Ryegate Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ryegate, 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
From rugged alpine terrain to gentle forested paths, Camel's Hump State Park showcases Vermont's outdoor splendor at its finest. The Burrows Trail is ideal for those seeking a straightforward route to the summit, while other trails offer secluded experiences with historical landmarks along the way. Every trail promises breathtaking scenery and tranquility in nature.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is accessible via a moderate trail that spans 4.6 miles round-trip. The hike features rocky paths, stream crossings, and lush woodlands leading to the impressive multi-tiered waterfall. Its serene atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an invigorating hike through hardwood forests to a rocky summit with sweeping mountain views. Its well-maintained paths make it accessible while still providing a challenge for experienced hikers. This trail is a quintessential Vermont hiking destination year-round.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers one of Vermont's most iconic hikes, combining natural beauty with physical challenge. Trails like Bucklin Trail guide adventurers through dense forests before reaching a steep final ascent to the summit's open views. This hike is perfect for those seeking both solitude and spectacular scenery.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | GOSHEN VT
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest combines natural beauty with recreational variety across its expansive acreage. Trails such as Mount Horrid's Great Cliff offer thrilling climbs while others like Sunset Ledge provide serene sunset views over Lake Champlain. This forest caters to hikers seeking both challenge and tranquility in nature's embrace.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park welcomes hikers in all seasons, with trails open for walking, snowshoeing, and even sledding in winter, and the summit road plowed for access. The park's changing scenery offers a different experience with each season, from wildflowers in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn. Mt. Philo State Park provides a versatile outdoor destination for year-round recreation and exploration.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
With its clear waters and dramatic rock features, Warren Falls is an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and families looking to unwind in nature. The short hike from the parking lot makes it easily accessible while offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding forest. Its charm remains timeless across seasons.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Explore Vermont's famous Quechee Gorge via hiking trails that offer sweeping views and access to serene spots along the Ottauquechee River at Quechee State Park. Trails range from easy walks to moderately challenging hikes through wooded areas and alongside cliffs overlooking the gorge below. This park is perfect for anyone seeking scenic beauty in a peaceful setting.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail offers hikers an easy-to-moderate route through Vermont's oldest scientifically managed forest. Circling a serene pond, the trail features breathtaking views and opportunities to observe local wildlife. Its well-maintained carriage roads ensure a comfortable hiking experience for all visitors.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers sweeping views of the Ottauquechee Valley and a dramatic 140-foot waterfall at the trails end. The accessible route is part of the Appalachian Trail and is maintained by local conservation groups. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a highlight for anyone exploring the Killington area.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park's trails loop through old-growth trees and lead to rocky shorelines with breathtaking views of the water. Hikers at Red Rocks Park often encounter quiet coves, birdlife, and the occasional glimpse of peregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs. Red Rocks Park is accessible year-round, with portable restrooms available seasonally.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park is home to the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a scenic route that highlights the park's diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can expect to see everything from towering hardwoods to delicate wildflowers, with the lake always nearby. Emerald Lake State Park is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and enjoy Vermont's seasonal beauty.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is a favorite for hikers seeking a steady, scenic climb to the summit. The route passes through meadows and forests, with highlights including a waterfall and dramatic rock formations. Mt Ascutney State Park delivers breathtaking summit views and a memorable outdoor adventure.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is a hub for outdoor recreation, with the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail providing a challenging and scenic hiking experience. Branbury State Park's path is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Branbury State Park is a must for anyone looking to explore Vermont's dramatic landscapes.
16. Elmore Provincial Park
MOUNT ELMORE FIRE TOWER TRAIL | ELMORE VT
Elmore Provincial Park features the Mount Elmore Fire Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile path ascending to the summit of Elmore Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to climb a historic fire tower, offering sweeping views of the Green Mountains and the Presidential Range. The trail is a highlight for those seeking a classic Vermont summit experience surrounded by forested beauty.
17. Deer Leap Trail
DEER LEAP TRAIL | RUTLAND VT
The Deer Leap Trail in Rutland is a moderately challenging hike known for its rocky, root-filled path and rewarding overlook. Hikers ascend through birch and pine woods to reach the Deer Leap Overlook, where expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains await. The trail is well-marked and offers a quiet, scenic escape for those seeking a short but invigorating trek.
18. CC Putnam State Forest
WORCESTER RANGE TRAILS | WORCESTER VT
CC Putnam State Forest encompasses the Worcester Range Trails, a rugged network traversing peaks like Mount Hunger and Stowe Pinnacle. Hikers experience remote wilderness, diverse forests, and sweeping summit views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. The Skyline Trail links several summits, offering a challenging and rewarding ridge walk.
19. Hogback Mountain Conservation Area
HOGBACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL | MARLBORO VT
Hogback Mountain Conservation Area offers hikers a scenic trail network that follows the ridgeline to the true summit of Hogback Mountain. The Hogback Mountain Trail takes visitors through diverse forest types, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy seasonal views, especially in winter when the foliage opens up panoramic vistas. Trail users can expect a mix of loop options and a peaceful, natural setting managed by local volunteers.
20. Mount Abraham
MOUNT ABRAHAM TRAIL | LINCOLN VT
Mount Abraham is reached by hiking the Mount Abraham Trail, which traverses a mix of sugarbushes, hardwood forests, and alpine terrain to Vermont's fifth highest peak. The trail is known for its moderate difficulty, rare alpine vegetation, and a summit above treeline that offers expansive views of the Green Mountains, Champlain Valley, and Adirondacks. Hikers should stay on the marked path to protect fragile plants and enjoy the unique high-elevation landscape.