Derby VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Derby, Vermont.
1. The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail is a challenging 11.3-mile out and back trail in the White Mountain National Forest. Hikers can experience diverse terrain and substantial elevation gain while navigating through beautiful forest scenery. The trail rewards adventurers with spectacular panoramic views from The Horn summit, making the strenuous journey worthwhile.
2. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC CONVERTED RAILWAY PATH
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail offers a well-maintained path on converted railway tracks with hard-packed gravel and sand surfaces. The trail provides hikers with beautiful scenery and relatively flat terrain suitable for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy amenities at both trail ends, making it perfect for day trips with convenient access to food and services.
3. Presidential Rail Trail
HISTORICAL RAILWAY HIKE
Presidential Rail Trail is a converted railway path that offers hikers a glimpse into Vermont's transportation history. The trail features an easy grade and well-maintained surface, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. Scenic views and natural surroundings make this trail a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
4. Mount Pinacle
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Pinacle offers hikers a moderately challenging ascent with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. The trail winds through mixed forest before opening to panoramic vistas at the summit. Hikers particularly enjoy the diverse plant life and bird watching opportunities along the way.
5. Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Yellow Trail
GORGE EXPLORATION PATH
The Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Yellow Trail takes hikers through a stunning gorge landscape with dramatic rock formations. This moderately difficult trail features wooden walkways and natural paths that showcase the impressive natural features of the area. Hikers can enjoy the sounds of rushing water and abundant wildlife throughout their journey.
6. Mount Pisgah Trail
LAKE VIEW SUMMIT
The Mount Pisgah Trail leads hikers to impressive views overlooking Lake Willoughby and the surrounding Green Mountains. This moderate to difficult trail involves some steep sections but rewards hikers with one of the most spectacular vistas in the Northeast Kingdom. The diverse forest ecosystem provides changing scenery throughout the seasons, making it a year-round destination.
7. Memphremagog Trails
LAKESIDE WALKING NETWORK
Memphremagog Trails offer a network of walking paths with stunning views of Lake Memphremagog. The trails vary in difficulty from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging hillside routes. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery in all seasons, with options for mountain biking and Nordic skiing in winter.
8. Cross Vermont Trail
TRANS-STATE NATURE PATH
The Cross Vermont Trail is part of a larger trail system that traverses the entire state from west to east. Hikers near Derby Line can access sections of this trail that feature diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and riverside views. The trail is generally moderate in difficulty with well-marked paths suitable for day hikes.
9. Kingdom Trails
PREMIER MULTI-USE NETWORK
Kingdom Trails offers an extensive network of paths through the beautiful Northeast Kingdom landscape near Derby. While famous for mountain biking, many trails are perfect for hiking with varying difficulty levels from beginner to advanced. The well-maintained system provides access to stunning viewpoints, forest scenes, and meadow landscapes throughout the year.
10. Willoughby State Forest Trails
PRISTINE WILDERNESS PATHS
Willoughby State Forest Trails offer hikers access to some of Vermont's most pristine natural environments near Derby. The network includes paths ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents with dramatic cliffs. Hikers can experience old-growth forests, abundant wildlife, and spectacular views of the glacial Lake Willoughby nestled between mountains.