Stowe Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stowe, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Tucked into Vermont's Green Mountains, Underhill State Park provides unparalleled access to Mount Mansfield's rugged beauty through its network of hiking trails like Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge Trails. The park features rare tundra vegetation at higher elevations and connects with Vermont's Long Trail for extended adventures across the ridge line. Its peaceful campsites make it an ideal base for exploring this iconic peak.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
This beloved park features trails ranging from universally accessible routes to challenging summit climbs that lead to Camel's Hump's iconic peak. The Burrows Trail is particularly popular for its well-maintained path and rewarding views at the top. With its diverse terrain and rich history, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
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 is one of the highlights of CC Putnam State Forest, offering hikers a challenging route with incredible summit views. Its steep inclines are balanced by moments of respite in tranquil forested areas along the way. This trail is perfect for those seeking both exercise and scenic rewards in Vermont's outdoors.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
A trek to Killington Peak takes hikers along iconic trails like the Appalachian and Long Trails. The route offers diverse terrain, from gentle inclines to rugged climbs, ending with stunning 360-degree views. This peak is a must-visit for both seasoned and aspiring adventurers.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | RUTLAND VT
Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont offers a diverse range of hiking trails, from serene woodland walks to challenging mountain ascents. Popular routes include the Long Trail, Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, and Mt. Abraham Trail, each showcasing the region's natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy stunning vistas, tranquil lakes, and rich wildlife throughout this 400,000-acre expanse.
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
Hiking trails at Quechee State Park offer a blend of easy-to-moderate routes that showcase the stunning Quechee Gorge and its surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore paths leading to Deweys Pond or descend into the gorge for closer views of the Ottauquechee River. This park is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty in Vermont.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hiking the Pogue Loop Trail reveals Vermont's natural beauty through shaded paths and scenic pond-side vistas. Wildlife sightings and seasonal blooms add to the charm of this accessible route within Mount Tom's historic forest landscape. It is perfect for families or solo adventurers alike seeking outdoor serenity.
11. Thundering Brook Falls
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a short, universally accessible boardwalk hike leading to one of Vermonts tallest waterfalls. The trail meanders through the Ottauquechee River floodplain before reaching a viewing platform overlooking the 140-foot cascade. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is ideal for families, wheelchair users, and anyone seeking a scenic, easy outing.
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 features the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a family-friendly path that circles the tranquil, emerald-hued lake. Hikers can enjoy easy access to the water, shaded woodland stretches, and occasional open meadows teeming with wildflowers and birds. Emerald Lake State Park is ideal for a relaxing day hike with plenty of opportunities for photography and nature observation.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail is a direct and invigorating hike, ascending 2.7 miles to the summit's panoramic observation tower. The trail features natural attractions like Gerry Falls and Castle Rock, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must for hikers in the Windsor area.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park provides access to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, where hikers can journey through forested slopes and rocky switchbacks. Branbury State Park's trail culminates at dramatic overlooks, making it a highlight for those who appreciate Vermont's wild landscapes. Branbury State Park is a great choice for a day of hiking and exploration.
16. Niquette Bay State Park
ALLEN TRAIL | COLCHESTER VT
Niquette Bay State Park's Allen Trail offers a short, accessible route to the shores of Lake Champlain, passing through forested ridges and sandy terraces. The trail provides impressive vistas of Malletts Bay, the Green Mountains, and the Lake Champlain Islands. Hikers can enjoy a peaceful day hike with opportunities for nature observation and lakeside relaxation.
17. Centennial Woods Natural Area
CENTENNIAL WOODS LOOP TRAIL | BURLINGTON VT
Centennial Woods Natural Area offers the Centennial Woods Loop Trail, winding through 65 acres of mature conifers, hardwoods, fields, and wetlands. The trail system provides a natural retreat within Burlington, serving as both a recreational path and an outdoor classroom for local students. Hikers can explore diverse habitats and enjoy a peaceful escape just minutes from the city center.
18. Sterling Pond Trail
STERLING POND TRAIL | CAMBRIDGE VT
Sterling Pond Trail leads hikers on a moderately challenging ascent through Smugglers Notch to Vermont's highest alpine pond. The 3.3-mile loop features steep, rocky sections, lush spruce-fir forests, and panoramic views of Madonna Peak and Mount Mansfield. At the summit, Sterling Pond offers a tranquil spot for rest, reflection, or a refreshing swim.
19. Hogback Mountain Conservation Area
HOGBACK MOUNTAIN TRAIL | MARLBORO VT
Hogback Mountain Conservation Area offers hikers a scenic trail network that follows the ridgeline to the true summit of Hogback Mountain. The Hogback Mountain Trail takes visitors through diverse forest types, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy seasonal views, especially in winter when the foliage opens up panoramic vistas. Trail users can expect a mix of loop options and a peaceful, natural setting managed by local volunteers.
20. Crosstown Trails, West Dover
CROSSTOWN TRAILS | WEST DOVER VT
The Crosstown Trails in West Dover offer an easy, well-marked hiking experience through the Green Mountain National Forest, with gentle rises and falls over approximately six miles. The route passes through woodlands, marshes, and open areas, connecting with other local trails and providing a relaxing walk suitable for all ages. This network is a local favorite for daily strolls, biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of southern Vermont.