Waterville Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waterville, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
As part of Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park features hiking trails that lead to Vermont's highest peak through lush forests and rocky ridges. The Sunset Ridge Trail is a highlight for its open vistas and accessibility from the park's campground area. Its unique tundra ecosystem adds an ecological treasure to the hiking experience.
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
Nestled within CC Putnam State Forest, the Stowe Pinnacle Trail is a steep but manageable hike offering panoramic views of Vermont's iconic peaks. The trail features a mix of forested paths and open rock summits, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Its proximity to additional trail systems enhances its appeal for day hikers and backpackers alike.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Hiking to Killington Peak is a quintessential Vermont adventure, blending natural beauty with physical challenge. The journey includes picturesque woodlands and a steep rock scramble near the summit. At 4,229 feet, the peak rewards hikers with sweeping views of three states.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | WARREN VT
Spanning southwestern and central Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest boasts over 400,000 acres of trails, ponds, and peaks to explore. Iconic hikes like Mount Abraham provide rewarding summit views while easier paths like Blueberry Lake Loop cater to families and beginners. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing make it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
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
Located just off Route 100, Warren Falls offers an unforgettable experience with its series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools surrounded by forested cliffs. The short walk from the parking lot makes it an accessible yet rewarding destination for all ages. Whether visiting in summer or fall, this spot never disappoints nature enthusiasts.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
At Quechee State Park, hikers can traverse trails leading to Vermont's iconic gorge, formed by ancient glacial movements. The paths are well-marked and provide opportunities to enjoy wildlife, river views, and fall foliage. Whether hiking solo or with family, this park delivers an unforgettable journey into nature's splendor.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hiking the Pogue Loop Trail reveals Vermont's natural beauty through shaded paths and scenic pond-side vistas. Wildlife sightings and seasonal blooms add to the charm of this accessible route within Mount Tom's historic forest landscape. It is perfect for families or solo adventurers alike seeking outdoor serenity.
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 features a network of forested trails that open onto high bluffs and quiet coves along Lake Champlain. Hikers at Red Rocks Park can enjoy shaded paths, scenic overlooks, and the sounds of nature throughout the year. Red Rocks Park is also known for its seasonal swimming area and picnic spots.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park features the Emerald Lake Loop Trail, which combines lakeside strolls with gentle climbs to scenic viewpoints. The trail is accessible from the main campground and is well-suited for a morning or afternoon hike. Emerald Lake State Park is known for its crystal-clear waters and the vibrant green hue that gives the lake its name.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park is renowned for the Windsor Trail, which offers a direct 2.7-mile route to the mountain's 3,144-foot summit. The trail features notable landmarks such as Gerry Falls and Castle Rock before culminating at an observation tower. Mt Ascutney State Park is ideal for hikers eager to experience Vermont's rugged beauty.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is the starting point for the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a steep and rewarding trek through Vermont's rugged landscape. Branbury State Park features a trail that climbs steadily, leading to dramatic cliffside overlooks above the lake. Branbury State Park is ideal for hikers looking for both a physical challenge and panoramic scenery.
16. Button Bay State Park
BUTTON POINT TRAIL | FERRISBURGH VT
Button Bay State Park invites visitors to explore the Button Point Trail, a mostly flat path leading through hardwood forest to the rocky shores of Lake Champlain. The trail ends at a scenic point with panoramic views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are encouraged to stay on the trail to protect rare plants growing in the area's unique geology.
17. Lowell Lake State Park
LOWELL LAKE LOOP TRAIL | LONDONDERRY VT
Lowell Lake State Park features the Lowell Lake Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile path that encircles the tranquil Lowell Lake. The trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of towering white pines, and scenic wetland vistas. With mostly flat terrain and moderate difficulty, it is ideal for hikers seeking a peaceful lakeside experience immersed in nature.
18. The Mile-Around Woods
MILE-AROUND WOODS LOOP | NORTH BENNINGTON VT
The Mile-Around Woods invites hikers to explore a historic circular carriage road and woodland loop, set within a 200-year-old family preserve. Trails wind through old timber stands and open fields, connecting to the scenic Paran Creek valley. The area is open for peaceful walks, wildlife observation, and enjoying the rural landscape of North Bennington.
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. Snake Mountain
SNAKE MOUNTAIN TRAIL | ADDISON VT
Snake Mountain offers a rewarding hike along the historic Snake Mountain Trail, which follows an old carriage road through hardwood forests to a summit with sweeping 180-degree views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks. The 4.1-mile round-trip trail is moderately challenging, with a steady but manageable ascent and a wide, easy-to-follow path that was once used to transport guests to a summit hotel. Hikers are treated to scenic vistas, a peaceful woodland atmosphere, and the chance to explore remnants of the mountain's storied past.