St Albans Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St Albans, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Underhill State Park serves as a gateway to Mount Mansfield, boasting four trails that ascend to the summit ridge. The Sunset Ridge Trail is particularly popular for its panoramic vistas and manageable difficulty. Visitors can explore the park's rich history, unique tundra-like vegetation, and well-maintained camping areas.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park is home to Vermont's third-highest peak and a variety of hiking trails that showcase the state's stunning wilderness. Trails wind through dense forests, open rocky expanses, and historical sites such as the B-24 bomber memorial. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, visitors will find an unforgettable experience here.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Lye Brook Falls is a must-see destination in Manchester, Vermont, featuring one of the state's highest waterfalls at 125 feet. The 4.6-mile hike takes visitors through shaded forests and past remnants of historic logging sites before arriving at the breathtaking falls. Perfect for families and seasoned hikers alike, this trail combines history, nature, and adventure.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail within CC Putnam State Forest is a popular route featuring steep terrain and rewarding summit views. Hikers can enjoy picturesque overlooks of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump while traversing diverse ecosystems. This trail is ideal for those seeking both physical challenge and scenic beauty.
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 | WARREN VT
Spanning southwestern and central Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest boasts over 400,000 acres of trails, ponds, and peaks to explore. Iconic hikes like Mount Abraham provide rewarding summit views while easier paths like Blueberry Lake Loop cater to families and beginners. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing make it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park's trails pass through habitats rich with deer, moose, and seasonal wildflowers, offering a chance to experience Vermont's natural diversity. Hikers may encounter painted trillium, starflowers, and a variety of birds along the way, especially in spring and fall. Mt. Philo State Park is a nature lover's retreat just minutes from Burlington, with opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Featuring dramatic cliffs and refreshing pools, Warren Falls is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The trailhead provides quick access to this scenic gem, where visitors can enjoy activities like cliff jumping or relaxing by the water's edge. Its popularity highlights its status as one of Vermont's top attractions.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
At Quechee State Park, hikers can traverse trails leading to Vermont's iconic gorge, formed by ancient glacial movements. The paths are well-marked and provide opportunities to enjoy wildlife, river views, and fall foliage. Whether hiking solo or with family, this park delivers an unforgettable journey into nature's splendor.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail circles a historic man-made pond nestled within Mount Tom's forested slopes. This easy hike showcases Vermont's natural beauty with its mix of serene water views and shaded woodland paths. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot herons or owls along the way.
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 is a hidden gem offering a collection of interconnected trails perfect for hiking to the lake's edge. Red Rocks Park's paths are mostly shaded, making them comfortable for summer walks and peaceful in winter snow. Red Rocks Park is a great choice for families, solo hikers, and anyone seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail offers a classic Vermont hiking experience, with a mix of shaded woods, open meadows, and lakeshore paths. The trail is easy to follow and provides several spots to rest, picnic, or swim along the way. Emerald Lake State Park is a top pick for visitors looking to combine hiking with other outdoor activities.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail provides a classic New England hiking experience, rising 2,500 feet from trailhead to summit. Along the way, hikers encounter forested paths, rocky outcrops, and the historic observation tower with 360-degree views. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must-visit for those seeking a challenging yet accessible summit hike.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park invites hikers to tackle the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route that combines forested paths with rocky ascents. Branbury State Park's trail is especially popular in the fall, when foliage colors enhance the already stunning views. Branbury State Park is a premier destination for hiking and enjoying Vermont's seasonal beauty.
16. Jamaica State Park
OVERLOOK TRAIL LOOP | JAMAICA VT
Jamaica State Park's Overlook Trail Loop guides hikers through forested hills to scenic viewpoints above the West River. The trail serves as a detour to popular destinations like Hamilton Falls and offers a peaceful woodland experience. Along the way, hikers can appreciate the park's diverse flora and the sounds of rushing water below.
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. Mill Trail
MILL TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Mill Trail in Stowe offers a gentle hike through mixed hardwood and softwood forests along the West Branch of the Waterbury River. Hikers pass historic sites, including cellar holes and a restored log cabin, while enjoying river views and abundant wildlife. The trail is ideal for a peaceful walk, nature observation, and learning about Stowe's past.
19. Shelburne Bay Park
SHELBURNE BAY PARK TRAILS | SHELBURNE VT
Shelburne Bay Park features a network of trails that wind through 93 acres of lakefront, meadows, and forested ledges along the shores of Lake Champlain. The Shelburne Bay Park Trails are ideal for walking or hiking, with a 1.4-mile recreation path that connects to the Ti-Haul Trail and offers access to beautiful water views. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful hike while observing local wildlife and the park's diverse natural habitats.
20. Wiessner Woods Trails, Stowe Land Trust
WIESSNER WOODS TRAILS | STOWE VT
Wiessner Woods Trails provide an easy to moderate hiking experience through mature forests of hemlock, spruce, pine, and hardwoods, with well-marked paths ideal for families and dog owners. The 2.1-mile network features gentle terrain, small streams, and a peaceful, shaded environment perfect for a relaxing walk in nature. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the woods and spot whimsical touches like gnome villages along the way.