Essex Junction VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Essex Junction, Vermont.
1. Colchester Pond Trail
SCENIC POND LOOP
Colchester Pond Trail offers a picturesque loop around a tranquil pond, making it a favorite for nature lovers seeking an easy hike. The trail is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for beginners and families with children. Visitors can expect beautiful water views, diverse bird life, and opportunities for wildlife observation along the way.
2. Indian Brook Park Loop
RESERVOIR AND FOREST WALK
Indian Brook Park Loop winds through a 740-acre community park featuring a 60-acre reservoir, forested paths, and open meadows. This easy trail is great for hikers of all skill levels and offers several scenic spots for picnicking or birdwatching. The trail's highlights include peaceful water views and abundant wildlife.
3. Centennial Woods Natural Area Loop
URBAN WOODLAND ESCAPE
Centennial Woods Natural Area Loop takes hikers through a lush woodland in the heart of Burlington, providing a natural retreat close to the city. The easy-to-moderate trail features boardwalks, stream crossings, and interpretive signs about the local ecosystem. Its shaded paths and varied terrain are ideal for a relaxing day hike.
4. South Burlington to Downtown Loop
URBAN-SUBURBAN CONNECTOR
South Burlington to Downtown Loop is a versatile route linking the suburb to downtown Burlington, combining urban pathways and green spaces. This intermediate hike spans over 11 kilometers, providing both paved and unpaved sections. The main highlights are frequent park segments, city views, and convenient access points.
5. Essex High School Loop
PLEASANT COMMUNITY CIRCUIT
The Essex High School Loop is a pleasant, 1.62-mile walk starting from the high school and winding through gentle hills and low-traffic neighborhoods. It is an easy route, suitable for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or walking dogs. The loop offers a peaceful atmosphere and views of local residential landscapes.
6. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use path converted from a former railroad, stretching for miles through Northern Vermont's scenic countryside. The trail ranges from easy to moderate difficulty, with flat grades suitable for walkers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of farmland, mountains, and small towns along the route.
7. Cross Vermont Trail
LONG-DISTANCE ADVENTURE
Cross Vermont Trail offers a long-distance journey suitable for both short hikes and extended treks, connecting communities from the Connecticut River to Lake Champlain. Its terrain varies from easy to intermediate, with forested corridors, river crossings, and open fields along the way. Key highlights are the diverse scenery and opportunities for multi-day exploration.
8. Red Rocks Park
LAKE CHAMPLAIN VIEWS
Red Rocks Park features several interconnected trails through a forested park overlooking Lake Champlain. The routes range from easy to moderate, offering dramatic lake vistas, rocky outcrops, and access to swimming areas. Visitors are drawn by the park's peaceful woods and scenic waterfront.
9. Mt. Philo State Park
SUMMIT VISTAS HIKE
Mt. Philo State Park offers a popular uphill hike to the summit of Mt. Philo, where panoramic views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains await. The trail is moderate in difficulty, ascending steadily through hardwood forests to a grassy summit area. Key highlights include picnic spots, birdwatching, and breathtaking vistas.
10. Brownell Mountain Trail
WOODLAND RIDGE WALK
Brownell Mountain Trail takes hikers along a tranquil route through woods, leading to ridge-top views of the Green Mountains. This moderately challenging trail features rolling terrain, occasional rocky patches, and peaceful forest scenery. The highlight is the rewarding vista from the top, ideal for a relaxing break or nature photography.