Weston VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Weston, Vermont.
1. Bucklin Trail
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Bucklin Trail is a 7.2-mile out and back trail located in the Green Mountain National Forest near Weston. The trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding experience through Vermont's pristine wilderness. Along the way, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forest landscapes.
2. Lowell Lake State Park
SERENE LAKE VIEWS
Lowell Lake State Park features scenic hiking trails that wind around a picturesque lake setting. The park offers relatively easy paths suitable for hikers of all skill levels, making it perfect for family outings. Visitors can enjoy abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and peaceful forest surroundings throughout all seasons.
3. Hamilton Falls Trail
DRAMATIC WATERFALL HIKE
Hamilton Falls Trail leads hikers to one of Vermont's most impressive waterfall destinations near Weston. The moderate difficulty trail features a combination of forest paths and some steeper sections leading to the 125-foot cascading falls. Visitors should exercise caution near the falls area where the natural pool at the bottom is known for dangerous currents despite its inviting appearance.
4. Jamaica State Park
RIVER VALLEY EXPLORATION
Jamaica State Park offers multiple hiking trails that follow the scenic West River Valley with varying difficulty levels. The park's most popular trail leads to Hamilton Falls while other paths provide more leisurely walks through woodlands and along the riverbank. Hikers can enjoy swimming holes, bird watching, and spectacular foliage during autumn months.
5. Baker Peak Trail
SUMMIT VIEWS WORTH CLIMBING
Baker Peak Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views from one of the prominent summits in the region near Weston. The moderately challenging trail includes sections of the Appalachian and Long Trails with gradual elevation gain through beautiful forest terrain. At the summit, hikers are treated to sweeping vistas of the Green Mountains and surrounding valleys that make the climb worthwhile.
6. Little Rock Pond Trail
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN LAKE
Little Rock Pond Trail leads hikers to a pristine mountain pond nestled in the Green Mountains. The moderate trail follows part of the Appalachian/Long Trail system through lush forests with gentle elevation changes. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters during summer months and camping at designated sites around the scenic pond.
7. Camp Plymouth State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE PATHS
Camp Plymouth State Park offers accessible hiking options around Echo Lake with trails suitable for all ages and abilities. The park features both shoreline paths and woodland trails that provide varying perspectives of the beautiful lake setting. Visitors can combine hiking with swimming, picnicking, and other recreational activities available within the park.
8. Long Trail
VERMONT'S ICONIC FOOTPATH
The Long Trail is Vermont's famous 272-mile footpath that traverses the entire length of the state with sections accessible near Weston. Established in 1910, the trail offers options for day hikers as well as serious backpackers with segments rated from easy to extremely difficult. Hikers can experience Vermont's most spectacular mountain terrain including Stratton Mountain, Mount Mansfield, Jay Peak, and Camels Hump along different portions of this historic trail.
9. Cross Vermont Trail
EAST-WEST NATURE CORRIDOR
The Cross Vermont Trail is an ambitious 90-mile path connecting communities from Lake Champlain to the Connecticut River with approximately 30 miles currently open to the public. The trail passes through diverse Vermont landscapes including towns, forests, and river valleys with mostly moderate difficulty levels. Hikers can explore completed sections near Wells River, Newbury, Montpelier, and other towns while enjoying the varied terrain and natural beauty of central Vermont.
10. Stratton Mountain
HISTORIC APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION
Stratton Mountain trails offer hikers a significant section of both the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail with historical importance to Vermont's hiking culture. The moderate to difficult trails lead to a summit with a fire tower providing 360-degree views of multiple states on clear days. This mountain holds special significance as it was where Benton MacKaye conceived the idea for the Appalachian Trail while hiking in 1921.