Windham Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Windham, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Perched at 2,000 feet elevation, Underhill State Park provides direct access to Mount Mansfield's summit via trails like the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trails. Hikers can enjoy dramatic ridgeline views while traversing Vermont's famed Long Trail along the summit ridge. The park also features camping facilities and a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
Known for its distinctive double-humped profile, Camel's Hump is one of Vermont's most popular hiking destinations. Trails like the Burrows Trail and Monroe Trail lead adventurers to the summit, offering breathtaking vistas and serene natural surroundings. The park also features accessible trails and opportunities for wildlife observation in its expansive forested areas.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
Located in the Green Mountain National Forest, Lye Brook Falls is one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls, accessible via a moderately challenging trail. The hike features rocky paths, lush greenery, and occasional stream crossings that lead to the spectacular tiered cascade. This family-friendly trail offers an unforgettable nature escape for hikers of all skill levels.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail in CC Putnam State Forest offers an invigorating hike through hardwood forests to a rocky summit with sweeping mountain views. Its well-maintained paths make it accessible while still providing a challenge for experienced hikers. This trail is a quintessential Vermont hiking destination year-round.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Killington Peak offers a challenging yet rewarding hike to Vermont's second-highest summit. Trails like the Bucklin Trail lead hikers through serene forests, culminating in panoramic views of the Green Mountains and beyond. The final ascent is steep but well worth the effort for its breathtaking vistas.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | MIDDLEBURY VT
From the iconic Appalachian Trail segment to quiet paths like Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Green Mountain National Forest offers diverse hiking experiences in Vermont's lush terrain. Seasonal activities such as fall foliage hikes or winter snowshoeing add unique charm to its trails. This forest promises unforgettable adventures for all visitors.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park offers universally accessible trails like the Waters Between Trail, ensuring everyone can enjoy the summit's sweeping views and natural beauty. The park's gentle grades and short distances make it welcoming for visitors of all abilities, including families with young children or those with mobility needs. Mt. Philo State Park is committed to inclusive recreation, with accessible parking and easy access to the summit shelter.
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
Quechee State Park invites hikers to explore its picturesque trails that highlight Vermont's natural beauty, including the famous 165-foot-deep gorge. The main trail leads visitors through dense woodlands to serene spots along the riverbank. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, this park combines adventure with peaceful scenery.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Hiking the Pogue Loop Trail provides a glimpse into Vermont's rich conservation history while immersing visitors in nature. The trail winds through managed forests and circles a peaceful pond surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. It is an ideal destination for outdoor relaxation and exploration.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail not only features a stunning waterfall but also passes by the site of a historic mill once powered by the falls. The trail is easy and accessible, with parking available on River Road and a boardwalk leading to the viewing area. Thundering Brook Falls Trail offers a blend of natural wonder and local history.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park features several miles of well-marked trails ideal for hiking, jogging, and snowshoeing year-round. The park's wooded paths lead to dramatic cliffs and a quiet beach on Lake Champlain. Red Rocks Park is a favorite spot for locals seeking tranquil outdoor adventures close to the city.
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 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 gateway to the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a challenging hike that rewards with panoramic views of the surrounding region. Branbury State Park's trail is known for its elevation gain and the sense of accomplishment at the summit. Branbury State Park is a popular spot for hikers seeking both exercise and scenery.
16. Bingham Falls
BINGHAM FALLS TRAIL | STOWE VT
Bingham Falls provides access to the Bingham Falls Trail, a short but steep hike descending to the base of a picturesque waterfall. The trail features rock staircases and requires caution due to slippery conditions, especially near the falls. Visitors are treated to the sights and sounds of cascading water in a lush, forested setting.
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. Cady Hill Forest
CADY HILL TRAILS | STOWE VT
Cady Hill Forest is home to the Cady Hill Trails, an 11-mile network winding through 258 acres of conserved land. The trails offer a mix of single and double track paths, catering to hikers of all abilities and providing access to hardwood forests, wetlands, and scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy year-round hiking with easy access from Stowe's town center.
19. Milton Town Forest
MILTON TOWN FOREST TRAILS | MILTON VT
Milton Town Forest provides hikers with six miles of established trails that loop through 485 acres of woodlands and encircle the scenic 33-acre Milton Pond. The Milton Town Forest Trails offer a tranquil setting for nature walks, wildlife observation, and year-round outdoor recreation. The well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to explore the forest's diverse ecosystems at their own pace.
20. Grout Pond Recreation Area
GROUT POND LOOP TRAIL | STRATTON VT
Grout Pond Recreation Area features the Grout Pond Loop Trail, a relatively flat and easy-to-moderate path that circles the scenic 80-acre pond through low-lying woodlands. The trail system offers over 10 miles of interconnected routes, with blue diamond blazes guiding hikers through wetlands, forests, and lakeshore vistas. This area is popular for year-round hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, though trails can be wet and muddy at times.