Highgate Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highgate, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located on the west side of Mount Mansfield, Underhill State Park gives hikers access to some of Vermont's most iconic peaks via well-maintained trails like Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge. The summit ridge offers striking views of New England landscapes and rare alpine vegetation. Its combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a must-visit spot for outdoor lovers.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
With its iconic double-humped silhouette visible from miles away, Camel's Hump State Park is a treasure trove of hiking opportunities in Vermont's Green Mountains. Trails vary from easy walks by streams to strenuous ascents leading to breathtaking summit views across New England's landscapes. The park promises an unforgettable journey through nature for all who visit it year-round.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
The journey to Lye Brook Falls combines history and natural beauty along a moderate 4.6-mile trail in Manchester, Vermont. Hikers pass through shaded woods and remnants of old logging sites before arriving at the towering waterfall cascading down multiple tiers. This picturesque destination offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for visitors year-round.
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
A trek to Killington Peak takes hikers along iconic trails like the Appalachian and Long Trails. The route offers diverse terrain, from gentle inclines to rugged climbs, ending with stunning 360-degree views. This peak is a must-visit for both seasoned and aspiring adventurers.
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 known for its short but moderately challenging hike to a summit with expansive views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick adventure. The climb, with about 562 feet of elevation gain, is manageable for most, including children and beginners. Mt. Philo State Park is a go-to spot for quick hikes with big rewards, offering both natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
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
Nestled in Hartford, Vermont, Quechee State Park offers hiking trails that lead to unparalleled views of its iconic gorge and tranquil riverbanks. The trails are well-maintained and provide a mix of shaded woodland paths and open scenic vistas. Ideal for day trips or weekend adventures, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts year-round.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Visitors can enjoy hiking the Pogue Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile carriage road encircling a tranquil 14-acre pond. The trail winds through lush hardwood forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and seasonal blooms. With its gentle terrain, it is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a quick, 0.3-mile hike through peaceful woods to a spectacular 140-foot waterfall. The route is easy to follow, with packed dirt and boardwalk sections, and is perfect for a picnic or a family outing. Thundering Brook Falls Trail provides a refreshing break in the heart of the Green Mountains.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park features several miles of well-marked trails ideal for hiking, jogging, and snowshoeing year-round. The park's wooded paths lead to dramatic cliffs and a quiet beach on Lake Champlain. Red Rocks Park is a favorite spot for locals seeking tranquil outdoor adventures close to the city.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park offers the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, where hikers can enjoy a tranquil journey through forests, meadows, and along the lake's edge. The trail is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight dances on the water. Emerald Lake State Park is a peaceful haven for anyone looking to experience Vermont's natural charm.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park invites adventurers to tackle the Windsor Trail, the most direct and steepest path to the summit. The trail begins in a meadow, quickly entering dense woods and offering a consistent climb with scenic stops like Gerry Falls. Mt Ascutney State Park rewards hikers with sweeping summit vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
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. Bingham Falls
BINGHAM FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Bingham Falls provides access to the Bingham Falls Trail, a short but steep hike descending to the base of a picturesque waterfall. The trail features rock staircases and requires caution due to slippery conditions, especially near the falls. Visitors are treated to the sights and sounds of cascading water in a lush, forested setting.
17. Centennial Woods Natural Area
CENTENNIAL WOODS LOOP TRAIL | BURLINGTON VT
Centennial Woods Natural Area offers the Centennial Woods Loop Trail, winding through 65 acres of mature conifers, hardwoods, fields, and wetlands. The trail system provides a natural retreat within Burlington, serving as both a recreational path and an outdoor classroom for local students. Hikers can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a peaceful escape just minutes from the city center.
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. Wiessner Woods
WIESSNER WOODS TRAILS | STOWE VT
Wiessner Woods in Stowe features a network of trails that meander through mature hardwood and softwood forests, with small streams and a meadow near the entrance. The Wiessner Woods Trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, providing a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks while observing local flora and fauna in this conserved woodland.
20. Wiessner Woods Trails, Stowe Land Trust
WIESSNER WOODS TRAILS | STOWE VT
Wiessner Woods Trails provide an easy to moderate hiking experience through mature forests of hemlock, spruce, pine, and hardwoods, with well-marked paths ideal for families and dog owners. The 2.1-mile network features gentle terrain, small streams, and a peaceful, shaded environment perfect for a relaxing walk in nature. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the woods and spot whimsical touches like gnome villages along the way.