Stamford VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Stamford, Vermont.
1. Horse Caves Loop
SCENIC NET TRAIL EXPERIENCE
Horse Caves Loop via NET/M&M Trail and Robert Frost Trail offers hikers a delightful 3.4-mile journey through the natural beauty of Stamford. The trail features moderate difficulty with some elevation changes that reward hikers with unique cave formations along the route. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful forest environment while experiencing the literary connection to the famous poet Robert Frost.
2. Long Trail
VERMONT'S ICONIC FOOTPATH
The Long Trail passes through Stamford as part of Vermont's historic 272-mile hiking path that runs the length of the state. This challenging trail offers hikers rugged terrain and elevation changes through the Green Mountains with primitive camping opportunities along the route. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views, diverse ecosystems, and the experience of traversing America's oldest long-distance hiking trail.
3. Appalachian Trail
LEGENDARY MOUNTAIN JOURNEY
The Appalachian Trail provides hikers with an opportunity to experience a segment of the famous 2,190-mile route that stretches from Georgia to Maine. In the Stamford section, the trail offers moderate to difficult hiking with varying elevations through pristine Vermont wilderness. Hikers can enjoy scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained shelters along this historic footpath.
4. Bald Mountain Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT VIEWS
Bald Mountain Trail offers adventurous hikers a challenging route with steep inclines leading to spectacular panoramic views. The trail features rugged terrain through dense forest before opening to exposed summit areas with vistas of surrounding valleys and mountains. Hikers should prepare for a strenuous experience that rewards their efforts with some of the most breathtaking views in the Stamford region.
5. Pine Cobble Trail
RUGGED WOODLAND ADVENTURE
Pine Cobble Trail presents hikers with a rugged path through diverse woodland environments near Stamford. The trail is known for its moderately difficult terrain with rocky sections and a rewarding summit offering views of the Hoosic River Valley and the Taconic Range. Seasonal hikers enjoy spring wildflowers, summer shade, vibrant fall foliage, or serene winter landscapes depending on when they visit.
6. Mount Equinox Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT DESTINATION
Mount Equinox Trail offers hikers a challenging ascent to the highest peak in the Taconic Range near Stamford. The trail features a strenuous climb through mixed forests and rocky terrain before reaching the 3,848-foot summit with breathtaking 360-degree views. Hikers can observe five different states from the peak on clear days, making the difficult journey exceptionally rewarding.
7. Harriman Reservoir Loop Trail
TRANQUIL WATERSIDE STROLL
Harriman Reservoir Loop Trail provides a relatively easy hiking experience along the shores of one of Vermont's largest bodies of water not far from Stamford. The trail offers gentle terrain with minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels. Visitors enjoy serene water views, abundant wildlife spotting opportunities, and peaceful forest sections throughout the loop.
8. Lye Brook Falls
MAJESTIC WILDERNESS WATERFALL
Lye Brook Falls trail leads hikers to one of Vermont's highest and most spectacular waterfalls, located within driving distance from Stamford. The moderate 4.4-mile round trip follows an old logging road through the Lye Brook Wilderness with gentle but persistent elevation gain. The highlight is the impressive 125-foot cascading waterfall that tumbles down a series of rock steps, creating a stunning visual display especially after spring melt or heavy rains.
9. Camel's Hump State Park
ICONIC VERMONT MOUNTAIN
Camel's Hump State Park offers several trails leading to one of Vermont's most recognizable mountain peaks within a reasonable drive from Stamford. The challenging trails range from moderate to difficult with significant elevation gain leading to the distinctive 4,083-foot summit. Hikers are rewarded with extraordinary views of the Adirondacks to the west and the White Mountains to the east from this undeveloped alpine summit.
10. Underhill State Park
MOUNT MANSFIELD ACCESS POINT
Underhill State Park serves as a gateway to Vermont's highest mountain, Mount Mansfield, and offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty. The park features well-maintained paths through lush forests before potentially reaching the alpine zone above tree line with rare arctic-alpine vegetation. Hikers can choose from shorter family-friendly loops or challenging summit routes that lead to spectacular Green Mountain views across northern Vermont.