South Hero Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near South Hero, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
As part of Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park features hiking trails that lead to Vermont's highest peak through lush forests and rocky ridges. The Sunset Ridge Trail is a highlight for its open vistas and accessibility from the park's campground area. Its unique tundra ecosystem adds an ecological treasure to the hiking experience.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Featuring iconic hiking routes like the Burrows Trail, Camel's Hump State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont. The summit offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Champlain and distant mountain ranges, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. Its rich biodiversity adds to the park's allure year-round.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A hike to Lye Brook Falls offers a blend of adventure and tranquility in Vermont's Lye Brook Wilderness. The moderately difficult trail winds through dense woodlands, crossing streams and rocky terrain before reaching the towering waterfall. This natural wonder is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and solitude.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Hiking the Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest rewards adventurers with unmatched views of the Green Mountain range from its summit. The trail showcases Vermont's natural beauty through its lush forests and rocky outcrops. Its connection to nearby trails adds options for extended exploration in the area.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak stands as a premier hiking destination in Vermont's Green Mountains. Trails such as Sherburne Pass and Bucklin Trail provide access to its summit, where hikers are greeted by unparalleled vistas. The climb combines natural serenity with exhilarating challenges.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | LINCOLN VT
With trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs, Green Mountain National Forest is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont. Highlights include Mount Mansfield's Sunset Ridge Trail and the historic Long Trail that spans the state. The forest's diverse ecosystems offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park offers hikers a network of well-marked trails winding through hardwood forests and rocky outcrops, with beautiful stone staircases leading to the summit. The main Summit Trail, just under half a mile, rewards visitors with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains from the top. Mt. Philo State Park is a favorite for both casual walkers and avid hikers, with options to combine trails for varied hiking experiences.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known as one of Vermont's premier swimming holes, Warren Falls combines breathtaking waterfalls with tranquil pools set against a backdrop of lush greenery and rugged rocks. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming or exploring nearby trails while taking in the serene environment. It remains a timeless favorite among locals and travelers alike.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park invites hikers to explore its picturesque trails that highlight Vermont's natural beauty, including the famous 165-foot-deep gorge. The main trail leads visitors through dense woodlands to serene spots along the riverbank. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this park combines adventure with peaceful scenery.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail provides a serene hiking experience around a picturesque mountain pond in Vermont's only national park. Surrounded by managed forests, the trail features ferns, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife sightings. Its easy-to-moderate difficulty makes it accessible for all skill levels.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail begins with a 900-foot boardwalk crossing wildflower-filled floodplains before ascending to a platform with waterfall views. The trail is easy, flat, and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it accessible to all. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a tranquil spot to enjoy Vermonts natural beauty and the sound of rushing water.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park offers a tranquil setting for hiking, with trails that pass through lush forests and along rocky ridges. At Red Rocks Park, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the lake and distant mountains. Red Rocks Park is open year-round, with free parking and no entry fee outside the summer season.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail provides a gentle hike through a mosaic of hardwood forests, meadows, and lakeside vistas. The path is dotted with interpretive signs and benches, allowing hikers to pause and soak in the scenery. Emerald Lake State Park is especially popular in summer, when the lake's clear waters and shaded trails offer a refreshing escape.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park is renowned for the Windsor Trail, which offers a direct 2.7-mile route to the mountain's 3,144-foot summit. The trail features notable landmarks such as Gerry Falls and Castle Rock before culminating at an observation tower. Mt Ascutney State Park is ideal for hikers eager to experience Vermont's rugged beauty.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore and provides access to the renowned Rattlesnake Cliff Trail. Branbury State Park's trail winds past waterfalls and through dense woods before reaching rocky ledges with stunning views. Branbury State Park is a must-visit for those eager to experience Vermont's natural beauty on foot.
16. Bingham Falls
BINGHAM FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Bingham Falls provides access to the Bingham Falls Trail, a short but steep hike descending to the base of a picturesque waterfall. The trail features rock staircases and requires caution due to slippery conditions, especially near the falls. Visitors are treated to the sights and sounds of cascading water in a lush, forested setting.
17. Brighton State Park
SHORELINE TRAIL | ISLAND POND VT
Brighton State Park offers the Shoreline Trail, an easy to moderate hike that traces the edge of Island Pond. The trail passes through rare Red Pine Natural Area and provides interpretive panels at Indian Point, sharing insights into local cultural and natural history. Hikers enjoy tranquil lakeside scenery and opportunities to observe diverse plant and wildlife habitats.
18. Cady Hill Forest
CADY HILL TRAILS | STOWE VT
Cady Hill Forest is home to the Cady Hill Trails, an 11-mile network winding through 258 acres of conserved land. The trails offer a mix of single and double track paths, catering to hikers of all abilities and providing access to hardwood forests, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy year-round hiking with easy access from Stowe's town center.
19. Okemo State Forest
OKEMO STATE FOREST TRAILS | LUDLOW VT
Okemo State Forest boasts a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Healdville Trail, which ascends three miles to the summit of Okemo Mountain. Hikers are treated to expansive views from the refurbished fire tower and can explore diverse habitats ranging from northern hardwoods to boreal forests. The forest's extensive trail system offers opportunities for both challenging hikes and peaceful nature walks.
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.