Burke VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Burke, Vermont.
1. Burke Mountain Hiking Trails
SUMMIT VIEWS AND FIRE TOWER
Burke Mountain Hiking Trails offer a mix of moderate to challenging routes that ascend to the summit, where a fire tower provides sweeping views of Willoughby Gap and the Northeast Kingdom. The Red Trail and West Peak Trail allow hikers to choose different paths up, both featuring scenic vistas and forested stretches, with lean-tos available for overnight stays. There is also an ADA-accessible trail from the upper parking lot, making a scenic viewpoint accessible to more visitors.
2. Kingdom Trails Network
EXPANSIVE TRAIL NETWORK
The Kingdom Trail Network is a well-known system of over 100 miles of multi-use trails that wind through forests, meadows, and farmland. Hikers of all abilities can find routes ranging from easy family walks to more challenging treks, all highlighting the region's natural beauty and rolling terrain. The trail system is carefully maintained and popular for both hiking and mountain biking.
3. Hawkes and Darling Loops
WOODLAND LOOPS FOR ALL
Hawkes Loop and Darling Loop are two hand-built, easy to moderate trails ideal for hikers seeking a leisurely walk through the woods. These forest trails offer about 4.9 miles of swooping paths, with opportunities to spot wild berries along the way. In winter, the area is also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, providing year-round enjoyment.
4. Mount Pisgah
CLIFFSIDE LAKE VIEWS
Mount Pisgah features moderately challenging trails that climb the side of a dramatic mountain overlooking Lake Willoughby. Hikers are rewarded with stunning cliffside viewpoints that provide some of the best lake vistas in Vermont. The area is renowned for its unique geology and rugged beauty located just a short drive from Burke.
5. Mount Hor
LAKE WILLOUGHBY OVERLOOK
Mount Hor offers moderate hiking trails with breathtaking views over Lake Willoughby and the surrounding glacial valley. The trails pass through hardwood forests and lead to several dramatic vantage points atop high cliffs. The combination of accessible length and spectacular scenery makes this a favorite among hikers in the region.
6. Darling State Park Trails
FOREST STATE PARK HIKES
The trails at Darling State Park traverse forested hillsides and open up to panoramic lookouts of the Northeast Kingdom. Routes vary from easy woodland strolls to steeper ascents, making the park suitable for different skill levels. Hikers can enjoy a peaceful natural setting, abundant wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers.
7. Wheeler Mountain Trail
BOULDER SCRAMBLES AND VIEWS
The Wheeler Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult hike known for its rocky terrain and rewarding summit vistas. Hikers encounter unique boulder fields and scramble sections before reaching the top, where views stretch out across the Northeast Kingdom. The trail is popular for its challenging features and scenic payoffs.
8. Bald Mountain Trail
REMOTE FIRE TOWER CLIMB
Bald Mountain Trail offers a challenging ascent through deep woods to a historic fire tower at the summit. The final climb to the tower rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of lakes and distant mountains. Its remote character and panoramic lookout make it a memorable and less-traveled destination.
9. CCC Road Trail
HISTORIC FOREST ROUTE
The CCC Road Trail is a gently graded path built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, winding through mature forests near Burke Mountain. This easy to moderate trail is ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike. Along the route, hikers can observe remnants of historic work sites and enjoy forest tranquility.
10. Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area
WILDLIFE AND WETLAND EXPLORATION
Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area features several easy to moderate hiking trails through one of northern Vermont's largest wetlands. Hikers may spot a variety of wildlife, including moose and songbirds, as they explore the area's unique bog and forest habitats. The landscape offers a peaceful and remote experience for nature enthusiasts.