Randolph Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Randolph, 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
Featuring iconic hiking routes like the Burrows Trail, Camel's Hump State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont. The summit offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Champlain and distant mountain ranges, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Its rich biodiversity adds to the park's allure year-round.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Hidden within Manchester's Lye Brook Wilderness, Lye Brook Falls stands as one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls at 125 feet high. The moderately challenging hike takes visitors through rocky trails and lush forests to reach this breathtaking natural spectacle. Its serene setting makes it a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and tranquility.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail is one of the highlights of CC Putnam State Forest, offering hikers a challenging route with incredible summit views. Its steep inclines are balanced by moments of respite in tranquil forested areas along the way. This trail is perfect for those seeking both exercise and scenic rewards in Vermont's outdoors.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, Killington Peak invites hikers to explore its scenic trails and dramatic summit views. The journey includes peaceful woodland paths and a rugged climb near the top, culminating in breathtaking panoramas of New England's landscapes. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
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's trails pass through habitats rich with deer, moose, and seasonal wildflowers, offering a chance to experience Vermont's natural diversity. Hikers may encounter painted trillium, starflowers, and a variety of birds along the way, especially in spring and fall. Mt. Philo State Park is a nature lover's retreat just minutes from Burlington, with opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known as one of Vermont's premier swimming holes, Warren Falls combines breathtaking waterfalls with tranquil pools set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rugged rocks. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming or exploring nearby trails while taking in the serene environment. It remains a timeless favorite among locals and travelers alike.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features scenic hiking trails that showcase Vermont's natural wonders, including its majestic gorge and vibrant foliage in autumn months. Trails are moderately challenging but accessible, offering stunning views of the Ottauquechee River below. Visitors can enjoy both adventure and serenity in one location.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Encircling The Pogue, this loop trail showcases Vermont's natural charm with its mix of forested paths and open vistas. Hikers can enjoy seasonal blooms, wildlife sightings, and peaceful water views throughout the journey. Its accessibility makes it an inviting option for all outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Thundering Brook Falls
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail in Killington, Vermont, features a gentle, mostly boardwalk path perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trail leads to a dramatic waterfall, especially impressive after rainfall, and offers a peaceful nature experience. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a must-see for visitors looking for a quick, rewarding adventure.
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 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 provides access to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, where hikers can journey through forested slopes and rocky switchbacks. Branbury State Park's trail culminates at dramatic overlooks, making it a highlight for those who appreciate Vermont's wild landscapes. Branbury State Park is a great choice for a day of hiking and exploration.
16. Hubbard Park
HUBBARD PARK TRAILS | MONTPELIER VT
Hubbard Park offers a network of trails winding through woods, meadows, and rocky outcrops in the heart of Montpelier. Hikers can explore varied terrain and climb the 54-foot Hubbard Tower for elevated views of the surrounding landscape. The park's trails provide a peaceful escape with both natural and historic features to discover.
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. Cady Hill Forest
CADY HILL TRAILS | STOWE VT
Cady Hill Forest is home to the Cady Hill Trails, an 11-mile network winding through 258 acres of conserved land. The trails offer a mix of single and double track paths, catering to hikers of all abilities and providing access to hardwood forests, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy year-round hiking with easy access from Stowe's town center.
19. Stowe Recreation Path
STOWE RECREATION PATH | STOWE VT
Stowe Recreation Path is a renowned 5.3-mile greenway that stretches from Stowe Village to Topnotch Resort, following the West Branch of Little River. The paved trail is popular for hiking, offering breathtaking mountain views and convenient access to local restaurants and shops along the route. Its gentle terrain and scenic beauty make it a favorite for both residents and visitors seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
20. Mount Hunger
MOUNT HUNGER TRAIL | WATERBURY VT
Mount Hunger is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging climb via the Mount Hunger Trail, which ascends through C.C. Putnam State Forest to a rocky, bald summit. The trail features steady elevation gain, some scrambling near the top, and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains on clear days. The summit rewards hikers with one of Vermont's most spectacular vistas, making the effort well worthwhile.