South Hero VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near South Hero, Vermont.
1. Fox Hill Trail
HILLTOP LAKE VIEWS
Fox Hill Trail offers a short, uphill hike located in South Hero and rewards visitors with sweeping views of The Island Line Trail, Snow Farm Vineyard, and Lake Champlain. This moderate trail starts near the Snow Farm Vineyard, making it a popular spot for combining outdoor activity with local wine tasting. The hike is best known for its panoramic vistas and accessible length, making it suitable for most hikers.
2. Roy Marsh Trail
WILDLIFE WETLAND PATH
Roy Marsh Trail follows the old Island Line Railroad Bed through the Roy Marsh Wildlife Management Area, creating an easy, out-and-back route of approximately 2 miles each way. The trail features grassy, packed dirt, and fine gravel surfaces with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for all skill levels. Highlights include the opportunity to see diverse wetland wildlife and serene marsh landscapes.
3. Tracy Woods Community Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST LOOP
Tracy Woods Community Trail is a one-mile loop that winds through preserved woodlands in South Hero, offering a gentle and scenic walk for all ages. This easy trail immerses hikers in the natural beauty of the Champlain Islands, with opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife. The loop's flat terrain and short length make it ideal for families or casual hikers.
4. Landon Community Trail
SCENIC RURAL WALK
Landon Community Trail features a gentle route through rural scenery and open fields in South Hero, providing an easy walking experience. Its mild terrain and well-maintained path make it accessible for beginners and those seeking a tranquil outing. The trail offers views across the local landscape and is a peaceful escape for visitors.
5. Landon–Round Pond Connector
CONNECTOR NATURE TRAIL
The Landon–Round Pond Connector serves as a natural link between the Landon Community Trail and Round Pond State Park trails in South Hero. This easy and relatively flat trail lets visitors transition from open fields to wetland habitats, providing a varied hiking experience. The connector is ideal for those looking to extend their walk or explore multiple preserved areas in one trip.
6. Round Pond State Park Trails
WETLAND AND POND VIEWS
Round Pond State Park offers several easy-to-moderate trails that wind around the pond and through adjacent wetlands. These trails provide hikers with opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife amid tranquil natural settings. The park's diverse ecosystems and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite for nature lovers and gentle outdoor adventure.
7. Pelot's Point Natural Area
LAKE CHAMPLAIN SHORELINE
Pelot's Point Natural Area in North Hero features easy walking trails that meander through floodplain forests and along cobble shorelines of Lake Champlain. Hikers enjoy a mile-long journey ending at a scenic shale beach with broad southerly views of the lake. The area is well-suited for beginners and those seeking a peaceful, waterside stroll.
8. Camp Ingalls Trail
FOREST AND BEACH LOOP
Camp Ingalls Trail provides an easy hike through both cedar and pine forests, culminating at a scenic beach on Lake Champlain. The mile-long trail winds through varying woodlands and offers hikers tranquil views and lakeside relaxation. The mixed terrain and short distance make this trail accessible for hikers of all ages.
9. The Island Line Trail
BIKING AND WALKING PATH
The Island Line Trail is a renowned multi-use path that connects South Hero with Burlington via causeways over Lake Champlain. This mostly flat and paved trail is suitable for walking, running, or biking, offering spectacular lake and mountain views along its route. Its long stretches and unique causeway sections make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve
FOSSIL EXPLORATION SPOT
Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve offers a network of easy trails set among ancient reef outcrops, giving visitors a chance to explore geologic history firsthand. The trails wind through open meadows and wooded areas where exposed fossils are visible along the path. This site is ideal for families, geology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in natural history.