Westminster VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Westminster, Vermont.
1. Dunn Nature Trail
PEACEFUL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Dunn Nature Trail is a 1.1-mile lollipop-loop trail located in the Stephen Martin Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in the northwest corner of Westminster. This easy trail is marked with blue discs and features 14 numbered signposts as part of an interpretive experience that identifies natural features, including rich woodlands and a historic lime kiln. Visitors can explore majestic stretches of undisturbed forest with uncommon fern species and springtime pools important for amphibian breeding.
2. Holden Trail
GATEWAY TO PINNACLE SUMMIT
The Holden Trail, marked with red disc blazes, begins at the Pinnacle Trailhead on Windmill Hill Road North in Westminster. This moderate trail heads west and southwest into the woods, serving as part of the route to reach the Pinnacle summit at 1,683 feet. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Hedgehog Gulf, Mount Snow, and Stratton Mountain.
3. Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail System
UNDULATING MOUNTAIN PEAKS
The Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail System offers 16 miles of trails across an undulating procession of small peaks in southeast Vermont. The trail system includes popular destinations such as Putney Mountain and The Pinnacle, with multiple well-marked trails of varying difficulty levels. Hikers can enjoy wide and narrow paths that provide an excellent sampling of all the ridge has to offer with very well-marked and easy-to-follow routes.
4. Kirsh Hill Trail
INTERMEDIATE WOODLAND ADVENTURE
The Kirsh Hill Trail is a 2.7-mile path located near Newfane, a short distance from Westminster. Rated as intermediate difficulty, this trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience through Vermont's beautiful woodland scenery. Hikers can enjoy diverse terrain and natural features characteristic of the region's lush forests.
5. Old Stone Loop
ACCESSIBLE FOREST PATH
The Old Stone Loop is a 1.6-mile trail near Newfane that offers an easy to intermediate hiking experience close to Westminster. This accessible forest path provides a perfect outing for families or beginners looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty. The trail features interesting stone formations and typical New England woodland scenery throughout the loop.
6. Northern Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Northern Rail Trail is one of the best-rated trails accessible from Westminster, offering a mix of paved and unpaved sections along a historic railway route. The trail provides peaceful scenery with sections of fine gravel and dirt paths that wind through Vermont's picturesque countryside. Hikers and bikers alike enjoy this well-maintained trail for its natural beauty and historical significance.
7. Warner Rail Trail
SCENIC RURAL PATHWAY
The Warner Rail Trail is a popular hiking and biking path that connects to Westminster's trail network, offering a scenic rural experience. This converted railway corridor provides a flat, accessible route through Vermont's countryside with beautiful landscapes and natural features. The trail's well-maintained surface makes it suitable for hikers of all skill levels looking to enjoy Vermont's outdoor beauty.
8. Jamaica State Park Trails
RIVERSIDE MOUNTAIN PATHS
Jamaica State Park offers several hiking trails within reasonable distance of Westminster, featuring paths along the West River and up to Hamilton Falls. The park's trail system varies in difficulty from easy riverside walks to moderate climbs with significant elevation gain. Hikers can enjoy stunning river views, dense forests, and impressive waterfalls as rewards for their efforts.
9. Mount Philo State Park
VERMONT'S FIRST STATE PARK
Mount Philo State Park, Vermont's first state park established in 1924, offers a 1.9-mile loop trail that climbs 550 feet in elevation. Hikers can enjoy beautiful trails with spectacular views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, especially stunning at sunset. For those seeking a less strenuous experience, there's also an option to drive to the summit for mountaintop picnics and scenic vistas.
10. Pinnacle Summit Trail
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Pinnacle Summit Trail leads hikers to one of the most popular viewpoints in Vermont at 1,683 feet, where the ridgeline runs along the Brookline–Westminster line. This moderate to difficult trail offers multiple approach options and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of Hedgehog Gulf, Mount Snow, and Stratton Mountain. The well-marked trail system combines sections of three primary trails and provides an excellent sampling of all the ridge has to offer.