Reading VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Reading, Vermont.
1. Mount Ascutney
SUMMIT WITH SCENIC VIEWS
Mount Ascutney offers a challenging hiking experience near Reading, Vermont. The trail is generally considered moderately challenging and rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit. Hikers can enjoy diverse flora and fauna along the well-maintained paths that wind through verdant forests before reaching the exposed peak.
2. The Pogue and Mount Tom Trail
WOODLAND AND POND VIEWS
The Pogue and Mount Tom Trail provides a scenic hiking experience near Woodstock, just a short distance from Reading. This trail features a beautiful pond called The Pogue and leads to the summit of Mount Tom with rewarding views. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most hikers while still offering a satisfying outdoor adventure.
3. Thundering Brook Falls
ACCESSIBLE WATERFALL TRAIL
Thundering Brook Falls is a picturesque waterfall trail located in Reading, Vermont. The trail features a relatively easy hike culminating in views of a spectacular cascading waterfall. A wooden boardwalk section makes portions of this natural attraction accessible to visitors of various abilities.
4. Ascutney Basin Trail
MODERATE WOODLAND HIKE
Ascutney Basin Trail is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Reading, Vermont. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete. The trail is ideal for birding and hiking with year-round accessibility and a wilderness feel that ensures peaceful solitude.
5. Futures Trail
DIVERSE TERRAIN EXPERIENCE
Futures Trail offers hikers a varied terrain experience near Windsor, a short distance from Reading, Vermont. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, providing an engaging hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy seasonal changes that transform the trail throughout the year, making it worth multiple visits.
6. Camp Plymouth State Park Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST PATHS
Camp Plymouth State Park offers several hiking trails near Ludlow, not far from Reading, Vermont. The trails wind through scenic forests and provide beautiful views of Echo Lake. Hikers of various skill levels can find appropriate paths within this park system, making it a versatile destination for outdoor recreation.
7. Coolidge State Park Trails
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PATHS
Coolidge State Park features multiple hiking trails in Plymouth, near Reading, Vermont. The park offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in central Vermont with sweeping views of the Black River Valley and the Green Mountains. Trails vary in difficulty from easy forest walks to more challenging mountain ascents, providing options for different hiking experiences.
8. Hawk Inn Mountain Resort Trails
RESORT-BASED NATURE EXPLORATION
Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort offers hiking trails in Plymouth, a short drive from Reading, Vermont. The trail system provides access to beautiful mountain terrain with varying levels of difficulty. Hikers can enjoy maintained paths that showcase the natural beauty of the Vermont landscape throughout all four seasons.
9. Nature Trail at Little River State Park
EASY WOODLAND LOOP
The Nature Trail at Little River State Park is a 0.5-mile loop in Waterbury, offering an accessible hiking option near the Reading area. This easy trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and features woodland and stream environments. The kid-friendly path makes this an excellent choice for families looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty.
10. Stevenson Brook Trail
HISTORIC RUINS HIKE
Stevenson Brook Trail is a 2.5-mile path in Waterbury that can be hiked as a one-way trail or as part of a loop with other trails. The moderate difficulty trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and passes through serene woodland and alongside flowing streams. Hikers might encounter remnants of historic settlements, adding a cultural dimension to this natural experience.