Topsham Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Topsham, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Underhill State Park offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, with routes like the Maple Ridge Trail providing technical challenges for seasoned hikers. The summit ridge of Mount Mansfield delivers unparalleled 360-degree views of Vermont's landscape. Visitors can also appreciate the park's alpine flora and rustic camping options.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Offering trails like the Burrows Trail and Monroe Trail, Camel's Hump State Park provides hikers with a chance to experience Vermont's natural beauty up close. The summit rewards visitors with sweeping views of neighboring peaks and alpine vegetation. The park's diverse trails ensure a memorable adventure for both novice and experienced hikers alike.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Lye Brook Falls captivates hikers with its 125-foot cascade and peaceful surroundings in Manchester, Vermont. The trail spans 4.6 miles round-trip and includes rocky sections and shaded forest paths that provide a refreshing escape from summer heat. Visitors are rewarded with picturesque views of the falls and opportunities for photography or quiet reflection.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
CC Putnam State Forest offers hikers access to the scenic Stowe Pinnacle Trail, a challenging yet rewarding route. The trail ascends through mixed hardwood forests, offering spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump from its rocky summit. Visitors can also connect to other trails for extended adventures in the Green Mountains.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Hiking to Killington Peak provides an unforgettable experience with its mix of serene trails and dramatic ascents. The summit offers a perfect reward for the effort-a sweeping view across Vermont and beyond. Whether via Bucklin Trail or Sherburne Pass, this hike is a highlight of the Green Mountains.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | RIPTON VT
The Green Mountain National Forest invites hikers to traverse its scenic landscapes, including the Monroe Skyline and Stratton Pond trails. From challenging climbs to accessible loops like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, there is something for everyone. Wildlife sightings and panoramic views enhance the hiking experience in this Vermont treasure.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park boasts historic carriage roads and stone staircases built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding character to the hiking experience. Hikers can explore multiple interconnected trails, including the House Rock, Devil's Chair, and Old Carriage Road routes, each with unique features. Mt. Philo State Park preserves both natural beauty and local history, making every hike a journey through Vermont's past and present.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Known for its pristine waters and dramatic scenery, Warren Falls is a must-visit destination along Route 100. The falls provide opportunities for cliff jumping, wading in shallow pools, or enjoying a picnic by the riverbank. Its accessibility and charm make it one of Vermont's most beloved natural attractions.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park features scenic hiking trails that showcase Vermont's natural wonders, including its majestic gorge and vibrant foliage in autumn months. Trails are moderately challenging but accessible, offering stunning views of the Ottauquechee River below. Visitors can enjoy both adventure and serenity in one location.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Encircling The Pogue, this loop trail showcases Vermont's natural charm with its mix of forested paths and open vistas. Hikers can enjoy seasonal blooms, wildlife sightings, and peaceful water views throughout the journey. Its accessibility makes it an inviting option for all outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a quick, 0.3-mile hike through peaceful woods to a spectacular 140-foot waterfall. The route is easy to follow, with packed dirt and boardwalk sections, and is perfect for a picnic or a family outing. Thundering Brook Falls Trail provides a refreshing break in the heart of the Green Mountains.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is known for its shaded walking trails that meander through dense forests and open onto stunning lake vistas. Hikers at Red Rocks Park can explore a variety of routes, from short strolls to longer loops, all with opportunities to spot wildlife. Red Rocks Park also offers picnic areas and seasonal swimming for a full day outdoors.
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 offers the Windsor Trail, a steep and scenic route leading to the mountain's summit and observation tower. Hikers are treated to forested landscapes, a charming waterfall, and dramatic rock outcrops along the way. Mt Ascutney State Park stands out as a premier hiking location in Vermont.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is a hub for outdoor recreation, with the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail providing a challenging and scenic hiking experience. Branbury State Park's path is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. Branbury State Park is a must for anyone looking to explore Vermont's dramatic landscapes.
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. Hamilton Falls
HAMILTON FALLS TRAIL | JAMAICA VT
Hamilton Falls is accessed via the Hamilton Falls Trail, a scenic route beginning in Jamaica State Park and following the West River and Switch Road Trails. The hike is approximately three miles one way, culminating at the dramatic 125-foot cascade of Hamilton Falls. Hikers should exercise caution near the falls due to steep, slippery rocks and strong currents, but the journey offers a memorable adventure through lush woodland.
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. Milton Town Forest
MILTON TOWN FOREST TRAILS | MILTON VT
Milton Town Forest provides hikers with six miles of established trails that loop through 485 acres of woodlands and encircle the scenic 33-acre Milton Pond. The Milton Town Forest Trails offer a tranquil setting for nature walks, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems at their own pace.
20. Mount Hunger
MOUNT HUNGER TRAIL | WATERBURY VT
Mount Hunger is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging climb via the Mount Hunger Trail, which ascends through C.C. Putnam State Forest to a rocky, bald summit. The trail features steady elevation gain, some scrambling near the top, and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains on clear days. The summit rewards hikers with one of Vermont's most spectacular vistas, making the effort well worthwhile.