Waltham VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Waltham, Vermont.
1. Buck Mountain
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Buck Mountain is a 2.3-mile trail that starts off Route 66 in Waltham with several pull-offs available for parking. The trail offers a gentler climb compared to Snake Mountain and features incredible wildflowers, especially early in the season including trillium, hepatica, and trout lilies. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views comparable to those of Snake Mountain.
2. Snake Mountain
SUNSET VIEWS TRAIL
Snake Mountain trail offers a clearly marked path that feels distinctly like a trail versus a road. The top rewards hikers with a stunning panorama view, perfect for enjoying a summer sunset dinner. Visitors hiking for sunset should remember to bring a headlamp for the descent.
3. Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
POETIC NATURE WALK
The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile accessible path featuring boardwalks and bridges over the upper reaches of the Middlebury River. The trail showcases several poems written by Frost as well as sitting areas and viewpoints from which visitors can observe a wide variety of wildflowers and woodland birds. Recently renovated to be accessible for people with mobility issues, this trail also offers stunning foliage views as the seasons change.
4. Allen Mountain
CHALLENGING WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Allen Mountain trail is a difficult 18.0-mile hike near Waltham that offers a serious challenge for experienced hikers. The lengthy trail requires good preparation and physical endurance to complete the journey. Hikers are rewarded with remote wilderness experiences and scenic views after conquering this challenging terrain.
5. Street & Nye Mountains
MODERATE TWIN PEAKS
Street & Nye Mountains trail is a moderate 8.0-mile hiking route accessible near Waltham. The trail allows hikers to summit two peaks during a single outing, offering varied terrain and views. This moderate difficulty trail provides a good balance of challenge and accessibility for intermediate hikers.
6. Lookout Mountain Loop
SCENIC WILMINGTON ROUTE
Lookout Mountain Loop via Wilmington Trail offers hikers a circular route with varied terrain and viewpoints. The loop format allows visitors to experience changing scenery throughout the journey without backtracking. This trail provides excellent lookout points as suggested by its name, giving hikers rewarding views after their climb.
7. Stowe Pinnacle Trail
RUGGED FOREST CLIMB
Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest provides an immersive hiking experience through Vermont's rugged landscapes. The trail combines challenging inclines with beautiful forest surroundings as hikers make their way to the pinnacle. Hikers who complete the climb are treated to expansive views from the summit that showcase Vermont's natural beauty.
8. Macdonough Park Trail
CITY DOCKS TO FALLS
Macdonough Park Trail is a 0.58-mile out-and-back path with 43 feet of elevation gain located near Waltham in Vergennes. The trail begins at City Docks and culminates at the top of the falls, offering a short but scenic waterfront hiking experience. This accessible trail makes for a perfect quick nature escape close to town.
9. Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail
UNDULATING PEAK JOURNEY
The Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail System is a 16-mile undulating procession of small peaks that includes Putney Mountain and The Pinnacle. The trail climbs at a gentle grade, occasionally passing over exposed bedrock outcrops that add interest to the journey. Various connecting trails like the blue-disc-blazed Headwaters Trail allow hikers to customize their experience along this extensive ridgeline system.
10. Hannum Trail
DIVERSE FOREST HABITATS
The Hannum Trail is a 1.4-mile path that passes through a variety of wooded habitats, including pine stands, hardwood forest, and regenerating areas. Marked with yellow discs, the trail features attractive fern glades, rugged rock outcrop ledges, old stone walls, and a stream crossing on a small wooden bridge. It can be combined with the Dine Trail to form a moderately difficult 3-mile loop hike starting from trailheads along Holland Hill Road.