Fayston Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fayston, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
As part of Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park features hiking trails that lead to Vermont's highest peak through lush forests and rocky ridges. The Sunset Ridge Trail is a highlight for its open vistas and accessibility from the park's campground area. Its unique tundra ecosystem adds an ecological treasure to the hiking experience.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park invites visitors to explore its diverse trails, including the Monroe Trail and Forest City Loop, which offer unique perspectives of Vermont's wilderness. The summit hike rewards adventurers with panoramic views stretching across multiple states. Accessible paths ensure everyone can enjoy this natural gem regardless of skill level.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Lye Brook Falls captivates hikers with its 125-foot cascade and peaceful surroundings in Manchester, Vermont. The trail spans 4.6 miles round-trip and includes rocky sections and shaded forest paths that provide a refreshing escape from summer heat. Visitors are rewarded with picturesque views of the falls and opportunities for photography or quiet reflection.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Hiking the Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an immersive experience in Vermont's rugged landscapes. The trail combines challenging inclines with serene forest sections, culminating in sweeping views from the summit. Its connection to other trails makes it a versatile choice for both short hikes and longer treks.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Rising to 4,229 feet, Killington Peak offers a variety of hiking experiences for all skill levels. The summit can be reached via trails that traverse lush forests and rocky outcrops. Once at the top, visitors enjoy expansive views of Vermont's stunning landscapes.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | LINCOLN VT
With trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs, Green Mountain National Forest is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont. Highlights include Mount Mansfield's Sunset Ridge Trail and the historic Long Trail that spans the state. The forest's diverse ecosystems offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park is known for its short but moderately challenging hike to a summit with expansive views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick adventure. The climb, with about 562 feet of elevation gain, is manageable for most, including children and beginners. Mt. Philo State Park is a go-to spot for quick hikes with big rewards, offering both natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Warren Falls offers a serene escape with its cascading waterfalls and inviting swimming holes nestled in lush greenery. The short trail to the falls is family-friendly, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. Whether swimming or photographing the scenery, this spot is a quintessential Vermont experience.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park offers hikers the chance to explore Vermont's deepest gorge, carved by glacial activity over 13,000 years ago. The Quechee Gorge Trail provides scenic views of the Ottauquechee River and connects visitors to Deweys Pond for a tranquil experience. With moderate difficulty, this trail is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking picturesque landscapes.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Offering stunning views of The Pogue, this loop trail combines gentle carriage roads with vibrant forest scenery. Seasonal highlights include water lilies in summer and colorful foliage in fall. Its accessibility makes it a favorite among hikers of all ages.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail begins with a 900-foot boardwalk crossing wildflower-filled floodplains before ascending to a platform with waterfall views. The trail is easy, flat, and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it accessible to all. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a tranquil spot to enjoy Vermonts natural beauty and the sound of rushing water.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park invites visitors to explore its well-maintained trails, which wind through woods and emerge at dramatic overlooks above Lake Champlain. The park's varied terrain at Red Rocks Park includes gentle slopes and steeper sections, suitable for all skill levels. Red Rocks Park is also a popular spot for photography and picnicking.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park is home to the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a scenic route that highlights the park's diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can expect to see everything from towering hardwoods to delicate wildflowers, with the lake always nearby. Emerald Lake State Park is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and enjoy Vermont's seasonal beauty.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is a direct and invigorating hike, ascending 2.7 miles to the summit's panoramic observation tower. The trail features natural attractions like Gerry Falls and Castle Rock, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must for hikers in the Windsor area.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park offers visitors a scenic gateway to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, where hikers can ascend through lush forests and rocky outcrops. Branbury State Park rewards those who reach the summit with sweeping views of Lake Dunmore and the Green Mountains. Branbury State Park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging hike and breathtaking vistas.
16. Bingham Falls
BINGHAM FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Bingham Falls provides access to the Bingham Falls Trail, a short but steep hike descending to the base of a picturesque waterfall. The trail features rock staircases and requires caution due to slippery conditions, especially near the falls. Visitors are treated to the sights and sounds of cascading water in a lush, forested setting.
17. Groton State Forest
OWLS HEAD TRAIL | GROTON VT
Groton State Forest is home to the Owls Head Trail, a moderate hike leading to a scenic summit overlooking Lake Groton, Kettle Pond, and the Green Mountains. The trail meanders through rolling terrain and features a short staircase climb built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views and a peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
18. Cady Hill Forest
CADY HILL TRAILS | STOWE VT
Cady Hill Forest is home to the Cady Hill Trails, an 11-mile network winding through 258 acres of conserved land. The trails offer a mix of single and double track paths, catering to hikers of all abilities and providing access to hardwood forests, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy year-round hiking with easy access from Stowe's town center.
19. Hogback Mountain Conservation Area
HOGBACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL | MARLBORO VT
Hogback Mountain Conservation Area offers hikers a scenic trail network that follows the ridgeline to the true summit of Hogback Mountain. The Hogback Mountain Trail takes visitors through diverse forest types, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy seasonal views, especially in winter when the foliage opens up panoramic vistas. Trail users can expect a mix of loop options and a peaceful, natural setting managed by local volunteers.
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.