Richford VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Richford, Vermont.
1. Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATH
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail offers a gentle 26-mile route through scenic countryside, connecting Richford to St. Albans. The trail is rated easy, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels, as well as bikers and walkers. Highlights include views of the Missisquoi River, pastoral farmland, forests, and access directly from Davis Park in Richford.
2. Richford Town Forest
WOODED LOCAL ESCAPE
Richford Town Forest provides a quiet woodland experience with a network of trails suitable for hiking and exploring nature. The terrain is generally easy to moderate, winding through mixed forests and offering opportunities for birding and wildlife observation. Its peaceful setting makes it a favorite for families and those seeking a tranquil outdoor adventure.
3. Jay Peak Long Trail
SUMMIT AND RIDGE HIKE
Jay Peak Long Trail section is a moderately challenging route that leads hikers to the summit of Jay Peak, one of Vermont's most prominent mountains. The trail offers forested ascents, rocky scrambles, and sweeping summit views of the Green Mountains and into Canada. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers seeking substantial elevation gain and panoramic vistas.
4. Northern Forest Canoe Trail
RIVERBANK PATHWAY WALK
Northern Forest Canoe Trail passes through Richford with riverside paths that provide easy, scenic walking opportunities near the Missisquoi River. Though mainly a paddling route, the adjacent paths and access points are great for relaxed strolls and wildlife watching. The flat terrain makes it ideal for families and casual hikers.
5. Cold Hollow Mountains
REMOTE WILDERNESS TRAILS
Cold Hollow Mountains offer a mix of moderate to strenuous hikes through remote, forested highlands southwest of Richford. Trail highlights include rugged paths, panoramic views from ridgelines, and unspoiled natural habitats. These less-traveled trails are favored by those seeking solitude and backcountry adventure.
6. Big Jay Trail
BACKCOUNTRY PEAK TREK
Big Jay Trail is a challenging hike that takes adventurous hikers from Jay Peak's ski area toward the wild summit of Big Jay. The route is steep and often rugged, requiring careful navigation through dense forest and occasional scrambles. Those who reach the high point are rewarded with dramatic, unobstructed views.
7. Hazen's Notch State Park
MOUNTAIN PASS ADVENTURE
Hazen's Notch State Park features a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to moderate forest climbs through the Notch's dramatic mountain pass. The park is known for its diverse flora, wildflowers, and opportunities to see wildlife. Mountain vistas and winding forest paths make it a favorite for both casual and experienced hikers.
8. Browns Corner Reservoir Trails
RESERVOIR LOOP PATHS
Browns Corner Reservoir Trails offer easy to moderate walking loops that circle the reservoir just south of Richford. These trails are popular for their scenic water views, peaceful woodlands, and glimpses of local wildlife. The even grade makes them ideal for families and those looking for a relaxing nature outing.
9. Underhill State Park
GATEWAY TO MOUNT MANSFIELD
Underhill State Park sits at the base of Mount Mansfield and serves as the starting point for summit hikes, including the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trails. Trails here range from moderate to strenuous, ascending wooded slopes to Vermont's highest peak. Hikers are rewarded with alpine scenery and extensive views across the Green Mountains.
10. Green Mountains Trails
CLASSIC VERMONT WILDERNESS
Green Mountains Trails encompass a network of footpaths through the vast and forested Green Mountains near Richford and beyond. Hikers can choose from easy valley walks to longer, more difficult ridge traverses, experiencing the varied landscapes of Vermont's iconic mountain range. Highlights include old-growth forests, streams, and scenic overlooks throughout the region.