Colchester VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Colchester, Vermont.
1. Colchester Causeway
LAKESIDE GRAVEL PATHWAY
Colchester Causeway is a nationally recognized trail that stretches across Lake Champlain, offering stunning panoramic water views. This mostly flat gravel trail is suitable for all skill levels and is popular among walkers, runners, and cyclists. Highlights include its unique setting over the lake and the opportunity to spot local wildlife along the way.
2. Niquette Bay State Park
WOODLAND AND LAKE TRAILS
Niquette Bay State Park features a network of scenic trails winding through forests and leading to beautiful Lake Champlain vistas. The park offers various trail loops that cater to different skill levels, with some moderate climbs and several easy options. Visitors can enjoy forested paths, lakeshore beaches, and peaceful picnic areas.
3. Colchester Pond Loop Trail
POND AND HILLSIDE LOOP
Colchester Pond Loop Trail encircles a serene pond, providing a mix of wooded and open field hiking with occasional steep sections. This moderate 3.1-mile loop is popular for birdwatching, enjoying water views, and experiencing diverse natural landscapes. The trail's variation in terrain appeals to hikers seeking a bit more challenge and wilderness.
4. Village Park
FOREST LOOP TRAIL
Village Park offers a quiet, one-mile forest loop ideal for leisurely walks and nature appreciation. The wide gravel trail is easy and accessible, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a tranquil outing among the trees. Its location near the town center provides convenient access for local residents.
5. Sunny Hollow Natural Area
WOODED MULTI-USE TRAILS
Sunny Hollow Natural Area features 80 acres of varied terrain with a three-mile trail network used for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The trails wind through diverse woodlands, providing a moderately challenging experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy peaceful scenery and potential wildlife sightings throughout the area.
6. Delta Park Boardwalk
MARSHLAND BIRDING PATH
Delta Park Boardwalk is an elevated, half-mile footpath traversing extensive marshlands near the mouth of the Winooski River. This easy trail is renowned for birdwatching and connects to the larger Burlington Bike Path network. Its unique wetland ecosystem and proximity to the river make it a scenic spot for short hikes and nature observation.
7. Bayside Park Bike Path
PARKSIDE PAVED CONNECTOR
Bayside Park Bike Path is a paved trail stretching 3.3 miles, connecting Bayside Park to Hollow Creek and adjacent neighborhoods. Suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, this easy path offers views of the park, access to recreational facilities, and a pleasant suburban atmosphere. It provides a convenient and accessible route for both exercise and commuting.
8. Airport Park Trails
MULTI-USE RECREATION PATHS
Airport Park boasts several easy trails weaving through grassy fields and wooded edges, ideal for walking, running, and enjoying sports facilities. The paths connect with the Colchester Causeway, allowing for extended outings along Lake Champlain. The park's well-maintained grounds and versatile amenities attract visitors of all ages.
9. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail extends across scenic countryside, offering a mostly flat, multi-use path perfect for long walks, biking, and cross-country skiing. The trail traverses forests, rivers, and farmlands, providing an easy to moderate challenge depending on distance. Its beautiful rural vistas and well-kept surface make it popular for all seasons.
10. Cross Vermont Trail
DIVERSE STATEWIDE TRAIL
Cross Vermont Trail is an ambitious statewide trail project passing through forests, wetlands, and quiet rural landscapes across multiple towns near Colchester. The trail varies from flat and easy to moderate, with sections suitable for hikers, bikers, and winter recreation. It features riverside stretches, peaceful woodlands, and opportunities for multi-day adventures.