Williamstown Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Williamstown, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Located within Mount Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park offers access to some of Vermont's most iconic hiking routes. The park's trails, including the challenging Maple Ridge Trail, reward adventurers with sweeping summit views and diverse terrain. Its alpine ecosystem and historic CCC structures create a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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
Nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is accessible via a moderate trail that spans 4.6 miles round-trip. The hike features rocky paths, stream crossings, and lush woodlands leading to the impressive multi-tiered waterfall. Its serene atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
Hiking the Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an immersive experience in Vermont's rugged landscapes. The trail combines challenging inclines with serene forest sections, culminating in sweeping views from the summit. Its connection to other trails makes it a versatile choice for both short hikes and longer treks.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak's hiking trails showcase the best of Vermont's natural beauty, from old-growth forests to cascading waterfalls nearby. The final stretch to the summit is steep but manageable, leading to breathtaking views of neighboring mountain ranges. This hike is both challenging and rewarding for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | MANCHESTER VT
Encompassing 400,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Green Mountain National Forest is a haven for hikers of all skill levels. Trails like the Sunset Ridge Trail and Blueberry Lake Loop provide breathtaking views and peaceful settings. Visitors can explore lush forests, alpine ridges, and historic paths such as the Appalachian Trail segment.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park offers hikers a network of well-marked trails winding through hardwood forests and rocky outcrops, with beautiful stone staircases leading to the summit. The main Summit Trail, just under half a mile, rewards visitors with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains from the top. Mt. Philo State Park is a favorite for both casual walkers and avid hikers, with options to combine trails for varied hiking experiences.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
Warren Falls combines natural beauty with recreational fun, offering visitors a chance to swim in deep pools or explore its rocky terrain. A short trail from the parking lot leads to this picturesque spot, perfect for cooling off on warm days. Its tranquil setting also makes it ideal for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Explore Vermont's famous Quechee Gorge via hiking trails that offer sweeping views and access to serene spots along the Ottauquechee River at Quechee State Park. Trails range from easy walks to moderately challenging hikes through wooded areas and alongside cliffs overlooking the gorge below. This park is perfect for anyone seeking scenic beauty in a peaceful setting.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
The Pogue Loop Trail provides a serene hiking experience around a picturesque mountain pond in Vermont's only national park. Surrounded by managed forests, the trail features ferns, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife sightings. Its easy-to-moderate difficulty makes it accessible for all skill levels.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail is renowned for its universal accessibility, featuring a wide boardwalk and gentle switchbacks to a waterfall overlook. The trail is part of a collaborative conservation effort and is maintained for all to enjoy. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a rare find for those seeking an inclusive outdoor experience in Vermont.
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's Emerald Lake Loop Trail provides a gentle hike through a mosaic of hardwood forests, meadows, and lakeside vistas. The path is dotted with interpretive signs and benches, allowing hikers to pause and soak in the scenery. Emerald Lake State Park is especially popular in summer, when the lake's clear waters and shaded trails offer a refreshing escape.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park's Windsor Trail provides a classic New England hiking experience, rising 2,500 feet from trailhead to summit. Along the way, hikers encounter forested paths, rocky outcrops, and the historic observation tower with 360-degree views. Mt Ascutney State Park is a must-visit for those seeking a challenging yet accessible summit hike.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park offers direct access to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a favorite for those seeking a strenuous hike and rewarding views. Branbury State Park's trail traverses diverse terrain, from shaded woods to exposed cliffs. Branbury State Park is an excellent choice for hikers wanting to experience the best of Vermont's wilderness.
16. Jamaica State Park
OVERLOOK TRAIL LOOP | JAMAICA VT
Jamaica State Park's Overlook Trail Loop guides hikers through forested hills to scenic viewpoints above the West River. The trail serves as a detour to popular destinations like Hamilton Falls and offers a peaceful woodland experience. Along the way, hikers can appreciate the park's diverse flora and the sounds of rushing water below.
17. Hamilton Falls
HAMILTON FALLS TRAIL | JAMAICA VT
Hamilton Falls is accessed via the Hamilton Falls Trail, a scenic route beginning in Jamaica State Park and following the West River and Switch Road Trails. The hike is approximately three miles one way, culminating at the dramatic 125-foot cascade of Hamilton Falls. Hikers should exercise caution near the falls due to steep, slippery rocks and strong currents, but the journey offers a memorable adventure through lush woodland.
18. CC Putnam State Forest
WORCESTER RANGE TRAILS | WORCESTER VT
CC Putnam State Forest encompasses the Worcester Range Trails, a rugged network traversing peaks like Mount Hunger and Stowe Pinnacle. Hikers experience remote wilderness, diverse forests, and sweeping summit views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. The Skyline Trail links several summits, offering a challenging and rewarding ridge walk.
19. Stowe Recreation Path
STOWE RECREATION PATH | STOWE VT
Stowe Recreation Path is a renowned 5.3-mile greenway that stretches from Stowe Village to Topnotch Resort, following the West Branch of Little River. The paved trail is popular for hiking, offering breathtaking mountain views and convenient access to local restaurants and shops along the route. Its gentle terrain and scenic beauty make it a favorite for both residents and visitors seeking a leisurely outdoor experience.
20. Mount Abraham
MOUNT ABRAHAM TRAIL | LINCOLN VT
Mount Abraham is reached by hiking the Mount Abraham Trail, which traverses a mix of sugarbushes, hardwood forests, and alpine terrain to Vermont's fifth highest peak. The trail is known for its moderate difficulty, rare alpine vegetation, and a summit above treeline that offers expansive views of the Green Mountains, Champlain Valley, and Adirondacks. Hikers should stay on the marked path to protect fragile plants and enjoy the unique high-elevation landscape.