Norton Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Norton, 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
With its iconic double-humped silhouette visible from miles away, Camel's Hump State Park is a treasure trove of hiking opportunities in Vermont's Green Mountains. Trails vary from easy walks by streams to strenuous ascents leading to breathtaking summit views across New England's landscapes. The park promises an unforgettable journey through nature for all who visit it year-round.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Located within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is accessible via a scenic trail spanning 4.6 miles round-trip from Manchester's trailhead parking lot. The hike features rocky terrain and forested paths leading to one of the state's most captivating waterfalls at 125 feet tall. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat for hikers seeking natural beauty and solitude alike.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Located in CC Putnam State Forest, the Stowe Pinnacle Trail offers a mix of natural beauty and hiking challenges. The ascent through hardwood forests leads to a rocky summit with panoramic views of Vermont's Green Mountains. Its accessibility and scenic rewards make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Rising to 4,229 feet, Killington Peak offers a variety of hiking experiences for all skill levels. The summit can be reached via trails that traverse lush forests and rocky outcrops. Once at the top, visitors enjoy expansive views of Vermont's stunning landscapes.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | RIPTON VT
The Green Mountain National Forest invites hikers to traverse its scenic landscapes, including the Monroe Skyline and Stratton Pond trails. From challenging climbs to accessible loops like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, there is something for everyone. Wildlife sightings and panoramic views enhance the hiking experience in this Vermont treasure.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park is known for its short but moderately challenging hike to a summit with expansive views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick adventure. The climb, with about 562 feet of elevation gain, is manageable for most, including children and beginners. Mt. Philo State Park is a go-to spot for quick hikes with big rewards, offering both natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment.
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
At Quechee State Park, hikers can traverse trails leading to Vermont's iconic gorge, formed by ancient glacial movements. The paths are well-marked and provide opportunities to enjoy wildlife, river views, and fall foliage. Whether hiking solo or with family, this park delivers an unforgettable journey into nature's splendor.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail circles a historic man-made pond nestled within Mount Tom's forested slopes. This easy hike showcases Vermont's natural beauty with its mix of serene water views and shaded woodland paths. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot herons or owls along the way.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a unique segment of the Appalachian Trail, providing the first wheelchair accessible section in Vermont. The 0.5-mile out-and-back route includes a well-maintained boardwalk and a gentle ascent to a waterfall viewing platform. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is dog-friendly and connects to longer hiking options for those seeking more exploration.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park provides a peaceful escape with its forested trails and high bluffs overlooking Lake Champlain. Visitors to Red Rocks Park can enjoy both easy and moderate hikes, with benches and lookouts for resting and taking in the scenery. Red Rocks Park is especially popular for its fall foliage and spring wildflowers.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail offers a classic Vermont hiking experience, with a mix of shaded woods, open meadows, and lakeshore paths. The trail is easy to follow and provides several spots to rest, picnic, or swim along the way. Emerald Lake State Park is a top pick for visitors looking to combine hiking with other outdoor activities.
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 starting point for the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a steep and rewarding trek through Vermont's rugged landscape. Branbury State Park features a trail that climbs steadily, leading to dramatic cliffside overlooks above the lake. Branbury State Park is ideal for hikers looking for both a physical challenge and panoramic 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. Centennial Woods Natural Area
CENTENNIAL WOODS LOOP TRAIL | BURLINGTON VT
Centennial Woods Natural Area offers the Centennial Woods Loop Trail, winding through 65 acres of mature conifers, hardwoods, fields, and wetlands. The trail system provides a natural retreat within Burlington, serving as both a recreational path and an outdoor classroom for local students. Hikers can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a peaceful escape just minutes from the city center.
18. Sterling Pond Trail
STERLING POND TRAIL | CAMBRIDGE VT
Sterling Pond Trail leads hikers on a moderately challenging ascent through Smugglers Notch to Vermont's highest alpine pond. The 3.3-mile loop features steep, rocky sections, lush spruce-fir forests, and panoramic views of Madonna Peak and Mount Mansfield. At the summit, Sterling Pond offers a tranquil spot for rest, reflection, or a refreshing swim.
19. Wiessner Woods
WIESSNER WOODS TRAILS | STOWE VT
Wiessner Woods in Stowe features a network of trails that meander through mature hardwood and softwood forests, with small streams and a meadow near the entrance. The Wiessner Woods Trails are open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, providing a serene escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks while observing local flora and fauna in this conserved woodland.
20. Grout Pond Recreation Area
GROUT POND LOOP TRAIL | STRATTON VT
Grout Pond Recreation Area features the Grout Pond Loop Trail, a relatively flat and easy-to-moderate path that circles the scenic 80-acre pond through low-lying woodlands. The trail system offers over 10 miles of interconnected routes, with blue diamond blazes guiding hikers through wetlands, forests, and lakeshore vistas. This area is popular for year-round hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, though trails can be wet and muddy at times.