Sharon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sharon, Vermont.
1. My Walden
SOLITUDE IN NATURE
My Walden is a 236-acre natural sanctuary in Sharon where visitors can find quietness, solace, and space needed to rejuvenate the soul. The property features an excellent system of well-constructed forest roads with hardwood forests, west-facing grassland openings, wetland areas, streams, a 5-acre pond, and a fen where showy lady's slippers bloom in early summer. Visitors can traverse most of the property on foot, skis, or snowshoes via well-maintained roads and trails while enjoying the beauty of nature up close by waterfalls or gazing at distant mountains from open meadows.
2. The Sharon Academy Trail
CAMPUS LOOP EXPERIENCE
The Sharon Academy Trail is a 6000-foot loop trail that winds throughout the Sharon Academy campus. The trail was constructed with the help of Sharon Academy students through 34 class sessions. While primarily designed as a hiking trail, it offers visitors a chance to experience the educational campus from a different perspective.
3. Downer State Forest
MODERATE FOREST ADVENTURE
Downer State Forest offers a 4.5-mile network of trails with a moderate difficulty level. The trail system features both unpaved roads and natural surfaces for varied hiking experiences. Hikers can enjoy the scenic forest landscape while traversing this moderately challenging terrain.
4. White River Ledges Natural Area
RIVERSIDE CLIFF VIEWS
White River Ledges Natural Area provides hikers with dramatic views of the White River from elevated cliff positions. The trail system winds through a diverse ecosystem with hardwood forests and unique geological formations. Visitors can experience both challenging climbs and gentle riverside paths throughout this natural area.
5. Quimby Mountain Trail
SCENIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Quimby Mountain Trail offers hikers a challenging climb to panoramic views of the surrounding Upper Valley region. The trail ascends through mixed hardwood forests before reaching open areas near the summit with spectacular vistas. Hikers should be prepared for some steep sections that reward the effort with unparalleled scenic overlooks.
6. Strafford Town Forest Trails
COMMUNITY WOODLAND NETWORK
Strafford Town Forest Trails, located near Sharon, feature a network of paths through community-managed woodlands with varied terrain. The trails range from easy walks to moderate hikes with options for different experience levels and time constraints. Visitors can enjoy seasonal wildflowers, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful forest settings throughout the year.
7. Tunbridge Town Forest
HISTORIC WOODLAND PATHS
Tunbridge Town Forest, a short drive from Sharon, offers a network of hiking trails through historically significant woodland areas. The trail system features gentle grades suitable for families and casual hikers with interpretive elements highlighting the area's natural and cultural history. Visitors can enjoy stream crossings, mature forest canopy, and seasonal displays of wildflowers and foliage.
8. Hurricane Forest Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE AND WETLANDS
Hurricane Forest Wildlife Refuge, located near Sharon, features a diverse trail system through protected habitat areas rich in wildlife viewing opportunities. The refuge includes wetland boardwalks, upland forest paths, and open meadow trails providing varied hiking experiences. Visitors can observe native bird species, wetland ecosystems, and seasonal changes while exploring this conservation area.
9. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
HISTORIC CONSERVATION TRAILS
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, a short drive from Sharon, offers 20+ miles of carriage roads and trails through one of America's oldest managed forests. The trail system ranges from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs with interpretive elements highlighting Vermont's conservation history. Hikers can enjoy the historic landscape, Mount Tom summit views, and the carefully managed forest that represents generations of sustainable forestry practices.
10. Appalachian Trail - White River Section
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The White River section of the Appalachian Trail passes near Sharon, offering hikers a chance to experience a portion of America's most famous long-distance trail. This section features moderate terrain with river valley views, forest canopy, and occasional vistas of the surrounding countryside. Day hikers can access several entry points to enjoy this iconic trail without committing to the full thru-hike experience.