Fair Haven VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Fair Haven, Vermont.
1. Allen Mountain
CHALLENGING WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Allen Mountain is an 18.0-mile out and back trail near Fair Haven offering a challenging hiking experience. The trail provides hikers with scenic views and diverse terrain throughout the journey. Hikers should prepare for a full-day excursion due to the trail's considerable length and difficulty.
2. Spring Run Trail
PEACEFUL WALKING PATH
Spring Run Trail is one of the best rated trails in Fair Haven, perfect for those looking for an easy walking experience. The trail features gentle terrain and is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and serene environment while exploring this well-maintained path.
3. Battell Woods Trail
SCENIC FOREST WALK
Battell Woods Trail offers hikers a peaceful journey through beautiful wooded areas near Fair Haven. The trail is well-marked and provides a moderate hiking experience with some gentle elevation changes. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant life and potential wildlife sightings along this scenic route.
4. D&H Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The D&H Rail Trail is a converted railway path featuring crushed stone surfaces and scenic rural views near Fair Haven. This multi-use trail offers an easy hiking experience with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. Visitors can enjoy pastoral landscapes, including farms and natural areas, while exploring this historic route.
5. Shaw Mountain Natural Area
DIVERSE ECOLOGICAL HAVEN
Shaw Mountain Natural Area rises over 500 feet from the surrounding landscape and features 11 distinct natural communities. Located near Benson, about 8 miles north of Fair Haven, this hiking destination offers trails through oak-hickory forests, calcareous outcrops, and areas with rare plant species. Hikers can experience the ecological diversity while enjoying the prominent views from this limestone uplift.
6. Cascade Mountain Trail
STUNNING SUMMIT VIEWS
Cascade Mountain Trail is one of the top-rated hiking trails within driving distance of Fair Haven, offering a moderately difficult climb to spectacular summit views. The trail features a well-maintained path with some rocky sections and steady elevation gain. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Adirondack peaks and valleys at the summit.
7. Algonquin Trail
CHALLENGING ALPINE ASCENT
Algonquin Trail leads hikers to the summit of Algonquin Peak, the second-highest mountain in New York State. This challenging trail features steep ascents, rocky terrain, and sections that extend above the treeline, requiring good physical conditioning and hiking experience. The panoramic views from the summit span across the Adirondack Mountain Range, making the strenuous climb worthwhile for experienced hikers.
8. Belvedere Mountain
SCENIC VERMONT LOOP
Belvedere Mountain offers a rewarding hiking experience with its loop combining the Forester's Trail, Long Trail, and Frank Post Trail. The hike features varied terrain through northern Vermont forests and provides excellent views from the summit. Hikers of moderate experience will enjoy this less-crowded alternative to some of Vermont's more popular peaks.
9. Jay Range
BREATHTAKING RIDGE WALK
Jay Range provides hikers with a spectacular ridge walking experience in northern Vermont. The trail offers moderate difficulty with some steep sections and rock scrambles along the way. Hikers are treated to expansive views of the surrounding mountains, including Jay Peak and views into Canada on clear days.
10. Mount Mansfield
VERMONT'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Mansfield stands as Vermont's highest peak and offers several trail options for hikers seeking a challenging adventure. The mountain's distinctive ridgeline resembles a human profile and provides stunning views of the Green Mountains and surrounding valleys. Hikers can experience alpine vegetation and unique geological features while traversing this iconic Vermont summit.