Wallingford Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wallingford, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located within Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park offers access to some of Vermont's most iconic hiking routes. The park's trails, including the challenging Maple Ridge Trail, reward adventurers with sweeping summit views and diverse terrain. Its alpine ecosystem and historic CCC structures create a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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
Hiking the Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an immersive experience in Vermont's rugged landscapes. The trail combines challenging inclines with serene forest sections, culminating in sweeping views from the summit. Its connection to other trails makes it a versatile choice for both short hikes and longer treks.
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 | WOODFORD VT
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest features iconic trails such as Harmon Hill and Haystack Mountain, perfect for day hikes or extended adventures. The forest's varied terrain includes rocky summits, fern-filled meadows, and cascading streams. Fall foliage and winter snowshoeing add seasonal charm to this outdoor destination.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park welcomes hikers in all seasons, with trails open for walking, snowshoeing, and even sledding in winter, and the summit road plowed for access. The park's changing scenery offers a different experience with each season, from wildflowers in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn. Mt. Philo State Park provides a versatile outdoor destination for year-round recreation and exploration.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Tucked away in the Green Mountain National Forest, Warren Falls captivates with its cascading waters and serene atmosphere. The area offers plenty of space for exploration, swimming, and relaxation amidst stunning natural surroundings. Its reputation as a top swimming hole draws visitors from near and far.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Hiking at Quechee State Park is an immersive experience into Vermont's natural history, with trails leading through lush forests to Deweys Pond or down into the gorge itself. The park is known for its accessibility and stunning landscapes that cater to both novice hikers and seasoned adventurers alike. A visit here guarantees lasting memories amidst nature's grandeur.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Offering stunning views of The Pogue, this loop trail combines gentle carriage roads with vibrant forest scenery. Seasonal highlights include water lilies in summer and colorful foliage in fall. Its accessibility makes it a favorite among hikers of all ages.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail welcomes leashed dogs and their owners on a short, scenic hike to a roaring waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and includes a boardwalk section, making it suitable for all skill levels. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a great spot for a family outing or a peaceful walk with your pet.
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 is home to the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, a scenic route that highlights the park's diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can expect to see everything from towering hardwoods to delicate wildflowers, with the lake always nearby. Emerald Lake State Park is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and enjoy Vermont's seasonal beauty.
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 features the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a route that takes hikers past waterfalls and up to rocky ledges. Branbury State Park's trail offers glimpses of Lake Dunmore and the distant Adirondacks from its highest points. Branbury State Park is a destination where adventure and natural beauty meet.
16. Ethan Allen Park
ETHAN ALLEN PARK TRAILS | BURLINGTON VT
Ethan Allen Park features a four-mile network of paved and unpaved trails traversing hilly, forested terrain within Burlington. The trails connect to regional paths and offer both hiking and biking opportunities, making it a versatile urban green space. Visitors can enjoy natural beauty, city views, and the park's historical significance.
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. Brewster River Gorge
BREWSTER RIVER GORGE TRAIL | CAMBRIDGE VT
Brewster River Gorge Trailhead marks the start of a riverside hike along the Brewster River Gorge Trail, where visitors can admire cascading waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. The trail offers opportunities for boulder scrambling, riverbank exploration, and views into the wild gorge. Hikers are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this hidden gem.
19. Prospect Rock
PROSPECT ROCK TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Prospect Rock Trail in Manchester climbs steadily along Rootville Road and the Downer Glen Ravine, leading hikers to a dramatic overlook known as Prospect Rock. The trail is moderately challenging, with a spur that rewards visitors with sweeping views of Manchester Valley and Mount Equinox. The hike is well-loved for its scenic payoff, making the effort to reach the summit worthwhile.
20. Mount Abraham
MOUNT ABRAHAM TRAIL | LINCOLN VT
Mount Abraham is reached by hiking the Mount Abraham Trail, which traverses a mix of sugarbushes, hardwood forests, and alpine terrain to Vermont's fifth highest peak. The trail is known for its moderate difficulty, rare alpine vegetation, and a summit above treeline that offers expansive views of the Green Mountains, Champlain Valley, and Adirondacks. Hikers should stay on the marked path to protect fragile plants and enjoy the unique high-elevation landscape.