Middlebury Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Middlebury, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Tucked into Vermont's Green Mountains, Underhill State Park provides unparalleled access to Mount Mansfield's rugged beauty through its network of hiking trails like Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge Trails. The park features rare tundra vegetation at higher elevations and connects with Vermont's Long Trail for extended adventures across the ridge line. Its peaceful campsites make it an ideal base for exploring this iconic peak.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
From rugged alpine terrain to gentle forested paths, Camel's Hump State Park showcases Vermont's outdoor splendor at its finest. The Burrows Trail is ideal for those seeking a straightforward route to the summit, while other trails offer secluded experiences with historical landmarks along the way. Every trail promises breathtaking scenery and tranquility in nature.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A hike to Lye Brook Falls offers a blend of adventure and tranquility in Vermont's Lye Brook Wilderness. The moderately difficult trail winds through dense woodlands, crossing streams and rocky terrain before reaching the towering waterfall. This natural wonder is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and solitude.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Hiking the Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest rewards adventurers with unmatched views of the Green Mountain range from its summit. The trail showcases Vermont's natural beauty through its lush forests and rocky outcrops. Its connection to nearby trails adds options for extended exploration in the area.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Hiking to Killington Peak is a quintessential Vermont adventure, blending natural beauty with physical challenge. The journey includes picturesque woodlands and a steep rock scramble near the summit. At 4,229 feet, the peak rewards hikers with sweeping views of three states.
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 boasts historic carriage roads and stone staircases built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding character to the hiking experience. Hikers can explore multiple interconnected trails, including the House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road routes, each with unique features. Mt. Philo State Park preserves both natural beauty and local history, making every hike a journey through Vermont's past and present.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
A jewel of Vermont's Mad River Valley, Warren Falls features cascading waterfalls that flow into deep, inviting pools perfect for swimming or wading. The site's rugged cliffs provide thrilling opportunities for safe cliff jumping under careful conditions. Its natural beauty continues to enchant visitors year after year.
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
The Pogue Loop Trail provides a serene hiking experience around a picturesque mountain pond in Vermont's only national park. Surrounded by managed forests, the trail features ferns, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife sightings. Its easy-to-moderate difficulty makes it accessible for all skill levels.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail showcases the beauty of the Green Mountains with a well-marked path to a dramatic waterfall. The accessible boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a favorite for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic walk.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is celebrated for its scenic walking paths that provide both wooded seclusion and open vistas of Lake Champlain. The trails at Red Rocks Park are easy to follow and suitable for a quick stroll or a longer hike. Red Rocks Park also features a small beach and picnic facilities for visitors.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is perfect for those seeking a leisurely hike with rewarding views of both water and mountains. The trail's gentle grades and well-maintained paths make it accessible for all ages and abilities. Emerald Lake State Park is a beloved destination for both locals and travelers exploring the Green Mountain State.
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 is a hub for outdoor recreation, with the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail providing a challenging and scenic hiking experience. Branbury State Park's path is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Branbury State Park is a must for anyone looking to explore Vermont's dramatic landscapes.
16. Ethan Allen Park
ETHAN ALLEN PARK TRAILS | BURLINGTON VT
Ethan Allen Park features a four-mile network of paved and unpaved trails traversing hilly, forested terrain within Burlington. The trails connect to regional paths and offer both hiking and biking opportunities, making it a versatile urban green space. Visitors can enjoy natural beauty, city views, and the park's historical significance.
17. White Rocks National Recreation Area
ICE BEDS TRAIL | WALLINGFORD VT
White Rocks National Recreation Area features the Ice Beds Trail, a short but striking hike leading to the base of massive talus piles beneath the White Rocks Cliffs. The trail is known for its cool air and streams of icy water that persist into summer, thanks to the deep rock crevices. Hikers are treated to unique geological features and scenic vistas, making this trail a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
18. The Mile-Around Woods
MILE-AROUND WOODS LOOP | NORTH BENNINGTON VT
The Mile-Around Woods invites hikers to explore a historic circular carriage road and woodland loop, set within a 200-year-old family preserve. Trails wind through old timber stands and open fields, connecting to the scenic Paran Creek valley. The area is open for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and enjoying the rural landscape of North Bennington.
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. Crosstown Trails, West Dover
CROSSTOWN TRAILS | WEST DOVER VT
The Crosstown Trails in West Dover offer an easy, well-marked hiking experience through the Green Mountain National Forest, with gentle rises and falls over approximately six miles. The route passes through woodlands, marshes, and open areas, connecting with other local trails and providing a relaxing walk suitable for all ages. This network is a local favorite for daily strolls, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of southern Vermont.