New Haven VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near New Haven, Vermont.
1. Trail Around Middlebury (TAM)
SCENIC CREEK VIEWS
The Trail Around Middlebury offers a beautiful 1.7-mile section that passes through New Haven with excellent views of the Otter Creek Gorge. Hikers can enjoy a moderate difficulty path that crosses the Dan & Peggy Arnold Bridge and continues into the New Haven section of the Otter Creek Gorge Preserve and Wright Park. In spring, visitors can experience the thundering sounds of water in the gorge while enjoying the diverse woodland and creek scenery.
2. Otter Creek Gorge Preserve
DEEP GORGE EXPLORATION
Otter Creek Gorge Preserve features a spectacular trail system along the dramatic gorge formed by Otter Creek. The preserve offers easy access points with jog stroller accessible sections, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. Visitors can enjoy excellent views of the deep and narrow gorge, particularly impressive during the spring when water levels are high.
3. Snake Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Snake Mountain Trail provides hikers with outstanding views of the Lemon Fair watershed, farmland, and the surrounding countryside. The trail connects to the TAM system and is part of the effort to extend the North Country National Scenic Trail. Hikers of moderate ability will enjoy the diverse terrain that passes through both meadows and wooded areas.
4. Jackson Trail
COLLEGE CONNECTION PATH
Jackson Trail is a connector trail in the Trail Around Middlebury system that offers hikers varied terrain and scenery. The moderately difficult path connects to other trails in the network, including the Johnson Trail and leads toward the Middlebury College trail system. Hikers can enjoy a mix of woodland paths and open areas with views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Johnson Trail
BIKE-FRIENDLY NATURE PATH
Johnson Trail stands out as a bike-accessible segment of the Trail Around Middlebury system. This versatile trail offers both hikers and cyclists a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Middlebury area. The trail features moderate terrain and connects to other paths in the TAM network, creating opportunities for longer excursions.
6. Button Bay State Park Trails
LAKESIDE NATURE WALKS
Button Bay State Park offers scenic hiking opportunities along the shores of Lake Champlain, just a short drive from New Haven. The park's trails wind through diverse habitats including shoreline, meadows, and woodland areas with views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. Trails are generally easy to moderate in difficulty, making them accessible for hikers of various skill levels.
7. Middlebury College Trails
ACADEMIC WOODLAND PATHS
Middlebury College Trails offer a network of paths through the picturesque campus and surrounding natural areas. These well-maintained trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and connect to the broader Trail Around Middlebury system. Hikers can enjoy the blend of collegiate architecture and natural beauty while exploring these accessible trails.
8. Belden Falls Path
DRAMATIC WATERFALL VIEWS
Belden Falls Path leads hikers to one of the area's most impressive natural water features along Otter Creek. The trail offers moderate hiking with excellent views of the falls and surrounding gorge area. Visitors can access this trail via the Otter Creek Gorge Preserve section in New Haven, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts.
9. Mount Pemigewasset Trail
MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Mount Pemigewasset Trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding journey to a spectacular summit view. The trail features moderate to difficult terrain as it ascends through beautiful woodland areas to panoramic vistas at the top. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding Green Mountains and valleys, making it worth the effort required.
10. Champlain Valley Trail
VALLEY FLOOR EXPLORATION
The Champlain Valley Trail showcases the natural beauty and agricultural landscape of Vermont's western valley. This easy to moderate trail winds through farmland, offering views of both the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west. Hikers can enjoy seasonal wildflowers, bird watching opportunities, and the pastoral charm that makes the Champlain Valley famous.