Hardwick Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hardwick, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
A haven for hikers and campers alike, Underhill State Park sits at the base of Mount Mansfield's western slope in Vermont's largest state forest. Trails such as Sunset Ridge provide direct access to the mountain's summit ridge with breathtaking scenery along the way. Visitors can also enjoy rustic camping facilities surrounded by serene wilderness settings.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Known for its distinctive double-humped profile, Camel's Hump is one of Vermont's most popular hiking destinations. Trails like the Burrows Trail and Monroe Trail lead adventurers to the summit, offering breathtaking vistas and serene natural surroundings. The park also features accessible trails and opportunities for wildlife observation in its expansive forested areas.
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
CC Putnam State Forest offers hikers access to the scenic Stowe Pinnacle Trail, a challenging yet rewarding route. The trail ascends through mixed hardwood forests, offering spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump from its rocky summit. Visitors can also connect to other trails for extended adventures in the Green Mountains.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak stands as a premier hiking destination in Vermont's Green Mountains. Trails such as Sherburne Pass and Bucklin Trail provide access to its summit, where hikers are greeted by unparalleled vistas. The climb combines natural serenity with exhilarating challenges.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | MIDDLEBURY VT
From the iconic Appalachian Trail segment to quiet paths like Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Green Mountain National Forest offers diverse hiking experiences in Vermont's lush terrain. Seasonal activities such as fall foliage hikes or winter snowshoeing add unique charm to its trails. This forest promises unforgettable adventures for all visitors.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park features a variety of trails, including the Summit, House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road, each offering unique terrain and viewpoints. Hikers can combine routes for longer loops or stick to the main path for a direct ascent, with trail distances ranging from 0.2 to 2 miles. Mt. Philo State Park caters to both casual walkers and those seeking a bit more adventure, with trail maps available at the entrance.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Featuring dramatic cliffs and refreshing pools, Warren Falls is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The trailhead provides quick access to this scenic gem, where visitors can enjoy activities like cliff jumping or relaxing by the water's edge. Its popularity highlights its status as one of Vermont's top attractions.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Hiking at Quechee State Park is an immersive experience into Vermont's natural history, with trails leading through lush forests to Deweys Pond or down into the gorge itself. The park is known for its accessibility and stunning landscapes that cater to both novice hikers and seasoned adventurers alike. A visit here guarantees lasting memories amidst nature's grandeur.
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 provides a peaceful escape with its forested trails and high bluffs overlooking Lake Champlain. Visitors to Red Rocks Park can enjoy both easy and moderate hikes, with benches and lookouts for resting and taking in the scenery. Red Rocks Park is especially popular for its fall foliage and spring wildflowers.
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's Windsor Trail is known for its consistent elevation gain and forested beauty, leading hikers to the summit in just under three miles. Along the way, visitors can pause at scenic spots like Gerry Falls and Brownsville Rock. Mt Ascutney State Park provides a quintessential Green Mountain hiking experience.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park welcomes visitors to explore the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route famous for its rugged terrain and spectacular summit views. Branbury State Park's trail is best suited for experienced hikers, offering a steady climb and glimpses of rare plant life along the cliffs. Branbury State Park is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
16. Willoughby State Forest
MOUNT PISGAH TRAIL | WESTMORE VT
Willoughby State Forest is renowned for the Mount Pisgah Trail, a moderate hike leading to dramatic clifftop vistas over Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom. Multiple route options allow hikers to enjoy scenic overlooks, including views of the Passumpsic Valley and the White Mountains. The trail is especially popular for its panoramic lookouts and striking natural scenery.
17. Deer Leap Trail
DEER LEAP TRAIL | RUTLAND VT
The Deer Leap Trail in Rutland is a moderately challenging hike known for its rocky, root-filled path and rewarding overlook. Hikers ascend through birch and pine woods to reach the Deer Leap Overlook, where expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains await. The trail is well-marked and offers a quiet, scenic escape for those seeking a short but invigorating trek.
18. CC Putnam State Forest
WORCESTER RANGE TRAILS | WORCESTER VT
CC Putnam State Forest encompasses the Worcester Range Trails, a rugged network traversing peaks like Mount Hunger and Stowe Pinnacle. Hikers experience remote wilderness, diverse forests, and sweeping summit views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. The Skyline Trail links several summits, offering a challenging and rewarding ridge walk.
19. Milton Town Forest
MILTON TOWN FOREST TRAILS | MILTON VT
Milton Town Forest provides hikers with six miles of established trails that loop through 485 acres of woodlands and encircle the scenic 33-acre Milton Pond. The Milton Town Forest Trails offer a tranquil setting for nature walks, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems at their own pace.
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.