Peru Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Peru, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Perched at 2,000 feet elevation, Underhill State Park provides direct access to Mount Mansfield's summit via trails like the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trails. Hikers can enjoy dramatic ridgeline views while traversing Vermont's famed Long Trail along the summit ridge. The park also features camping facilities and a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park is home to Vermont's third-highest peak and a variety of hiking trails that showcase the state's stunning wilderness. Trails wind through dense forests, open rocky expanses, and historical sites such as the B-24 bomber memorial. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, visitors will find an unforgettable experience here.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Hikers visiting Lye Brook Falls in Manchester are treated to a scenic journey through Vermont's wilderness to one of its tallest waterfalls. The moderately challenging trail includes rocky terrain and gentle climbs that culminate in stunning views of the cascading falls. This peaceful hike is perfect for escaping into nature while enjoying picturesque landscapes.
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
Killington Peak's hiking trails showcase the best of Vermont's natural beauty, from old-growth forests to cascading waterfalls nearby. The final stretch to the summit is steep but manageable, leading to breathtaking views of neighboring mountain ranges. This hike is both challenging and rewarding for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | STRATTON VT
Stretching across Vermont's rugged landscapes, Green Mountain National Forest features trails like Stratton Pond and Bald Mountain that showcase its ecological richness. Visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters alongside scenic hiking routes that range from easy loops to challenging summits. The forest remains a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park features a variety of trails, including the Summit, House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road, each offering unique terrain and viewpoints. Hikers can combine routes for longer loops or stick to the main path for a direct ascent, with trail distances ranging from 0.2 to 2 miles. Mt. Philo State Park caters to both casual walkers and those seeking a bit more adventure, with trail maps available at the entrance.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known for its pristine waters and dramatic scenery, Warren Falls is a must-visit destination along Route 100. The falls provide opportunities for cliff jumping, wading in shallow pools, or enjoying a picnic by the riverbank. Its accessibility and charm make it one of Vermont's most beloved natural attractions.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands and offer stunning vistas of the Ottauquechee River below. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels. A visit here promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable outdoor experience.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
This easy-to-moderate loop trail circles The Pogue, offering panoramic views of Mount Tom's lush surroundings and tranquil waters. Hikers can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying quiet moments amidst nature's splendor. It is an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation or adventure in Woodstock Vermont.
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 features several miles of well-marked trails ideal for hiking, jogging, and snowshoeing year-round. The park's wooded paths lead to dramatic cliffs and a quiet beach on Lake Champlain. Red Rocks Park is a favorite spot for locals seeking tranquil outdoor adventures close to the city.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park is renowned for its Emerald Lake Loop Trail, which meanders through rich woods and along the pristine shoreline. The trail offers a moderate hike with several scenic overlooks, perfect for taking in the vibrant colors of the lake and surrounding mountains. Emerald Lake State Park is a must-visit for those who appreciate Vermont's diverse landscapes and tranquil settings.
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 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. 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. Lowell Lake State Park
LOWELL LAKE LOOP TRAIL | LONDONDERRY VT
Lowell Lake State Park features the Lowell Lake Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile path that encircles the tranquil Lowell Lake. The trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of towering white pines, and scenic wetland vistas. With mostly flat terrain and moderate difficulty, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience immersed in nature.
18. Mill Trail
MILL TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Mill Trail in Stowe offers a gentle hike through mixed hardwood and softwood forests along the West Branch of the Waterbury River. Hikers pass historic sites, including cellar holes and a restored log cabin, while enjoying river views and abundant wildlife. The trail is ideal for a peaceful walk, nature observation, and learning about Stowe's past.
19. Milton Town Forest
MILTON TOWN FOREST TRAILS | MILTON VT
Milton Town Forest provides hikers with six miles of established trails that loop through 485 acres of woodlands and encircle the scenic 33-acre Milton Pond. The Milton Town Forest Trails offer a tranquil setting for nature walks, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems at their own pace.
20. Moss Glen Falls
MOSS GLEN FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Moss Glen Falls Trail is a short, mostly flat hike leading to one of Vermont's most beautiful waterfalls, cascading 125 feet through a lush gorge. The trail is less than half a mile each way, with boardwalks over wet areas and a brief, steep section near the falls for an up-close view. Hikers are rewarded with the sight and sound of the dramatic waterfall, making this a must-see stop near Stowe.