Lunenburg Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lunenburg, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located within Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park offers access to some of Vermont's most iconic hiking routes. The park's trails, including the challenging Maple Ridge Trail, reward adventurers with sweeping summit views and diverse terrain. Its alpine ecosystem and historic CCC structures create a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Camel's Hump State Park offers hikers scenic trails with varying difficulty levels. The summit provides unparalleled views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can also explore quieter paths featuring enchanting birch forests and serene brooks.
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
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail within CC Putnam State Forest is a popular route featuring steep terrain and rewarding summit views. Hikers can enjoy picturesque overlooks of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump while traversing diverse ecosystems. This trail is ideal for those seeking both physical challenge and scenic beauty.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak's hiking trails showcase the best of Vermont's natural beauty, from old-growth forests to cascading waterfalls nearby. The final stretch to the summit is steep but manageable, leading to breathtaking views of neighboring mountain ranges. This hike is both challenging and rewarding for outdoor enthusiasts.
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, Vermont's first state park, offers a short, steady climb suitable for all ages, with the main trail beginning right at the parking lot. The well-maintained trails and summit road allow for both hiking and driving options to reach the 968-foot peak. Mt. Philo State Park is ideal for a quick outdoor escape, with rewarding scenery and amenities like picnic benches and a seasonal pavilion at the summit.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Warren Falls offers a short, flat trail leading to a stunning series of waterfalls and deep swimming pools surrounded by natural rock formations. This popular spot is perfect for cliff jumping, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water. Visitors should arrive early during summer months to avoid crowds and secure parking.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands and offer stunning vistas of the Ottauquechee River below. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels. A visit here promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable outdoor experience.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail provides hikers with an immersive experience in Vermont's conservation-focused landscape. From towering trees to serene water views, the trail highlights the park's harmonious blend of history and nature. Its gentle terrain ensures a rewarding hike for visitors of all abilities.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail welcomes leashed dogs and their owners on a short, scenic hike to a roaring waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and includes a boardwalk section, making it suitable for all skill levels. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a great spot for a family outing or a peaceful walk with your pet.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is a beloved local destination with trails that offer both easy walks and more challenging hikes through diverse terrain. The park's highlights at Red Rocks Park include panoramic lake views, forested paths, and a peaceful beach. Red Rocks Park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Vermont's natural beauty.
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 features the Windsor Trail, a 2.7-mile route that ascends steadily through forested slopes to the summit. Hikers on the Windsor Trail enjoy highlights such as Gerry Falls, Castle Rock, and panoramic views from the observation tower near the top. Mt Ascutney State Park offers a rewarding challenge for those seeking classic Vermont mountain scenery.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is the gateway to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a challenging hike that rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding region. Branbury State Park's trail is known for its elevation gain and the sense of accomplishment at the summit. Branbury State Park is a popular spot for hikers seeking both exercise and scenery.
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. Lowell Lake State Park
LOWELL LAKE LOOP TRAIL | LONDONDERRY VT
Lowell Lake State Park features the Lowell Lake Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile path that encircles the tranquil Lowell Lake. The trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of towering white pines, and scenic wetland vistas. With mostly flat terrain and moderate difficulty, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience immersed in nature.
18. Pine Hill Park
CARRIAGE TRAIL | RUTLAND VT
Pine Hill Park features the Carriage Trail, a 5.1-mile route that follows the historic path once connecting Rutland to Proctor. Hikers traverse moderate to difficult elevation, passing scenic ponds, wildlife habitats, and remnants of Vermont's early roadways. The trail is marked with royal blue blazes and offers rewarding views of Blue Ridge Mountain and Pico.
19. Mount Haystack
MOUNT HAYSTACK TRAIL | WILMINGTON VT
Mount Haystack Trail in Wilmington is a moderately challenging hike that ascends about 1000 feet to the 3445-foot summit of Haystack Mountain. The trail winds through high-elevation forests and offers sweeping 180-degree views over the Deerfield Valley, with sights of Mount Snow, Haystack Pond, and even Mount Monadnock on clear days. Hikers will experience a mix of gradual and steep sections, culminating in rewarding vistas at the summit.
20. Mount Hunger
MOUNT HUNGER TRAIL | WATERBURY VT
Mount Hunger is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging climb via the Mount Hunger Trail, which ascends through C.C. Putnam State Forest to a rocky, bald summit. The trail features steady elevation gain, some scrambling near the top, and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains on clear days. The summit rewards hikers with one of Vermont's most spectacular vistas, making the effort well worthwhile.