Wardsboro Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wardsboro, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
A haven for hikers and campers alike, Underhill State Park sits at the base of Mount Mansfield's western slope in Vermont's largest state forest. Trails such as Sunset Ridge provide direct access to the mountain's summit ridge with breathtaking scenery along the way. Visitors can also enjoy rustic camping facilities surrounded by serene wilderness settings.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Camel's Hump State Park boasts over 21,000 acres of outdoor recreation, including hiking trails that range from easy strolls to rugged climbs. The summit trails provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy peaceful walks along streams and through birch forests on less-traveled paths.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A hike to Lye Brook Falls offers a blend of adventure and tranquility in Vermont's Lye Brook Wilderness. The moderately difficult trail winds through dense woodlands, crossing streams and rocky terrain before reaching the towering waterfall. This natural wonder is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and solitude.
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
As part of the Appalachian Trail system, Killington Peak attracts hikers with its accessibility and stunning vistas. The climb features varied terrain, including tranquil woods and steep rocky sections near the top. Reaching the summit is an achievement rewarded by awe-inspiring scenery.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | STRATTON VT
Stretching across Vermont's rugged landscapes, Green Mountain National Forest features trails like Stratton Pond and Bald Mountain that showcase its ecological richness. Visitors can enjoy wildlife encounters alongside scenic hiking routes that range from easy loops to challenging summits. The forest remains a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park invites hikers to enjoy a picnic at the summit after a brisk walk up the mountain, with picnic tables and an enclosed pavilion available. The summit area offers panoramic views and grassy lawns perfect for relaxing or sharing a meal. Mt. Philo State Park is a perfect destination for a leisurely day outdoors with family or friends, complete with seasonal amenities.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
This iconic waterfall destination boasts multiple cascades plunging into emerald pools surrounded by rugged rock formations. A favorite among locals and tourists, Warren Falls is an excellent spot for swimming, cliff jumping, or simply soaking in the scenery. Its proximity to Route 100 ensures easy access for all visitors.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Quechee State Park offers hikers the chance to explore Vermont's deepest gorge, carved by glacial activity over 13,000 years ago. The Quechee Gorge Trail provides scenic views of the Ottauquechee River and connects visitors to Deweys Pond for a tranquil experience. With moderate difficulty, this trail is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking picturesque landscapes.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail provides hikers with an immersive experience in Vermont's conservation-focused landscape. From towering trees to serene water views, the trail highlights the park's harmonious blend of history and nature. Its gentle terrain ensures a rewarding hike for visitors of all abilities.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail begins with a 900-foot boardwalk crossing wildflower-filled floodplains before ascending to a platform with waterfall views. The trail is easy, flat, and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it accessible to all. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a tranquil spot to enjoy Vermonts natural beauty and the sound of rushing water.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park is celebrated for its scenic walking paths that provide both wooded seclusion and open vistas of Lake Champlain. The trails at Red Rocks Park are easy to follow and suitable for a quick stroll or a longer hike. Red Rocks Park also features a small beach and picnic facilities for visitors.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park's Emerald Lake Loop Trail is perfect for those seeking a leisurely hike with rewarding views of both water and mountains. The trail's gentle grades and well-maintained paths make it accessible for all ages and abilities. Emerald Lake State Park is a beloved destination for both locals and travelers exploring the Green Mountain State.
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 offers direct access to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a favorite for those seeking a strenuous hike and rewarding views. Branbury State Park's trail traverses diverse terrain, from shaded woods to exposed cliffs. Branbury State Park is an excellent choice for hikers wanting to experience the best of Vermont's wilderness.
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. White Rocks National Recreation Area
ICE BEDS TRAIL | WALLINGFORD VT
White Rocks National Recreation Area features the Ice Beds Trail, a short but striking hike leading to the base of massive talus piles beneath the White Rocks Cliffs. The trail is known for its cool air and streams of icy water that persist into summer, thanks to the deep rock crevices. Hikers are treated to unique geological features and scenic vistas, making this trail a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
18. Smugglers Notch State Park
LONG TRAIL SMUGGLERS NOTCH SECTION | STOWE VT
Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides direct access to the Long Trail's dramatic Smugglers Notch section, renowned for its steep cliffs and rich history. Hikers can explore the iconic pass, once used by smugglers and now a hub for outdoor adventure, with trails winding through dense forests and past striking rock formations. The area is ideal for both day hikes and extended treks along Vermont's legendary Long Trail.
19. Okemo State Forest
OKEMO STATE FOREST TRAILS | LUDLOW VT
Okemo State Forest boasts a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Healdville Trail, which ascends three miles to the summit of Okemo Mountain. Hikers are treated to expansive views from the refurbished fire tower and can explore diverse habitats ranging from northern hardwoods to boreal forests. The forest's extensive trail system offers opportunities for both challenging hikes and peaceful nature walks.
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.