Bridport VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bridport, Vermont.
1. Snake Mountain
SCENIC SUMMIT VISTAS
Snake Mountain is a popular hiking destination featuring a moderate trail that ascends through mixed forest to a summit offering panoramic views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks. The main trail is well-maintained and suitable for intermediate hikers, with a steady climb and some rocky sections. At the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas, making it a highlight of the region's trail network.
2. Trail Around Middlebury (TAM)
LOOP THROUGH VALLEY FORESTS
The Trail Around Middlebury, known as TAM, is a 16-mile loop encircling the town and passing through scenic forests, fields, and wetlands. The trail system offers varied difficulty, with mostly gentle terrain interspersed with occasional hills, making it accessible for most skill levels. Hikers enjoy diverse habitats, numerous access points, and insight into both the natural and historic features of the Middlebury area.
3. Button Bay State Park
LAKESIDE WALKING TRAILS
Button Bay State Park features easy, family-friendly trails that meander through forests and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The trails are mostly level, making them suitable for all ages and abilities, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and lakeside picnics. The park's unique blend of water views and woodlands offers a tranquil hiking experience.
4. Kingsland Bay State Park
NATURE ON THE LAKESHORE
Kingsland Bay State Park provides several short walking trails through hardwood forests and along Lake Champlain's scenic shoreline. The gentle terrain is ideal for beginner hikers and families, with opportunities to observe birds and native plants. Hikers are treated to peaceful lake views and access to the park's historic buildings and picnic spots.
5. Chamberlain Hill
PANORAMIC RURAL VIEWS
Chamberlain Hill is a local favorite in Bridport, offering a relatively short hike with moderate elevation gain and sweeping views of the surrounding farmland and mountains. The trail traverses through open fields and woodlands, with a few steeper sections that add challenge without being overly strenuous. The hilltop vista provides a peaceful spot to overlook the rural Vermont landscape.
6. Old Mill Site and Blacksmith Shop Trail
HISTORIC INTERPRETIVE WALK
The Old Mill Site and Blacksmith Shop Trail is a brief, easy stroll through remnants of Bridport's 19th-century industrial history. Suitable for all ages, the flat trail includes interpretive signs that detail the area's cultural past. This walk is ideal for those interested in a short, educational hike close to town.
7. Mill Trail
SHORT FOREST EXCURSION
The Mill Trail is a 0.9-mile path winding through Bridport's woods, offering a gentle ascent and lush greenery along the way. This beginner-friendly trail provides a peaceful setting for a quick hike or nature walk. The route gives hikers a taste of local forestland within a compact distance.
8. Mount Philo State Park
SWEEPING VALLEY OUTLOOKS
Mount Philo State Park boasts a popular, moderately challenging trail to the summit, which stands 968 feet above sea level and delivers exceptional views of the Lake Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains. The trail's moderate incline makes it accessible to most hikers, though a steady climb is involved. At the top, a grassy overlook provides a perfect spot for scenic relaxation and photography.
9. Silent Cliff Trail
SECLUDED FOREST VIEWS
Silent Cliff Trail offers a moderately challenging hike through woodlands to a rocky ledge with tremendous views of the Otter Valley. The well-marked trail features a gentle start followed by a steeper switchback section as hikers approach the cliff. The destination's quiet surroundings and striking vantage point make it a rewarding outing.
10. Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area Trails
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE WALKS
The Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area provides flat trails and walking paths that pass through open wetlands, grasslands, and birdwatching hotspots. These easy routes are ideal for nature observation, with many opportunities to spot migrating birds and local wildlife. The expansive vistas and tranquil environment make it a favorite for relaxed, scenic hikes.