Weathersfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Weathersfield, Vermont.
1. Cascade Falls Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Cascade Falls Trail is located on the slopes of Mt. Ascutney, featuring two beautiful waterfalls that are most impressive during spring runoff or after heavy rains. The trail offers scenic views and includes both Cascade Falls and Little Cascade Falls, which are seasonal attractions often reduced to a trickle by June or July. Hikers will enjoy this moderately challenging route that showcases some of Weathersfield's natural beauty.
2. Weathersfield Trail
SUMMIT-BOUND MOUNTAIN PATH
Weathersfield Trail is a 2.9-mile one-way hiking trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Ascutney, the tallest mountain in southeastern Vermont. The moderately difficult trail offers year-round access with parking maintained throughout all seasons. Hikers can enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and experience the diverse ecosystems of Mt. Ascutney on this popular route.
3. Futures Trail
LONG DISTANCE MOUNTAIN TREK
The Futures Trail is a challenging 4.6-mile one-way path to the summit of Mt. Ascutney starting from Back Mountain Road in Windsor. This trail connects with the Windsor Trail at 4.1 miles, offering hikers options for loop routes or alternative descents. Highlights include Bare Rock Vista at the 1-mile mark and the historic Steam Donkey at 3.5 miles, a preserved steam-powered logging machine from the early 1900s.
4. Windsor Trail
DIRECT SUMMIT ACCESS
The Windsor Trail provides a relatively direct 2.7-mile one-way route to Mt. Ascutney's summit from Back Mountain Road. This moderate to strenuous trail offers a shorter alternative to other summit-bound paths while still delivering spectacular views. The trail is well-maintained and provides hikers with a diverse forest experience as they ascend the mountain.
5. Brownsville Trail
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PATH
The Brownsville Trail stretches 3.2 miles one-way from Route 44 to the summit of Mt. Ascutney. This moderately difficult trail passes through varied forest environments and provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Hikers will appreciate the trail's historic significance as one of the original routes to the summit.
6. Gile State Forest Loop
BARLOW-WINSLOW TRAIL COMBINATION
The Gile State Forest Loop combines the Barlow Trail and Winslow Trail for a comprehensive hiking experience near the Weathersfield area. This moderate loop offers diverse terrain through beautiful New Hampshire forest landscapes. Hikers can enjoy seasonal wildflowers, peaceful woodland settings, and occasional wildlife sightings.
7. Mount Cardigan Loop
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Mount Cardigan Loop via Manning Trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding trek in the region surrounding Weathersfield. The trail leads to a bald summit with 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This popular route features moderate to difficult terrain with some steep sections and exposed rock faces near the summit.
8. Bucklin Trail
KILLINGTON PEAK ROUTE
The Bucklin Trail provides access to the famous Killington Peak, one of Vermont's most prominent mountains. This challenging 7.2-mile round trip hike features a steady ascent through dense forest before reaching more exposed terrain near the summit. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views from the 4,235-foot peak, which offers vistas of surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.
9. Ascutney Outdoors Center Trails
MULTI-USE MOUNTAIN NETWORK
The Ascutney Outdoors Center offers a network of trails ranging from beginner to expert difficulty levels. These multi-use paths provide options for both hiking and mountain biking with varying terrain and challenges. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained trails while experiencing the natural beauty of Mt. Ascutney's lower slopes.
10. Town Forest Trails
CHALLENGING FOREST PATHS
The Town Forest Trails in Brownsville offer intermediate to expert-level hiking and mountain biking experiences. These trails wind through dense Vermont forest with challenging terrain features and elevation changes. Hikers can enjoy the quiet natural setting while navigating trails that provide both physical challenges and scenic rewards.