Essex Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Essex, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
With its proximity to Mount Mansfield's summit ridge, Underhill State Park is a prime destination for hikers seeking adventure in Vermont's Green Mountains. Trails like Sunset Ridge offer stunning views and connect with Vermont's Long Trail for extended exploration. The park also provides camping facilities ideal for multi-day trips in nature.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
From rugged alpine terrain to gentle forested paths, Camel's Hump State Park showcases Vermont's outdoor splendor at its finest. The Burrows Trail is ideal for those seeking a straightforward route to the summit, while other trails offer secluded experiences with historical landmarks along the way. Every trail promises breathtaking scenery and tranquility in nature.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Lye Brook Falls is a stunning 125-foot waterfall nestled within the Lye Brook Wilderness in Manchester, Vermont. The moderate 4.6-mile round-trip trail weaves through serene forests, rocky terrain, and gentle streams, offering hikers a peaceful woodland experience. At the falls, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a tranquil spot for relaxation before retracing their steps back to the trailhead.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Nestled within CC Putnam State Forest, the Stowe Pinnacle Trail is a steep but manageable hike offering panoramic views of Vermont's iconic peaks. The trail features a mix of forested paths and open rock summits, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Its proximity to additional trail systems enhances its appeal for day hikers and backpackers alike.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers one of Vermont's most iconic hikes, combining natural beauty with physical challenge. Trails like Bucklin Trail guide adventurers through dense forests before reaching a steep final ascent to the summit's open views. This hike is perfect for those seeking both solitude and spectacular scenery.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | ROCHESTER VT
Nestled in Vermont's scenic mountains, Green Mountain National Forest features trails such as Blueberry Lake Loop and Mount Abraham that cater to all skill levels. Its varied landscapes include alpine summits, tranquil lakesides, and dense hardwood forests teeming with wildlife. Hikers can explore this natural haven throughout the year for memorable experiences in nature's beauty.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park's trails pass through habitats rich with deer, moose, and seasonal wildflowers, offering a chance to experience Vermont's natural diversity. Hikers may encounter painted trillium, starflowers, and a variety of birds along the way, especially in spring and fall. Mt. Philo State Park is a nature lover's retreat just minutes from Burlington, with opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Warren Falls offers a short, flat trail leading to a stunning series of waterfalls and deep swimming pools surrounded by natural rock formations. This popular spot is perfect for cliff jumping, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. Visitors should arrive early during summer months to avoid crowds and secure parking.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
At Quechee State Park, hikers can traverse trails leading to Vermont's iconic gorge, formed by ancient glacial movements. The paths are well-marked and provide opportunities to enjoy wildlife, river views, and fall foliage. Whether hiking solo or with family, this park delivers an unforgettable journey into nature's splendor.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail provides hikers with an immersive experience in Vermont's conservation-focused landscape. From towering trees to serene water views, the trail highlights the park's harmonious blend of history and nature. Its gentle terrain ensures a rewarding hike for visitors of all abilities.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail welcomes leashed dogs and their owners on a short, scenic hike to a roaring waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and includes a boardwalk section, making it suitable for all skill levels. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a great spot for a family outing or a peaceful walk with your pet.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is a hidden gem offering a collection of interconnected trails perfect for hiking to the lake's edge. Red Rocks Park's paths are mostly shaded, making them comfortable for summer walks and peaceful in winter snow. Red Rocks Park is a great choice for families, solo hikers, and anyone seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is a favorite among locals for its peaceful ambiance and diverse habitats. The trail winds past wetlands, through mature hemlock groves, and along the lake's edge, offering a variety of natural sights. Emerald Lake State Park is an excellent choice for birdwatchers and those seeking a quiet retreat in southern Vermont.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail offers a 2.7-mile ascent through lush woods, with stops at Gerry Falls and Castle Rock en route to the summit. The observation tower at the top provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside. Mt Ascutney State Park is a premier spot for hikers seeking both challenge and scenery.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore and provides access to the renowned Rattlesnake Cliff Trail. Branbury State Park's trail winds past waterfalls and through dense woods before reaching rocky ledges with stunning views. Branbury State Park is a must-visit for those eager to experience Vermont's natural beauty on foot.
16. Hubbard Park
HUBBARD PARK TRAILS | MONTPELIER VT
Hubbard Park offers a network of trails winding through woods, meadows, and rocky outcrops in the heart of Montpelier. Hikers can explore varied terrain and climb the 54-foot Hubbard Tower for elevated views of the surrounding landscape. The park's trails provide a peaceful escape with both natural and historic features to discover.
17. White Rocks National Recreation Area
ICE BEDS TRAIL | WALLINGFORD VT
White Rocks National Recreation Area features the Ice Beds Trail, a short but striking hike leading to the base of massive talus piles beneath the White Rocks Cliffs. The trail is known for its cool air and streams of icy water that persist into summer, thanks to the deep rock crevices. Hikers are treated to unique geological features and scenic vistas, making this trail a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
18. CC Putnam State Forest
WORCESTER RANGE TRAILS | WORCESTER VT
CC Putnam State Forest encompasses the Worcester Range Trails, a rugged network traversing peaks like Mount Hunger and Stowe Pinnacle. Hikers experience remote wilderness, diverse forests, and sweeping summit views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. The Skyline Trail links several summits, offering a challenging and rewarding ridge walk.
19. Mount Haystack
MOUNT HAYSTACK TRAIL | WILMINGTON VT
Mount Haystack Trail in Wilmington is a moderately challenging hike that ascends about 1000 feet to the 3445-foot summit of Haystack Mountain. The trail winds through high-elevation forests and offers sweeping 180-degree views over the Deerfield Valley, with sights of Mount Snow, Haystack Pond, and even Mount Monadnock on clear days. Hikers will experience a mix of gradual and steep sections, culminating in rewarding vistas at the summit.
20. Mount Pisgah
SOUTH TRAIL | WESTMORE VT
Mount Pisgah's South Trail is a moderately challenging route that climbs steadily from the southern end of Lake Willoughby, passing several dramatic viewpoints including Pulpit Rock. The trail winds through forested slopes and skirts the edge of high cliffs, offering breathtaking overlooks of the lake and distant mountains. At the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping views and connect to the North Trail for further exploration.