Goshen Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Goshen, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located within Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park offers access to some of Vermont's most iconic hiking routes. The park's trails, including the challenging Maple Ridge Trail, reward adventurers with sweeping summit views and diverse terrain. Its alpine ecosystem and historic CCC structures create a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Offering trails like the Burrows Trail and Monroe Trail, Camel's Hump State Park provides hikers with a chance to experience Vermont's natural beauty up close. The summit rewards visitors with sweeping views of neighboring peaks and alpine vegetation. The park's diverse trails ensure a memorable adventure for both novice and experienced hikers alike.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A visit to Lye Brook Falls offers hikers an immersive experience in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest along a moderate 4.6-mile trail. The route features rocky sections and shaded woodlands that lead to the awe-inspiring waterfall towering at 125 feet high. This hike provides an ideal mix of adventure and serenity for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Within CC Putnam State Forest lies the beloved Stowe Pinnacle Trail, known for its steep climb and expansive views at the top. Hikers are treated to glimpses of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump as they ascend through diverse terrain types. This trail remains a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Vermont's Green Mountains.
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 | STRATTON VT
Stretching across Vermont's rugged landscapes, Green Mountain National Forest features trails like Stratton Pond and Bald Mountain that showcase its ecological richness. Visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters alongside scenic hiking routes that range from easy loops to challenging summits. The forest remains a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park is a prime spot for observing migrating raptors and other bird species during a hike, thanks to its open summit and diverse habitats. The trails meander through forests and meadows, offering chances to spot wildlife, wildflowers, and panoramic views. Mt. Philo State Park is especially popular in autumn for its birding opportunities, colorful foliage, and peaceful summit vistas.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known as one of Vermont's premier swimming holes, Warren Falls combines breathtaking waterfalls with tranquil pools set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rugged rocks. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming or exploring nearby trails while taking in the serene environment. It remains a timeless favorite among locals and travelers alike.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Hiking at Quechee State Park provides visitors with stunning vistas of Vermont's deepest gorge while exploring well-marked trails through forested terrain and riverside areas near Deweys Pond. The moderate difficulty makes it suitable for families looking for an enjoyable outdoor adventure together in nature's embrace. This park offers an idyllic escape from everyday life into a world of tranquility and beauty.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
This scenic loop trail takes visitors around The Pogue, a 14-acre pond surrounded by Mount Tom's hardwood forests. Gentle pathways lead through vibrant ecosystems, offering moments of reflection and relaxation in nature's embrace. It is a must-visit for those seeking serenity in Vermont's countryside.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail leads hikers through lush floodplain and forest to the base of a thundering, 125-foot waterfall. The trail is an out-and-back route, about one mile round trip, and is suitable for children and beginners. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is especially beautiful in spring or after heavy rain, when the falls are at their most powerful.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is celebrated for its scenic walking paths that provide both wooded seclusion and open vistas of Lake Champlain. The trails at Red Rocks Park are easy to follow and suitable for a quick stroll or a longer hike. Red Rocks Park also features a small beach and picnic facilities for visitors.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is perfect for those seeking a leisurely hike with rewarding views of both water and mountains. The trail's gentle grades and well-maintained paths make it accessible for all ages and abilities. Emerald Lake State Park is a beloved destination for both locals and travelers exploring the Green Mountain State.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park is renowned for the Windsor Trail, which offers a direct 2.7-mile route to the mountain's 3,144-foot summit. The trail features notable landmarks such as Gerry Falls and Castle Rock before culminating at an observation tower. Mt Ascutney State Park is ideal for hikers eager to experience Vermont's rugged beauty.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park features the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route that takes hikers past waterfalls and up to rocky ledges. Branbury State Park's trail offers glimpses of Lake Dunmore and the distant Adirondacks from its highest points. Branbury State Park is a destination where adventure and natural beauty meet.
16. Gifford Woods State Park
KENT POND LOOP TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Gifford Woods State Park is home to the Kent Pond Loop Trail, a gentle circuit that meanders through old-growth hardwood forest and along the edge of Kent Pond. The trail is known for its rich understory of wildflowers and opportunities to spot native wildlife. Hikers enjoy a tranquil walk beneath towering maples and beech trees, especially vibrant during autumn.
17. Lowell Lake State Park
LOWELL LAKE LOOP TRAIL | LONDONDERRY VT
Lowell Lake State Park features the Lowell Lake Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile path that encircles the tranquil Lowell Lake. The trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of towering white pines, and scenic wetland vistas. With mostly flat terrain and moderate difficulty, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience immersed in nature.
18. Sterling Pond Trail
STERLING POND TRAIL | CAMBRIDGE VT
Sterling Pond Trail leads hikers on a moderately challenging ascent through Smugglers Notch to Vermont's highest alpine pond. The 3.3-mile loop features steep, rocky sections, lush spruce-fir forests, and panoramic views of Madonna Peak and Mount Mansfield. At the summit, Sterling Pond offers a tranquil spot for rest, reflection, or a refreshing swim.
19. Prospect Rock
PROSPECT ROCK TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Prospect Rock Trail in Manchester climbs steadily along Rootville Road and the Downer Glen Ravine, leading hikers to a dramatic overlook known as Prospect Rock. The trail is moderately challenging, with a spur that rewards visitors with sweeping views of Manchester Valley and Mount Equinox. The hike is well-loved for its scenic payoff, making the effort to reach the summit worthwhile.
20. Snake Mountain
SNAKE MOUNTAIN TRAIL | ADDISON VT
Snake Mountain offers a rewarding hike along the historic Snake Mountain Trail, which follows an old carriage road through hardwood forests to a summit with sweeping 180-degree views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks. The 4.1-mile round-trip trail is moderately challenging, with a steady but manageable ascent and a wide, easy-to-follow path that was once used to transport guests to a summit hotel. Hikers are treated to scenic vistas, a peaceful woodland atmosphere, and the chance to explore remnants of the mountain's storied past.