Ira VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Ira, Vermont.
1. Ira Trails - West Rutland ATV Sportsman's Club
MULTI-USE TRAIL NETWORK
Ira Trails, maintained by the West Rutland ATV Sportsman's Club, features a nearly 17-mile network of trails that traverse rocky woods and smoother unpaved sections. Though popular for ATV riding, several parts of the system can be enjoyed by hikers seeking diverse terrain and an adventurous route through the scenic Vermont countryside. The trails generally offer moderate difficulty, with highlights including woodland scenery and remote stretches.
2. Mount Ascutney State Park
HISTORIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Ascutney State Park offers several hiking trails, including the steep Windsor Trail, leading to panoramic views from the summit. The park's trails range from moderate to challenging and climb through thick forest, rocky ledges, and wildflower meadows. The summit rewards hikers with expansive vistas of the Connecticut River Valley and distant mountain ranges.
3. Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail
ICONIC GREEN MOUNTAIN PEAK
Camel's Hump is accessible by the Burrows Trail, a moderately difficult 2.1-mile route starting from the end of Camel's Hump Road. The trail ascends through lush forests and across open ledges before merging with the Long Trail for a rugged climb to the summit. The peak offers some of the best 360-degree views in Vermont, making it a favorite for experienced hikers.
4. Duxbury Window Trail via Long Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN TRAVERSE
The Duxbury Window Trail, accessed via the Long Trail, is a difficult hike that tests stamina with its steep gradients and long distances up to 25.9 miles. Hikers experience dense forests, rocky ascents, and rewarding lookouts such as the Duxbury Window, a notable natural viewpoint. The trail's main highlights include rugged terrain, solitude, and picturesque forest scenery.
5. Falls of Lana Trail
CASCADING WATERFALLS HIKE
The Falls of Lana Trail draws hikers with its moderate path winding up to a series of beautiful, cascading waterfalls carved out of rock. The trail traverses wooded terrain and offers opportunities for peaceful forest immersion and waterfall photography. This hike is suitable for a variety of skill levels and is a highlight of the Lake Dunmore region.
6. Rattlesnake Point Trail
PEREGRINE FALCON HABITAT
Rattlesnake Point Trail is a moderately challenging hike that meanders through mixed hardwood forest to an exposed cliff with sweeping views of Lake Dunmore. The area is also known as a nesting site for peregrine falcons, making it a unique spot for wildlife observation. Panoramic lake and mountain vistas await at the summit.
7. Silver Lake Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Silver Lake Trail guides hikers through forested slopes to a tranquil, secluded mountain lake ideal for picnicking and swimming. The moderate trail is well-marked and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Silver Lake itself is a peaceful highlight, providing a restful endpoint for families and casual hikers.
8. Monroe Trail at Camel's Hump
CHALLENGING FOREST ASCENT
The Monroe Trail provides a somewhat challenging 3.1-mile route to the summit of Camel's Hump, popular for its steady climb through varied terrain from hardwood forests to alpine zones. The ascent offers several viewing spots of the summit and the surrounding valleys, with terrain becoming more rugged with elevation. This trail is favored by hikers seeking a rewarding and immersive Green Mountain experience.
9. Cross Vermont Trail
LONG RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Cross Vermont Trail is a 10-mile route that follows both rail trail and woodland paths across the Ricker Pond State Park area. This easy, mostly flat trail is ideal for hikers of all abilities and provides a peaceful walk through Vermont's forests and along scenic waterways. Highlights include ponds, forests, and plentiful opportunities to observe local wildlife.
10. Allis Trail at Camel's Hump
SHORT SCENIC SPUR
The Allis Trail is a lightly used, moderate 0.3-mile spur offering lovely views of Camel's Hump and the surrounding mountains. Though short, the trail provides a quick, peaceful escape into nature with rewarding sightlines. It's an excellent add-on for hikers exploring the Camel's Hump network seeking a less-traveled route.