Brighton VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Brighton, Vermont.
1. Main Trail
EASY PARK LOOP
Main Trail is a primary hiking route in Brighton State Park that offers a self-guided tour with nature brochures available. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Hikers can enjoy exploring the diverse vegetation and wildlife of the park while following interpretive information along the path.
2. Logger's Loop
HISTORIC FOREST PATH
Logger's Loop is one of the network trails in Brighton State Park that can be combined with other trails for various routing options. The loop features a self-guided tour with nature brochures highlighting the area's logging history. This relatively easy trail winds through forested areas and provides educational opportunities about local ecology.
3. Shore Trail
SCENIC WATERFRONT VIEWS
Shore Trail skirts the water in Brighton State Park and passes notable points including Loon Point, Eagle Point, and Indian Point. This easy trail offers beautiful views of Spectacle Pond and opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. Hikers can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while exploring the shoreline's natural features.
4. Red Pine Trail
PEACEFUL FOREST JOURNEY
Red Pine Trail winds through the forest of Brighton State Park, offering a peaceful woodland experience. The trail is of easy to moderate difficulty and showcases the diverse pine forest ecosystem of the region. Hikers can connect this trail with others in the park's network to create longer hiking experiences.
5. Boreal Forest Trail
ACCESSIBLE NATURE LOOP
The Boreal Forest Trail is a wheelchair-accessible 0.3-mile loop that starts behind the nature center in Brighton State Park. The trail features interpretive panels explaining the unique boreal forest ecosystem and is constructed with compacted stone and some boardwalk sections. This easy trail provides an educational experience suitable for all ages and abilities.
6. Bluff Community Trail
PANORAMIC BASIN VIEWS
The Bluff Community Trail is a 3.5-mile round trip moderate hike with one steep climb and 1217 feet of elevation gain. The trail passes through a red pine plantation and mixed hardwood forest before climbing to mountain heights with limited views of the Nulhegan Basin. At the summit, hikers can take a short spur to a lookout with views of Island Pond, making the challenging climb worthwhile.
7. Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails near Brighton, offering a challenging ascent of the Northeast's highest peak. The trail features dramatic ravine landscapes, alpine terrain, and potentially extreme weather conditions. Hikers who complete this strenuous loop are rewarded with panoramic views extending across multiple states on clear days.
8. Lookout Trail
HISTORIC SCENIC ROUTE
The historic Lookout Trail intersects with the Bluff Community Trail and leads to a scenic overlook of Island Pond. This moderate difficulty trail winds through varied forest terrain and offers glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can follow the trail for 0.1 miles from the junction to reach the prime lookout point with expansive views.
9. Spectacle Pond Trails
TRANQUIL POND EXPLORATION
Spectacle Pond Trails in Brighton State Park offer mostly flat, easy walking around the peaceful pond. These family-friendly trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful natural surroundings. Hikers can enjoy the serene water views while exploring the diverse ecosystem around the pond's edge.
10. Nulhegan Basin Division Trails
REMOTE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Nulhegan Basin Division Trails are located near Brighton in the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, offering a more remote hiking experience. These moderate trails traverse through a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, forests, and meadows that support abundant wildlife. Hikers can explore the natural beauty of the Northeast Kingdom while experiencing the solitude of this less-traveled wilderness area.