all skill levels. Its varied landscapes include alpine summits, tranquil lakesides, and dense hardwood forests teeming with wildlife. Hikers can explore this natural haven throughout the year for memorable experiences in nature's beauty.
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
Warren Falls combines natural beauty with recreational fun, offering visitors a chance to swim in deep pools or explore its rocky terrain. A short trail from the parking lot leads to this picturesque spot, perfect for cooling off on warm days. Its tranquil setting also makes it ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands and offer stunning vistas of the Ottauquechee River below. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels. A visit here promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable outdoor experience.
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 not only features a stunning waterfall but also passes by the site of a historic mill once powered by the falls. The trail is easy and accessible, with parking available on River Road and a boardwalk leading to the viewing area. Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a blend of natural wonder and local history.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park features a network of forested trails that open onto high bluffs and quiet coves along Lake Champlain. Hikers at Red Rocks Park can enjoy shaded paths, scenic overlooks, and the sounds of nature throughout the year. Red Rocks Park is also known for its seasonal swimming area and picnic spots.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park boasts the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a route that showcases the park's unique geology and history, including remnants of old marble quarries. Hikers can enjoy a mix of easy and moderate sections, with highlights such as wildflower-filled meadows and quiet forest glades. Emerald Lake State Park is a great spot for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 is the starting point for the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, known for its steep climb and breathtaking overlooks. Branbury State Park's trail is a great way to experience the region's forests, cliffs, and lakes in one hike. Branbury State Park is a top pick for visitors who love challenging trails and scenic rewards.
16. Niquette Bay State Park
ALLEN TRAIL | COLCHESTER VT
Niquette Bay State Park's Allen Trail offers a short, accessible route to the shores of Lake Champlain, passing through forested ridges and sandy terraces. The trail provides impressive vistas of Malletts Bay, the Green Mountains, and the Lake Champlain Islands. Hikers can enjoy a peaceful day hike with opportunities for nature observation and lakeside relaxation.
17. Brighton State Park
SHORELINE TRAIL | ISLAND POND VT
Brighton State Park offers the Shoreline Trail, an easy to moderate hike that traces the edge of Island Pond. The trail passes through rare Red Pine Natural Area and provides interpretive panels at Indian Point, sharing insights into local cultural and natural history. Hikers enjoy tranquil lakeside scenery and opportunities to observe diverse plant and wildlife habitats.
18. Smugglers Notch State Park
LONG TRAIL SMUGGLERS NOTCH SECTION | STOWE VT
Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides direct access to the Long Trail's dramatic Smugglers Notch section, renowned for its steep cliffs and rich history. Hikers can explore the iconic pass, once used by smugglers and now a hub for outdoor adventure, with trails winding through dense forests and past striking rock formations. The area is ideal for both day hikes and extended treks along Vermont's legendary Long Trail.
19. Stowe Recreation Path
STOWE RECREATION PATH | STOWE VT
Stowe Recreation Path is a renowned 5.3-mile greenway that stretches from Stowe Village to Topnotch Resort, following the West Branch of Little River. The paved trail is popular for hiking, offering breathtaking mountain views and convenient access to local restaurants and shops along the route. Its gentle terrain and scenic beauty make it a favorite for both residents and visitors seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
20. Mount Hunger
MOUNT HUNGER TRAIL | WATERBURY VT
Mount Hunger is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging climb via the Mount Hunger Trail, which ascends through C.C. Putnam State Forest to a rocky, bald summit. The trail features steady elevation gain, some scrambling near the top, and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains on clear days. The summit rewards hikers with one of Vermont's most spectacular vistas, making the effort well worthwhile.