Bethel Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bethel, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Nestled on the western slope of Mount Mansfield, Underhill State Park offers stunning hiking trails that lead to Vermont's tallest peak. The Sunset Ridge Trail, a favorite among visitors, provides a direct 3-mile route to the summit with breathtaking views along the way. The park is also home to rare alpine vegetation and historic CCC-built facilities that enhance its natural charm.
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
Lye Brook Falls captivates hikers with its 125-foot cascade and peaceful surroundings in Manchester, Vermont. The trail spans 4.6 miles round-trip and includes rocky sections and shaded forest paths that provide a refreshing escape from summer heat. Visitors are rewarded with picturesque views of the falls and opportunities for photography or quiet reflection.
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
As part of the Appalachian Trail system, Killington Peak attracts hikers with its accessibility and stunning vistas. The climb features varied terrain, including tranquil woods and steep rocky sections near the top. Reaching the summit is an achievement rewarded by awe-inspiring scenery.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | GOSHEN VT
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest combines natural beauty with recreational variety across its expansive acreage. Trails such as Mount Horrid's Great Cliff offer thrilling climbs while others like Sunset Ledge provide serene sunset views over Lake Champlain. This forest caters to hikers seeking both challenge and tranquility in nature's embrace.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park features a variety of trails, including the Summit, House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road, each offering unique terrain and viewpoints. Hikers can combine routes for longer loops or stick to the main path for a direct ascent, with trail distances ranging from 0.2 to 2 miles. Mt. Philo State Park caters to both casual walkers and those seeking a bit more adventure, with trail maps available at the entrance.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
With its clear waters and dramatic rock features, Warren Falls is an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and families looking to unwind in nature. The short hike from the parking lot makes it easily accessible while offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding forest. Its charm remains timeless across seasons.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Nestled in Hartford, Vermont, Quechee State Park offers hiking trails that lead to unparalleled views of its iconic gorge and tranquil riverbanks. The trails are well-maintained and provide a mix of shaded woodland paths and open scenic vistas. Ideal for day trips or weekend adventures, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts year-round.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hiking the Pogue Loop Trail provides a glimpse into Vermont's rich conservation history while immersing visitors in nature. The trail winds through managed forests and circles a peaceful pond surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. It is an ideal destination for outdoor relaxation and exploration.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail is renowned for its universal accessibility, featuring a wide boardwalk and gentle switchbacks to a waterfall overlook. The trail is part of a collaborative conservation effort and is maintained for all to enjoy. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a rare find for those seeking an inclusive outdoor experience in Vermont.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park provides a peaceful escape with its forested trails and high bluffs overlooking Lake Champlain. Visitors to Red Rocks Park can enjoy both easy and moderate hikes, with benches and lookouts for resting and taking in the scenery. Red Rocks Park is especially popular for its fall foliage and spring wildflowers.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is a favorite among locals for its peaceful ambiance and diverse habitats. The trail winds past wetlands, through mature hemlock groves, and along the lake's edge, offering a variety of natural sights. Emerald Lake State Park is an excellent choice for birdwatchers and those seeking a quiet retreat in southern Vermont.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park is home to the Windsor Trail, a popular route that climbs steadily to the summit's observation tower. Hikers enjoy forested paths, a scenic waterfall, and rocky viewpoints along the way. Mt Ascutney State Park is a highlight for those exploring Vermont's hiking trails.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park invites hikers to tackle the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route that combines forested paths with rocky ascents. Branbury State Park's trail is especially popular in the fall, when foliage colors enhance the already stunning views. Branbury State Park is a premier destination for hiking and enjoying Vermont's seasonal beauty.
16. Elmore Provincial Park
MOUNT ELMORE FIRE TOWER TRAIL | ELMORE VT
Elmore Provincial Park features the Mount Elmore Fire Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile path ascending to the summit of Elmore Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to climb a historic fire tower, offering sweeping views of the Green Mountains and the Presidential Range. The trail is a highlight for those seeking a classic Vermont summit experience surrounded by forested beauty.
17. Centennial Woods Natural Area
CENTENNIAL WOODS LOOP TRAIL | BURLINGTON VT
Centennial Woods Natural Area offers the Centennial Woods Loop Trail, winding through 65 acres of mature conifers, hardwoods, fields, and wetlands. The trail system provides a natural retreat within Burlington, serving as both a recreational path and an outdoor classroom for local students. Hikers can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a peaceful escape just minutes from the city center.
18. Mill Trail
MILL TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Mill Trail in Stowe offers a gentle hike through mixed hardwood and softwood forests along the West Branch of the Waterbury River. Hikers pass historic sites, including cellar holes and a restored log cabin, while enjoying river views and abundant wildlife. The trail is ideal for a peaceful walk, nature observation, and learning about Stowe's past.
19. Mount Haystack
MOUNT HAYSTACK TRAIL | WILMINGTON VT
Mount Haystack Trail in Wilmington is a moderately challenging hike that ascends about 1000 feet to the 3445-foot summit of Haystack Mountain. The trail winds through high-elevation forests and offers sweeping 180-degree views over the Deerfield Valley, with sights of Mount Snow, Haystack Pond, and even Mount Monadnock on clear days. Hikers will experience a mix of gradual and steep sections, culminating in rewarding vistas at the summit.
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.