Halifax Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Halifax, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Nestled on the western slope of Mount Mansfield, Underhill State Park offers stunning hiking trails that lead to Vermont's tallest peak. The Sunset Ridge Trail, a favorite among visitors, provides a direct 3-mile route to the summit with breathtaking views along the way. The park is also home to rare alpine vegetation and historic CCC-built facilities that enhance its natural charm.
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
Located within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is accessible via a scenic trail spanning 4.6 miles round-trip from Manchester's trailhead parking lot. The hike features rocky terrain and forested paths leading to one of the state's most captivating waterfalls at 125 feet tall. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat for hikers seeking natural beauty and solitude alike.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail is one of the highlights of CC Putnam State Forest, offering hikers a challenging route with incredible summit views. Its steep inclines are balanced by moments of respite in tranquil forested areas along the way. This trail is perfect for those seeking both exercise and scenic rewards in Vermont's outdoors.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Known as Vermont's second-highest peak, Killington offers hikers a memorable journey through diverse terrains. From forested paths to rocky scrambles, every step builds anticipation for the summit's panoramic views. It's an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and scenic rewards.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | WILMINGTON VT
Known for its stunning vistas and diverse trails, Green Mountain National Forest is a top hiking destination in New England. Trails like Haystack Mountain offer moderate challenges with rewarding views of surrounding peaks and valleys. Whether hiking for solitude or adventure, visitors are sure to find inspiration here year-round.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park is conveniently located just south of Burlington, making it an easy day trip for city dwellers and visitors to the Champlain Valley. The park's trailhead is close to the parking lot, and the summit can be reached in under an hour, with options to hike or drive. Mt. Philo State Park is a beloved local escape for hiking, relaxation, and enjoying Vermont's scenic landscapes.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Nestled in the Mad River Valley, Warren Falls features cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools ideal for swimming and photography. The easy access trail makes it a favorite for families and adventurers alike. Its scenic beauty shines year-round, from lush summers to vibrant autumns.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park invites hikers to explore its picturesque trails that highlight Vermont's natural beauty, including the famous 165-foot-deep gorge. The main trail leads visitors through dense woodlands to serene spots along the riverbank. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this park combines adventure with peaceful scenery.
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
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a short, universally accessible boardwalk hike leading to one of Vermonts tallest waterfalls. The trail meanders through the Ottauquechee River floodplain before reaching a viewing platform overlooking the 140-foot cascade. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is ideal for families, wheelchair users, and anyone seeking a scenic, easy outing.
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 offers visitors a scenic hiking experience along the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, winding through lush northern hardwood forests and offering glimpses of the sparkling green waters. The trail provides a moderate trek with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the Taconic and Green Mountains. Emerald Lake State Park is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful walk surrounded by Vermont's natural beauty.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is a favorite for hikers seeking a steady, scenic climb to the summit. The route passes through meadows and forests, with highlights including a waterfall and dramatic rock formations. Mt Ascutney State Park delivers breathtaking summit views and a memorable outdoor adventure.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is known for its proximity to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a favorite among hikers for its challenging ascent and rewarding outlooks. Branbury State Park's trailhead leads adventurers up steep, rocky paths to vistas overlooking Lake Dunmore and the Champlain Valley. Branbury State Park is perfect for those seeking a memorable day hike in the Green Mountains.
16. Niquette Bay State Park
ALLEN TRAIL | COLCHESTER VT
Niquette Bay State Park's Allen Trail offers a short, accessible route to the shores of Lake Champlain, passing through forested ridges and sandy terraces. The trail provides impressive vistas of Malletts Bay, the Green Mountains, and the Lake Champlain Islands. Hikers can enjoy a peaceful day hike with opportunities for nature observation and lakeside relaxation.
17. Hamilton Falls
HAMILTON FALLS TRAIL | JAMAICA VT
Hamilton Falls is accessed via the Hamilton Falls Trail, a scenic route beginning in Jamaica State Park and following the West River and Switch Road Trails. The hike is approximately three miles one way, culminating at the dramatic 125-foot cascade of Hamilton Falls. Hikers should exercise caution near the falls due to steep, slippery rocks and strong currents, but the journey offers a memorable adventure through lush woodland.
18. The Mile-Around Woods
MILE-AROUND WOODS LOOP | NORTH BENNINGTON VT
The Mile-Around Woods invites hikers to explore a historic circular carriage road and woodland loop, set within a 200-year-old family preserve. Trails wind through old timber stands and open fields, connecting to the scenic Paran Creek valley. The area is open for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and enjoying the rural landscape of North Bennington.
19. Sucker Brook Hollow Trail
SUCKER BROOK HOLLOW TRAIL | WILLISTON VT
Sucker Brook Hollow Trail in Williston leads hikers across footbridges and through a forested landscape rich with beech, white pine, and maple trees. The trail follows Sucker Brook and climbs gently to a scenic overlook on Five Tree Hill, offering glimpses into the area's natural and historical past. This moderate hike is just over a mile to the viewpoint and connects with other local trails for extended exploration.
20. Grout Pond Recreation Area
GROUT POND LOOP TRAIL | STRATTON VT
Grout Pond Recreation Area features the Grout Pond Loop Trail, a relatively flat and easy-to-moderate path that circles the scenic 80-acre pond through low-lying woodlands. The trail system offers over 10 miles of interconnected routes, with blue diamond blazes guiding hikers through wetlands, forests, and lakeshore vistas. This area is popular for year-round hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, though trails can be wet and muddy at times.