Norton VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Norton, Vermont.
1. Brousseau Mountain Trail
SCENIC SUMMIT WITH VIEWS
Brousseau Mountain Trail is a short but sweet hike to summit cliffs that provides extensive views of the northernmost part of Vermont. The trail begins in an open meadow, continues through a forest, and winds over granite bedrock to reach the forested peak with a cliff lookout offering extensive views to the south and east. Hikers should note that the trail is closed until August 1st each year to protect the endangered Peregrine Falcon nesting site.
2. Kingdom Heritage Trail
WORKING FOREST LONG TREK
The Kingdom Heritage Trail offers an immersive 20-mile experience through a working forest from Island Pond to Lewis Pond Overlook in Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. This moderate to advanced trail traverses Bluff, Middle, and Gore Mountains, presenting multiple elevation changes throughout the journey. The trail opened in 2019 after 20 years of collaboration and is protected as part of the conservation of 132,000 acres of former Champion International Paper forestland.
3. Bluff Mountain Community Trail
MODERATE SUMMIT VIEWS
Bluff Mountain Community Trail is a 1.2-mile moderate hike leading to a scenic summit. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Burke Mountain and East Mountain upon reaching the top. The trail offers a perfect balance of challenge and accessibility for intermediate hikers looking for impressive Northeast Kingdom vistas.
4. Mount Hor Trail Network
LAKE VIEWS TRAIL SYSTEM
Mount Hor Trail Network consists of three trails in a 5.4-mile system leading to the summit with unbeatable views of Lake Willoughby and Mount Pisgah. The moderate to advanced trails offer seasonal versatility, allowing hikers to cool off with a swim in Lake Willoughby during summer or explore the CCC Road Trail for intermediate skiing in winter. The network provides some of the most dramatic scenery in the Northeast Kingdom region with its combination of mountain terrain and pristine lake views.
5. Wheeler Pond Trail
QUICK SCENIC EXCURSION
Wheeler Pond Trail offers a quick 0.6-mile excursion perfect for hikers seeking a brief but rewarding outdoor experience. The easy trail leads to picturesque Wheeler Pond where visitors can extend their stay by camping at Hadsel-Mares Camp along the shore. For those wanting more challenge, the trail connects to a 2.2-mile route to the top of Wheeler Mountain.
6. Averill Mountain Trail
LAKEVIEW SUMMIT CLIMB
Averill Mountain Trail is a short 1.2-mile round trip hike just south of the Canadian border with views over Averill Lake and beyond. The moderately difficult trail rises somewhat steeply through mixed forest to the summit, where a rock ledge provides plentiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail passes through the Averill Mountain Wildlife Management Area, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as black-throated green warblers, ovenbirds, and possibly porcupines.
7. Mount Pisgah Trail
DRAMATIC CLIFFS HIKE
Mount Pisgah Trail leads hikers to one of the most dramatic cliff formations in the Northeast Kingdom, overlooking the glacial Lake Willoughby. The trail offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the lake's deep blue waters creating a striking contrast against the green landscape. Multiple lookout points along the trail provide different perspectives of this natural wonder, making it worth the challenging climb to experience these breathtaking panoramic views.
8. Brighton State Park Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST PATHS
Brighton State Park Trails offer a network of hiking paths surrounding Island Pond, a secluded body of water in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The relatively easy trails wind through mature forests and along shorelines, providing peaceful views of the lake and opportunities to observe wildlife. Visitors can combine hiking with swimming, camping, and boating for a complete outdoor experience in this remote natural setting.
9. Maidstone State Park Trails
REMOTE WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Maidstone State Park Trails traverse Vermont's most remote and pristine state park, surrounding Maidstone Lake. The trail system offers paths of varying difficulties through old-growth forests and along the shoreline of the crystal-clear lake. Hikers can enjoy the peaceful wilderness atmosphere and may spot wildlife including moose, deer, and various bird species that make this undeveloped area their home.
10. Wheeler Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC RIDGE HIKE
Wheeler Mountain Trail is a 2.2-mile route leading to panoramic views from the summit of Wheeler Mountain. The moderate trail features interesting rock formations along the way and culminates in a ridge walk with open vistas in multiple directions. Hikers are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding Northeast Kingdom landscape, including glimpses of nearby lakes and distant mountains on clear days.