Essex VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Essex, Vermont.
1. Indian Brook Park
RESERVOIR AND WOODLANDS
Indian Brook Park offers a variety of trails winding through 740 acres of forest, meadows, and a scenic 60-acre reservoir. The trails range from easy to moderate, making it accessible for families and seasoned hikers alike. Highlights include wildlife viewing, peaceful water vistas, and well-maintained paths through diverse habitats.
2. Colchester Pond Natural Area
SCENIC POND LOOP
Colchester Pond Natural Area features a picturesque loop trail around a serene pond, surrounded by forests and fields. The trail is rated as easy and offers gentle terrain, suitable for all skill levels. Visitors enjoy birdwatching, water views, and the tranquility of this 700-acre protected area.
3. Essex High School Loop
URBAN NATURE PATH
The Essex High School Loop is a pleasant, low-traffic walk that circles the school and nearby neighborhoods, totaling about 1.6 miles. This easy loop includes a few gentle hills and passes through green spaces close to town. Its accessibility and convenience make it popular for casual walkers and beginners.
4. Centennial Woods Natural Area
WOODLAND ESCAPE
Centennial Woods Natural Area offers several miles of interconnected trails weaving through forests, wetlands, and over boardwalks. The trail system ranges from easy to moderate, providing a peaceful retreat close to the city. The area is well-known for educational features and opportunities to spot wildlife throughout the year.
5. Sunny Hollow Natural Area
FOREST BIKING AND HIKING
Sunny Hollow Natural Area features a network of trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking through mature forests and rolling terrain. The trails vary from easy to intermediate, offering both flat stretches and moderate climbs. Highlights include tranquil woodland scenery and a variety of loop options for different trail lengths.
6. Winooski Valley Park District – Muddy Brook Park
WETLAND AND BROOK HIKES
Muddy Brook Park offers scenic trails through wetlands and along the banks of Muddy Brook, providing a peaceful setting for wildlife observation. The trails are generally easy, with boardwalks spanning marshy sections. This natural area is especially appealing for birdwatchers and those seeking a quiet ramble.
7. Niquette Bay State Park
LAKEFRONT TRAIL SYSTEM
Niquette Bay State Park features a network of moderate trails through forests and limestone bluffs overlooking Lake Champlain. The park's most popular hike leads to a beach and offers panoramic lake views. Its varied terrain provides options for both gentle walks and more challenging climbs.
8. Oakledge Park
URBAN LAKESIDE WALKS
Oakledge Park offers accessible paved and natural-surface trails along the Lake Champlain shoreline, ideal for easy strolls. Highlights include lake views, shaded woodlands, and access to picnic areas and beaches. The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for families and casual hikers.
9. Ethan Allen Park
HILLTOP URBAN TRAILS
Ethan Allen Park boasts a series of easy to moderate trails leading to observation towers, rock outcroppings, and forested knolls. The views of Burlington and Lake Champlain from the summit are a highlight. It is a favorite for short hikes, jogs, and family outings.
10. Red Rocks Park
CLIFFSIDE VIEWS
Red Rocks Park provides several easy-to-moderate trails through forests and along dramatic cliffs above Lake Champlain. The main highlights are the striking lake vistas, natural rock formations, and access to swimming areas. Its well-marked paths are popular for both short and extended hikes year-round.