Brandon Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brandon, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Underhill State Park offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, with routes like the Maple Ridge Trail providing technical challenges for seasoned hikers. The summit ridge of Mount Mansfield delivers unparalleled 360-degree views of Vermont's landscape. Visitors can also appreciate the park's alpine flora and rustic camping options.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
This beloved park features trails ranging from universally accessible routes to challenging summit climbs that lead to Camel's Hump's iconic peak. The Burrows Trail is particularly popular for its well-maintained path and rewarding views at the top. With its diverse terrain and rich history, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
The journey to Lye Brook Falls combines history and natural beauty along a moderate 4.6-mile trail in Manchester, Vermont. Hikers pass through shaded woods and remnants of old logging sites before arriving at the towering waterfall cascading down multiple tiers. This picturesque destination offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for visitors year-round.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
CC Putnam State Forest offers hikers access to the scenic Stowe Pinnacle Trail, a challenging yet rewarding route. The trail ascends through mixed hardwood forests, offering spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump from its rocky summit. Visitors can also connect to other trails for extended adventures in the Green Mountains.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers a challenging yet rewarding hike to Vermont's second-highest summit. Trails like the Bucklin Trail lead hikers through serene forests, culminating in panoramic views of the Green Mountains and beyond. The final ascent is steep but well worth the effort for its breathtaking vistas.
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 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
A jewel of Vermont's Mad River Valley, Warren Falls features cascading waterfalls that flow into deep, inviting pools perfect for swimming or wading. The site's rugged cliffs provide thrilling opportunities for safe cliff jumping under careful conditions. Its natural beauty continues to enchant visitors year after year.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Explore Vermont's famous Quechee Gorge via hiking trails that offer sweeping views and access to serene spots along the Ottauquechee River at Quechee State Park. Trails range from easy walks to moderately challenging hikes through wooded areas and alongside cliffs overlooking the gorge below. This park is perfect for anyone seeking scenic beauty in a peaceful setting.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hiking the Pogue Loop Trail reveals Vermont's natural beauty through shaded paths and scenic pond-side vistas. Wildlife sightings and seasonal blooms add to the charm of this accessible route within Mount Tom's historic forest landscape. It is perfect for families or solo adventurers alike seeking outdoor serenity.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers sweeping views of the Ottauquechee Valley and a dramatic 140-foot waterfall at the trails end. The accessible route is part of the Appalachian Trail and is maintained by local conservation groups. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a highlight for anyone exploring the Killington area.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is a beloved local destination with trails that offer both easy walks and more challenging hikes through diverse terrain. The park's highlights at Red Rocks Park include panoramic lake views, forested paths, and a peaceful beach. Red Rocks Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Vermont's natural beauty.
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's Windsor Trail provides a classic New England hiking experience, rising 2,500 feet from trailhead to summit. Along the way, hikers encounter forested paths, rocky outcrops, and the historic observation tower with 360-degree views. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must-visit for those seeking a challenging yet accessible summit hike.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is known for its proximity to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a favorite among hikers for its challenging ascent and rewarding outlooks. Branbury State Park's trailhead leads adventurers up steep, rocky paths to vistas overlooking Lake Dunmore and the Champlain Valley. Branbury State Park is perfect for those seeking a memorable day hike in the Green Mountains.
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. 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. Cady Hill Forest
CADY HILL TRAILS | STOWE VT
Cady Hill Forest is home to the Cady Hill Trails, an 11-mile network winding through 258 acres of conserved land. The trails offer a mix of single and double track paths, catering to hikers of all abilities and providing access to hardwood forests, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy year-round hiking with easy access from Stowe's town center.
19. Wiessner Woods
WIESSNER WOODS TRAILS | STOWE VT
Wiessner Woods in Stowe features a network of trails that meander through mature hardwood and softwood forests, with small streams and a meadow near the entrance. The Wiessner Woods Trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, providing a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks while observing local flora and fauna in this conserved woodland.
20. Grout Pond Recreation Area
GROUT POND LOOP TRAIL | STRATTON VT
Grout Pond Recreation Area features the Grout Pond Loop Trail, a relatively flat and easy-to-moderate path that circles the scenic 80-acre pond through low-lying woodlands. The trail system offers over 10 miles of interconnected routes, with blue diamond blazes guiding hikers through wetlands, forests, and lakeshore vistas. This area is popular for year-round hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, though trails can be wet and muddy at times.