Guildhall VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Guildhall, Vermont.
1. Duren Mountain Wilderness Preserve
WILDLIFE-FILLED FOREST TRAILS
Duren Mountain Wilderness Preserve offers hikers a unique experience through a rewilding forest rich with wildlife and a variety of natural features. The trails range from easy to moderate, passing by northern white cedar swamps, a two-acre beaver pond, and diverse flora and fauna. Main highlights include tranquil woodland paths and excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife.
2. Maidstone State Park
LAKE AND FOREST TRAILS
Maidstone State Park features a network of hiking trails that wind through forests and along the scenic shores of Maidstone Lake. Hikes here are typically easy to moderate, making the park suitable for families and casual hikers. Visitors enjoy swimming beaches, lakeside views, and opportunities for spotting wildlife such as loons and moose.
3. Tuckerman Ravine Trail
ICONIC ALPINE ADVENTURE
The Tuckerman Ravine Trail is a challenging and highly popular route ascending the eastern slopes of Mount Washington. Hikers face steep, rocky terrain and variable weather, making this trail best suited for experienced adventurers. The main highlight is the dramatic glacial cirque at Tuckerman Ravine and sweeping alpine vistas.
4. Mt. Willard Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Mt. Willard Trail is a moderately difficult hike leading to a spectacular overlook of Crawford Notch and the surrounding White Mountains. The trail climbs steadily but is manageable for most hikers, making it a favorite family-friendly summit. The payoff is a dramatic, open ledge with one of New Hampshire's best vistas.
5. Bald Mountain Out-and-Back
SHORT SUMMIT TREK
Bald Mountain Out-and-Back is a brief but steep trail that brings hikers to a fire tower with sweeping views of Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom. The hike is short but can be moderately challenging due to elevation gain. Its main draw is the panoramic outlook from the restored fire tower at the summit.
6. Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail
RIDGE AND VISTA HIKES
The Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail System features about 16 miles of trails traversing small peaks and woodlands, with multiple routes to The Pinnacle's summit. Trails here range from moderate to strenuous, offering options for different ability levels. Hikers are rewarded with broad, west-facing views, forested ridges, and a rustic summit cabin.
7. Mt. Osceola Trail
WHITE MOUNTAIN HIGH POINT
Mt. Osceola Trail is a moderately strenuous climb ascending wooded slopes to the 4,340-foot summit of Mt. Osceola, one of the White Mountain 4,000-footers. The trail is well-marked and offers impressive views from open ledges near the summit. Key highlights include panoramic mountain vistas and a sense of accomplishment for those reaching the peak.
8. Baldface Circle Trail
CHALLENGING LOOP TRAVERSE
The Baldface Circle Trail is a strenuous loop that ascends South and North Baldface mountains, offering both challenging scrambles and spectacular alpine scenery. The route covers open ledges, ridgelines, and rugged, rocky terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. Main highlights include stunning 360-degree summit views and wildflower meadows in summer.
9. Mt. Major Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CLIMB
Mt. Major Trail provides a moderate hike to a rocky summit overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, making it a favorite for families and beginners. The well-maintained path climbs steadily through hardwood forest before reaching open ledges. The summit's main highlight is the sweeping lake and mountain panorama.
10. Saddleback Mountain via Berry Picker Trail
LONG SCENIC RIDGE WALK
Saddleback Mountain via Berry Picker Trail is a lengthy and strenuous hike leading to the summit of one of Maine's highest peaks. The trail winds through forests before opening up onto rocky alpine terrain, with multiple scenic outlooks along the way. Key highlights include expansive ridge views and the feeling of wilderness solitude.