Marshfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Marshfield, Vermont.
1. Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail
PEACEFUL RURAL CONNECTION
The Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail forms a long, peaceful bike ride or walk connecting parks, campgrounds, and natural areas in Groton State Forest and Pine Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The trail connects the quiet rural villages of Marshfield, Groton, and South Ryegate, though currently has a half-mile section requiring a bypass via Route 302. In winter, it is maintained as a groomed trail by local snowmobile clubs, while in summer some sections allow motor vehicles and others are strictly non-motorized.
2. Virginia Stranahan Memorial Forest Trails
DIVERSE FOREST EXPERIENCE
Virginia Stranahan Memorial Forest offers 6 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and skiing trails throughout its 620-acre property. The trails wind through 500 acres of forest and 120 acres of mixed agricultural and pasture lands, featuring diverse ecological zones including vernal pools, beaver ponds, rich hardwood forests, and streams. Hikers can explore former logging roads while enjoying wildlife habitat areas, wildflowers, an apple orchard, and historic foundations and stone walls.
3. New Discovery State Park Trails
GROTON FOREST EXPLORATION
New Discovery State Park offers numerous hiking trails throughout the expansive Groton State Forest. As one of seven interconnected parks in the forest, visitors can access a wide range of trails with a single park entry fee. The park provides additional amenities including camping with 38 tent/RV sites, 15 lean-to sites, and 8 horse-camping sites to extend the hiking experience.
4. Mt. Willard Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Mt. Willard Trail offers hikers a moderately challenging route to impressive panoramic views of Crawford Notch. The trail is known for its family-friendly accessibility while still providing a rewarding mountain hiking experience. Hikers will appreciate the well-maintained path that showcases Vermont's natural beauty in all seasons.
5. Mt. Major Trail
POPULAR SUMMIT HIKE
Mt. Major Trail provides a moderately difficult climb to spectacular views of the surrounding Vermont countryside. The trail is well-trafficked and offers several route options of varying difficulty to reach the summit. Hikers are rewarded with open rocky outcroppings at the top that provide excellent panoramic viewing opportunities.
6. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
SWEET FOREST CLIMB
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail takes hikers through dense Vermont forest to reach beautiful viewpoints of the surrounding countryside. The moderately challenging trail features varied terrain including some steeper sections that require careful footing. Seasonal highlights include spring wildflowers, summer shade, vibrant fall foliage, and serene winter snowscapes for those properly equipped.
7. Foss Mountain Trail
ACCESSIBLE SUMMIT VIEWS
Foss Mountain Trail offers an accessible hiking experience with an excellent reward-to-effort ratio for hikers of all abilities. The relatively short trail climbs gently to open summit areas with 360-degree views of the surrounding Vermont landscapes. Seasonal blueberry picking adds an extra incentive during summer months for hikers to enjoy along with the scenic vistas.
8. Five Finger Point Trail
LAKESIDE FOREST PATH
Five Finger Point Trail provides a gentle hiking experience along a forested peninsula extending into a pristine Vermont lake. The easy trail is suitable for all skill levels and features numerous access points to lovely shoreline views. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as hikers traverse diverse habitat zones while following this scenic loop trail.
9. Mt. Tecumseh Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Mt. Tecumseh Trail offers a more challenging hiking experience through dense forest to reach impressive summit views. The trail features a steady climb with some steeper sections that will test hikers' endurance and skill. Seasonal variations provide different experiences throughout the year, from spring wildflowers to winter snow-covered landscapes for experienced hikers.
10. Weathersfield Trail
HISTORIC FOREST PATH
Weathersfield Trail follows historic routes through beautiful Vermont forests with varied terrain and interesting natural features. The moderate difficulty trail includes stream crossings, rocky sections, and gentle woodland paths appealing to a range of hiking abilities. Seasonal highlights include stunning waterfalls during spring runoff, summer shade, spectacular fall foliage, and peaceful winter snowscapes.