Cabot Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cabot, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Tucked into Vermont's Green Mountains, Underhill State Park provides unparalleled access to Mount Mansfield's rugged beauty through its network of hiking trails like Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge Trails. The park features rare tundra vegetation at higher elevations and connects with Vermont's Long Trail for extended adventures across the ridge line. Its peaceful campsites make it an ideal base for exploring this iconic peak.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Camel's Hump State Park offers hikers scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. The summit provides unparalleled views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can also explore quieter paths featuring enchanting birch forests and serene brooks.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Located in the Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls, accessible via a moderately challenging trail. The hike features rocky paths, lush greenery, and occasional stream crossings that lead to the spectacular tiered cascade. This family-friendly trail offers an unforgettable nature escape for hikers of all skill levels.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
CC Putnam State Forest's Stowe Pinnacle Trail provides a moderately difficult hike with rewarding vistas of the Green Mountains. The trail's highlights include a mix of steep climbs, forest clearings, and a stunning bald summit. It serves as an excellent destination for hikers of all skill levels looking to experience Vermont's wilderness.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Rising to 4,229 feet, Killington Peak offers a variety of hiking experiences for all skill levels. The summit can be reached via trails that traverse lush forests and rocky outcrops. Once at the top, visitors enjoy expansive views of Vermont's stunning landscapes.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | WARREN VT
Spanning southwestern and central Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest boasts over 400,000 acres of trails, ponds, and peaks to explore. Iconic hikes like Mount Abraham provide rewarding summit views while easier paths like Blueberry Lake Loop cater to families and beginners. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing make it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park is a prime spot for observing migrating raptors and other bird species during a hike, thanks to its open summit and diverse habitats. The trails meander through forests and meadows, offering chances to spot wildlife, wildflowers, and panoramic views. Mt. Philo State Park is especially popular in autumn for its birding opportunities, colorful foliage, and peaceful summit vistas.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Warren Falls offers a serene escape with its cascading waterfalls and inviting swimming holes nestled in lush greenery. The short trail to the falls is family-friendly, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. Whether swimming or photographing the scenery, this spot is a quintessential Vermont experience.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands and offer stunning vistas of the Ottauquechee River below. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels. A visit here promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable outdoor experience.
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
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail in Killington, Vermont, features a gentle, mostly boardwalk path perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trail leads to a dramatic waterfall, especially impressive after rainfall, and offers a peaceful nature experience. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a must-see for visitors looking for a quick, rewarding adventure.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park's hiking trails wind through a mix of pine and hemlock, leading to rocky outcrops with spectacular water views. Red Rocks Park is a favorite among locals for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities to spot wildlife. Red Rocks Park is easily accessible from South Burlington and offers a refreshing break from city life.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park features the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a family-friendly path that circles the tranquil, emerald-hued lake. Hikers can enjoy easy access to the water, shaded woodland stretches, and occasional open meadows teeming with wildflowers and birds. Emerald Lake State Park is ideal for a relaxing day hike with plenty of opportunities for photography and nature observation.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park invites adventurers to tackle the Windsor Trail, the most direct and steepest path to the summit. The trail begins in a meadow, quickly entering dense woods and offering a consistent climb with scenic stops like Gerry Falls. Mt Ascutney State Park rewards hikers with sweeping summit vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is the starting point for the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, known for its steep climb and breathtaking overlooks. Branbury State Park's trail is a great way to experience the region's forests, cliffs, and lakes in one hike. Branbury State Park is a top pick for visitors who love challenging trails and scenic rewards.
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. 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. Shelburne Bay Park
SHELBURNE BAY PARK TRAILS | SHELBURNE VT
Shelburne Bay Park features a network of trails that wind through 93 acres of lakefront, meadows, and forested ledges along the shores of Lake Champlain. The Shelburne Bay Park Trails are ideal for walking or hiking, with a 1.4-mile recreation path that connects to the Ti-Haul Trail and offers access to beautiful water views. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful hike while observing local wildlife and the park's diverse natural habitats.
20. Crosstown Trails, West Dover
CROSSTOWN TRAILS | WEST DOVER VT
The Crosstown Trails in West Dover offer an easy, well-marked hiking experience through the Green Mountain National Forest, with gentle rises and falls over approximately six miles. The route passes through woodlands, marshes, and open areas, connecting with other local trails and providing a relaxing walk suitable for all ages. This network is a local favorite for daily strolls, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of southern Vermont.