Waterville VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Waterville, Vermont.
1. Goodrich Rock Trail
GIANT GLACIAL ERRATIC ADVENTURE
Goodrich Rock Trail winds through a conifer forest to a field of large glacial erratic boulders in the White Mountains. This moderate 4-mile hike with 740 feet of elevation gain takes approximately 1:45 to 2:45 hours to complete. The trail culminates in climbing a 20-foot ladder to the top of Goodrich Rock, the largest glacial erratic in New England, offering sweeping views of the Sandwich Mountain Range and Mount Tecumseh.
2. Greeley Ponds Trail
ALPINE POND FISHING PARADISE
Greeley Ponds Trail is a moderate out-and-back trail that follows the Mad River Notch in Waterville Valley. The 7.4-mile round trip hike with 670 feet of elevation gain leads to Greeley Ponds, a natural alpine pond and the headwaters of the Mad River. Greeley Ponds is known by locals as one of Waterville's best fishing spots, making it a perfect destination for hikers who also enjoy fishing.
3. Tripyramids via North Slide Trail
CHALLENGING 4000-FOOTER ASCENT
The Tripyramids via North Slide Trail provides access to the 4,000-foot Tripyramids mountains from the Waterville Valley area. This challenging trail features steep terrain and requires scrambling up exposed rock faces on the North Slide. Hikers who brave this route are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding White Mountains landscape.
4. Livermore Trail
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAIN GATEWAY
Livermore Trail is an accessible hiking path located not far from Waterville Valley with a convenient drivable trailhead. The trail serves as a gateway to various mountain destinations including the 4,000-foot Tripyramids. This relatively gentle trail provides an excellent entry point for hikers looking to explore the White Mountains region.
5. Long Trail - Laraway Section
AMERICA'S OLDEST LONG TRAIL
The Laraway Lookout section of the Long Trail passes through Waterville, Vermont as part of America's oldest long-distance hiking trail. Established in 1910, this historic trail stretches the length of Vermont and offers varied terrain and difficulty levels. The Laraway section rewards hikers with spectacular views from its lookout points.
6. The Pinnacle Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Pinnacle Trail leads to a 1,683-foot summit on the Windmill Hill Ridgeline in southeastern Vermont. This popular Vermont trail offers hikers panoramic views of Hedgehog Gulf, Mount Snow, and Stratton Mountain from its peak. The well-marked trail system provides both moderate and difficult approach options, making it accessible for various skill levels.
7. Holden Trail
HISTORIC RED-BLAZED PATH
The Holden Trail is marked by red disc blazes and begins at the ornate metal gate on Windmill Hill Road North in Westminster. This gentle-grade trail heads west and southwest into the woods, occasionally passing over exposed bedrock outcrops. The Holden Trail connects with other trails in the Windmill Hill Ridgeline system, creating opportunities for loop hikes of varying difficulty.
8. Headwaters Trail
BLUE-BLAZED RIDGE CLIMB
The Headwaters Trail is a blue-disc-blazed path that winds around the slopes of Windmill Ridge in Vermont. This narrow trail passes a stone wall and crosses the headwaters of Sacketts Brook before climbing at a moderate grade for about half a mile. The trail culminates at the crest of Windmill Ridge, where it connects with the white-blazed main trail system.
9. Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail
16-MILE UNDULATING PEAKS
The Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail System spans 16 miles of undulating small peaks in southeast Vermont. This extensive trail network includes Putney Mountain and The Pinnacle, offering multiple connecting paths and viewpoints. The trails are very well marked and easy to follow, making this system accessible for day hikers of various experience levels.
10. Long Trail State Forest Paths
DISPERSED RECREATION PARADISE
The Long Trail State Forest offers over 27 miles of hiking opportunities on Vermont's iconic Long Trail. This protected forest area is open for dispersed recreational activities throughout the year. The trails wind through Vermont's pristine wilderness, providing hikers with an authentic Green Mountain experience.