Fairlee VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Fairlee, Vermont.
1. Palisades Trail
CLIFFS WITH RIVER VIEWS
The Palisades Trail in Fairlee offers a short but moderately challenging hike, spanning 1.1 miles with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views from the summit cliffs overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. The trail is best enjoyed outside the spring raptor nesting closure, and features rocky terrain and scenic vistas.
2. Glen Falls
HISTORIC WATERFALL WALK
Glen Falls is a short and easy trail leading hikers upstream along Glen Falls Brook to an 80-foot cascade and waterfall. This historic route has been a local favorite for over a century and is accessible from Lake Morey Road. The journey is family-friendly and offers both a scenic forest walk and the tranquil sounds of flowing water.
3. Cross-Rivendell Trail
LONG-DISTANCE RIDGE HIKING
The Cross-Rivendell Trail is a 36-mile blue-blazed route that traverses Bald Top Mountain, stretching from Mount Cube in New Hampshire to Flagpole Hill in Vershire, Vermont. Portions of the trail near Fairlee provide moderate to strenuous hiking with rewarding views of the White Mountains and Connecticut River Valley. The trail is ideal for those seeking extended hikes with diverse scenery and elevation.
4. Echo Mountain Trail
LAKE MOREY OVERLOOKS
The Echo Mountain Trail is a 1.4-mile moderately challenging hike starting from Fairlee and climbing through mixed forest. Hikers can follow blue blazes to reach the Eagle Cliffs overlook, which grants sweeping views of Lake Morey. The trail is known for its rewarding vistas and is well-loved for short, scenic outings.
5. Bald Top Mountain
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Bald Top Mountain is accessible via the Cross-Rivendell Trail and offers a moderately challenging ascent through forest to open summit ledges. The summit provides panoramic sights of the Vermont hills and New Hampshire's White Mountains. This scenic hike is popular for its breathtaking viewpoints and well-maintained routes.
6. Sawyer Mountain Trail
CONNECTICUT RIVER LOOKOUT
Sawyer Mountain Trail features a moderate hike leading to an overlook with expansive upstream views of the Connecticut River. The trail meanders through forested terrain and offers a peaceful setting along with rewarding scenery from the summit. It is also partially located on private land open to the public for hiking.
7. Fairlee Forest Trails
EXTENSIVE FOREST LOOPS
The Fairlee Forest Trails encompass about 25 miles of interlinked forest roads and hiking paths suitable for a range of abilities. Hikers can explore rolling terrain, woodland streams, and diverse habitats within this conserved area. The network connects with trails in neighboring communities, providing versatile options for both short and long hikes.
8. Morey Mountain Conservation Area
CONSERVATION AREA TREKS
Morey Mountain Conservation Area offers several hiking loops with moderate elevation gains and forested landscapes. The area is prized for nature walks, birdwatching, and tranquil woodland scenery. Trails are well-marked and suitable for families and casual hikers looking for a peaceful outing.
9. Brushwood Community Forest
WOODLAND AND WILDLIFE WALKS
Brushwood Community Forest in neighboring West Fairlee features miles of interconnected forest trails offering gentle to moderate hikes. Visitors enjoy a mix of hardwood forest, wildlife observation, and quiet backcountry paths. The diverse trail system is suitable for all skill levels and connects with the Fairlee Forest trail network.
10. Ely Mountain Conservation Area
REMOTE RIDGE ADVENTURES
Ely Mountain Conservation Area provides rugged and less-traveled hiking trails with opportunities for solitude and exploration. Hikers will find moderate to strenuous routes traversing ridges, forests, and occasional open ledges. The conservation area appeals to those looking for more adventurous and remote hikes near Fairlee.