Jamaica VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Jamaica, Vermont.
1. West River Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL EXPERIENCE
The West River Trail is a 2-mile trail that begins at the Jamaica State Park campground and provides easy walking and biking opportunities along a converted rail trail. This family-friendly path offers excellent river access and views of popular spring and fall white water paddling events. Hikers can enjoy scenic vistas of the West River while traversing this relatively flat path suitable for all skill levels.
2. Hamilton Falls Trail
DRAMATIC WATERFALL HIKE
Hamilton Falls Trail provides access to one of Vermont's largest waterfalls, featuring a 125-foot cascade through pine-hemlock woodland that drops 40 to 50 feet into a large pool. The trail connects to the West River Trail within Jamaica State Park and offers a moderately challenging 6-mile round trip hike from the park's day use area. Hikers should exercise extreme caution around the falls as the steep and slippery rocks have proven dangerous, with swimming in the upper and middle pools strongly discouraged.
3. Overlook Trail
PANORAMIC VISTA VIEWS
The Overlook Trail is a 2-mile path that leads from the Jamaica State Park campground to the West River Multi-Use Trail. This loop hiking trail provides spectacular views from a vista looking south over the West River Valley. Hikers will experience moderate difficulty as they traverse the heavily forested, steep and rocky terrain typical of the region.
4. Salmon Hole Trail
HISTORIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
Salmon Hole Trail in Jamaica State Park leads to a popular swimming area with historical significance as the site of the 'Salmon Hole Massacre' from 1748. This easy trail provides access to a scenic spot where French men and Native Americans ambushed British soldiers during colonial times. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings along the West River while learning about the area's rich history.
5. The Dumplings Trail
RIVERSIDE BOULDER VIEWING
The Dumplings Trail leads to a unique location on the West River where large glacial erratics create a natural spectacle in the flowing water. A viewing deck has been constructed to provide hikers with scenic views of this popular white-water boating play area. This easy-access trail within Jamaica State Park offers a short, family-friendly hiking experience suitable for all ability levels.
6. Ball Mountain Dam Trail
ENGINEERING MARVEL HIKE
Ball Mountain Dam Trail offers hikers views of the impressive flood control dam on the West River near Jamaica State Park. The trail provides moderate hiking with opportunities to observe both the engineering achievement and the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. Visitors can enjoy seasonal changes in the landscape while exploring the northern section of the West River Valley.
7. Cobb Brook Trail
PEACEFUL FOREST STREAM
Cobb Brook Trail follows the serene waterway that feeds Hamilton Falls, winding through the heavily forested landscape of Jamaica State Park. This moderately challenging path features several peaceful spots to explore along the brook as it makes its way through the park. Hikers will encounter typical West River Valley forest with white pine, red oak, and hemlock being the common tree species along the route.
8. Switch Road Trail
STEEP REWARDING CLIMB
The Switch Road Trail is a steep but rewarding section of the route to Hamilton Falls that offers lovely views as compensation for the challenging ascent. This trail connects with the West River Trail and provides the final approach to the spectacular Hamilton Falls Natural Area. Hikers should be prepared for a more strenuous experience on this section, making it appropriate for those with moderate hiking experience.
9. Stratton Mountain Trail
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
Stratton Mountain Trail, located near Jamaica, is a 7.6-mile round trip hike that ascends to the summit of Stratton Mountain and features both the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. The moderately difficult trail climbs through dense forest to reach a fire tower at the 3,940-foot summit that offers panoramic views of southern Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and on clear days, New York. This historic peak is where Benton MacKaye conceived the idea for the Appalachian Trail in 1921, making it a significant site for long-distance hiking enthusiasts.
10. Lye Brook Falls Trail
CASCADE THROUGH WILDERNESS
Lye Brook Falls Trail is a 4.4-mile round trip hike in the Green Mountain National Forest near Manchester, a short drive from Jamaica. The moderately challenging trail follows an old logging railroad bed through the Lye Brook Wilderness to one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls, cascading approximately 125 feet down a rocky ledge. Hikers will traverse beautiful northern hardwood forest and cross several small streams before reaching the spectacular falls, which are most impressive during spring runoff or after significant rainfall.