St. Albans VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near St. Albans, Vermont.
1. St. Albans Town Forest Trails
WOODLAND TRAILS AND WILDLIFE
St. Albans Town Forest offers a network of trails that criss-cross through the largest unfragmented block of forest in St. Albans. The trail system has a moderate to advanced difficulty level with approximately 4.10 miles of trails to explore. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of a beaver pond and observe migratory songbird habitat that's part of the Foresters for the Birds conservation project.
2. Aldis Hill - Hard'ack Hiking Trails
INTERACTIVE FOREST EXPLORATION
The Hard'ack Hiking Trails on Aldis Hill provide a well-marked trail system for hikers of all abilities in St. Albans. These interactive trails can be followed using the TrailHUB app, which provides updates on events and trail conditions. The trail network winds through forested areas offering a peaceful escape close to the town center.
3. Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail spans 26.4 miles through Franklin County, including St. Albans, offering a gentle grade perfect for hiking and walking. This former railroad corridor wanders through villages, farms, forests, fields, and wetlands at a slow, steady pace. The trail provides an accessible hiking experience with rich connections to local history and natural beauty.
4. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
VERMONT'S LONGEST RAIL TRAIL
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail passes through Franklin County and connects to St. Albans, offering hikers an extensive pathway through Vermont's scenic countryside. The trail features easy hiking with steady grades typical of a converted railroad bed. Hikers can enjoy beautiful landscapes, including forests, fields, and mountain views throughout the different seasons.
5. Cross Vermont Trail
CROSS-STATE HIKING ADVENTURE
The Cross Vermont Trail provides hikers with access to a long-distance pathway that connects to the St. Albans area. This multi-use trail offers varying difficulty levels as it traverses through different terrains and landscapes across the state. Hikers can experience Vermont's natural beauty while enjoying sections of trail that link communities and natural areas.
6. Island Line Trail
LAKE CHAMPLAIN CAUSEWAY
The Island Line Trail features a remarkable causeway that extends into Lake Champlain, accessible from the greater St. Albans area. This scenic trail offers easy hiking with flat terrain and extraordinary views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The highlight is the causeway section where hikers are surrounded by water on both sides with a ferry connection during summer months.
7. Niquette Bay State Park Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST EXPLORATION
Niquette Bay State Park, located south of St. Albans, offers a network of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels through forested terrain. The park features approximately 4 miles of trails that lead hikers to beautiful views of Lake Champlain and limestone cliffs. Hikers can enjoy diverse ecosystems including a sandy beach, hardwood forests, and rocky outcroppings.
8. Kill Kare State Park Trails
HISTORIC ISLAND PATHWAYS
Kill Kare State Park offers shoreline walking paths with easy terrain and historic significance on the shores of Lake Champlain. The park's trails provide hikers with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding islands in a former resort setting. Visitors can combine hiking with exploration of the park's historic structures and enjoy bird watching opportunities along the shore.
9. Stowe Recreation Path
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VALLEY TRAIL
The Stowe Recreation Path is a picturesque 5.3-mile paved trail located within driving distance of St. Albans. This easy hiking path meanders alongside the West Branch River with beautiful mountain views including glimpses of Mount Mansfield. Hikers can enjoy multiple access points, bridges crossing the river, and convenient connections to restaurants and shops in Stowe.
10. North Branch Nature Center Trails
RIVERSIDE NATURE EXPLORATION
The North Branch Nature Center Trails offer accessible hiking through diverse habitats along the North Branch of the Winooski River. The network includes easy to moderate trails that wind through meadows, forests, and wetlands with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. These family-friendly trails provide educational opportunities with interpretive signage about local ecology and natural history.