Hartford Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hartford, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Perched at 2,000 feet elevation, Underhill State Park provides direct access to Mount Mansfield's summit via trails like the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trails. Hikers can enjoy dramatic ridgeline views while traversing Vermont's famed Long Trail along the summit ridge. The park also features camping facilities and a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park is home to Vermont's third-highest peak and a variety of hiking trails that showcase the state's stunning wilderness. Trails wind through dense forests, open rocky expanses, and historical sites such as the B-24 bomber memorial. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, visitors will find an unforgettable experience here.
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
CC Putnam State Forest's Stowe Pinnacle Trail provides a moderately difficult hike with rewarding vistas of the Green Mountains. The trail's highlights include a mix of steep climbs, forest clearings, and a stunning bald summit. It serves as an excellent destination for hikers of all skill levels looking to experience Vermont's wilderness.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers one of Vermont's most iconic hikes, combining natural beauty with physical challenge. Trails like Bucklin Trail guide adventurers through dense forests before reaching a steep final ascent to the summit's open views. This hike is perfect for those seeking both solitude and spectacular scenery.
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 offers universally accessible trails like the Waters Between Trail, ensuring everyone can enjoy the summit's sweeping views and natural beauty. The park's gentle grades and short distances make it welcoming for visitors of all abilities, including families with young children or those with mobility needs. Mt. Philo State Park is committed to inclusive recreation, with accessible parking and easy access to the summit shelter.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
A jewel of Vermont's Mad River Valley, Warren Falls features cascading waterfalls that flow into deep, inviting pools perfect for swimming or wading. The site's rugged cliffs provide thrilling opportunities for safe cliff jumping under careful conditions. Its natural beauty continues to enchant visitors year after year.
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
Encircling The Pogue, this loop trail showcases Vermont's natural charm with its mix of forested paths and open vistas. Hikers can enjoy seasonal blooms, wildlife sightings, and peaceful water views throughout the journey. Its accessibility makes it an inviting option for all outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail showcases the beauty of the Green Mountains with a well-marked path to a dramatic waterfall. The accessible boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a favorite for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic walk.
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 features the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a family-friendly path that circles the tranquil, emerald-hued lake. Hikers can enjoy easy access to the water, shaded woodland stretches, and occasional open meadows teeming with wildflowers and birds. Emerald Lake State Park is ideal for a relaxing day hike with plenty of opportunities for photography and nature observation.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park is home to the Windsor Trail, a popular route that climbs steadily to the summit's observation tower. Hikers enjoy forested paths, a scenic waterfall, and rocky viewpoints along the way. Mt Ascutney State Park is a highlight for those exploring Vermont's hiking trails.
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. Elmore Provincial Park
MOUNT ELMORE FIRE TOWER TRAIL | ELMORE VT
Elmore Provincial Park features the Mount Elmore Fire Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile path ascending to the summit of Elmore Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to climb a historic fire tower, offering sweeping views of the Green Mountains and the Presidential Range. The trail is a highlight for those seeking a classic Vermont summit experience surrounded by forested beauty.
17. Mills Riverside Park
SOUTH HILL LOOP EAST | JERICHO VT
Mills Riverside Park features the South Hill Loop East, a pleasant trail winding through open meadows, forested hills, and along the Browns River. The loop offers a moderate challenge with gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, off-leash dog areas, and a peaceful natural setting year-round.
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. Shelburne Bay Park
SHELBURNE BAY PARK TRAILS | SHELBURNE VT
Shelburne Bay Park features a network of trails that wind through 93 acres of lakefront, meadows, and forested ledges along the shores of Lake Champlain. The Shelburne Bay Park Trails are ideal for walking or hiking, with a 1.4-mile recreation path that connects to the Ti-Haul Trail and offers access to beautiful water views. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful hike while observing local wildlife and the park's diverse natural habitats.
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.