Woodstock Vermont
HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodstock, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
SUNSET RIDGE TRAIL | UNDERHILL VT
Situated on Mount Mansfield's west slope, Underhill State Park is renowned for its hiking opportunities, including the scenic Sunset Ridge Trail. This trail leads hikers through diverse landscapes to reach the Chin, the mountain's highest point. The park's natural beauty is complemented by historic structures built during the CCC era.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
MONROE TRAIL | DUXBURY VT
From rugged alpine terrain to gentle forested paths, Camel's Hump State Park showcases Vermont's outdoor splendor at its finest. The Burrows Trail is ideal for those seeking a straightforward route to the summit, while other trails offer secluded experiences with historical landmarks along the way. Every trail promises breathtaking scenery and tranquility in nature.
3. Lye Brook Falls
LYE BROOK FALLS TRAIL | MANCHESTER VT
A hike to Lye Brook Falls offers a blend of adventure and tranquility in Vermont's Lye Brook Wilderness. The moderately difficult trail winds through dense woodlands, crossing streams and rocky terrain before reaching the towering waterfall. This natural wonder is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and solitude.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL | STOWE VT
CC Putnam State Forest's Stowe Pinnacle Trail provides a moderately difficult hike with rewarding vistas of the Green Mountains. The trail's highlights include a mix of steep climbs, forest clearings, and a stunning bald summit. It serves as an excellent destination for hikers of all skill levels looking to experience Vermont's wilderness.
5. Killington Peak
BUCKLIN TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Rising to 4,229 feet, Killington Peak offers a variety of hiking experiences for all skill levels. The summit can be reached via trails that traverse lush forests and rocky outcrops. Once at the top, visitors enjoy expansive views of Vermont's stunning landscapes.
6. Green Mountain National Forest
ICONIC TRAILS | WOODFORD VT
Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest features iconic trails such as Harmon Hill and Haystack Mountain, perfect for day hikes or extended adventures. The forest's varied terrain includes rocky summits, fern-filled meadows, and cascading streams. Fall foliage and winter snowshoeing add seasonal charm to this outdoor destination.
7. Mt. Philo State Park
MT PHILO TRAIL LOOP | CHARLOTTE VT
Mt. Philo State Park invites hikers to enjoy a picnic at the summit after a brisk walk up the mountain, with picnic tables and an enclosed pavilion available. The summit area offers panoramic views and grassy lawns perfect for relaxing or sharing a meal. Mt. Philo State Park is a perfect destination for a leisurely day outdoors with family or friends, complete with seasonal amenities.
8. Warren Falls
WARREN FALLS TRAIL | WARREN VT
With its clear waters and dramatic rock features, Warren Falls is an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and families looking to unwind in nature. The short hike from the parking lot makes it easily accessible while offering breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding forest. Its charm remains timeless across seasons.
9. Quechee State Park
QUECHEE GORGE TRAIL | HARTFORD VT
Hiking trails at Quechee State Park offer a blend of easy-to-moderate routes that showcase the stunning Quechee Gorge and its surrounding landscapes. Visitors can explore paths leading to Deweys Pond or descend into the gorge for closer views of the Ottauquechee River. This park is a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty in Vermont.
10. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
POGUE LOOP TRAIL | WOODSTOCK VT
Offering stunning views of The Pogue, this loop trail combines gentle carriage roads with vibrant forest scenery. Seasonal highlights include water lilies in summer and colorful foliage in fall. Its accessibility makes it a favorite among hikers of all ages.
11. Thundering Brook Falls Trail
THUNDERING BROOK FALLS TRAIL | KILLINGTON VT
Thundering Brook Falls Trail showcases the beauty of the Green Mountains with a well-marked path to a dramatic waterfall. The accessible boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of cascading water. Thundering Brook Falls Trail is a favorite for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic walk.
12. Red Rocks Park
LOOP TRAIL | SOUTH BURLINGTON VT
Red Rocks Park offers a tranquil setting for hiking, with trails that pass through lush forests and along rocky ridges. At Red Rocks Park, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the lake and distant mountains. Red Rocks Park is open year-round, with free parking and no entry fee outside the summer season.
13. Emerald Lake State Park
LOOP TRAIL | EAST DORSET VT
Emerald Lake State Park is renowned for its Emerald Lake Loop Trail, which meanders through rich woods and along the pristine shoreline. The trail offers a moderate hike with several scenic overlooks, perfect for taking in the vibrant colors of the lake and surrounding mountains. Emerald Lake State Park is a must-visit for those who appreciate Vermont's diverse landscapes and tranquil settings.
14. Mt Ascutney State Park
WINDSOR TRAIL | WINDSOR VT
Mt Ascutney State Park invites adventurers to tackle the Windsor Trail, the most direct and steepest path to the summit. The trail begins in a meadow, quickly entering dense woods and offering a consistent climb with scenic stops like Gerry Falls. Mt Ascutney State Park rewards hikers with sweeping summit vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
15. Branbury State Park
RATTLESNAKE CLIFF TRAIL | SALISBURY VT
Branbury State Park is the starting point for the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail, a steep and rewarding trek through Vermont's rugged landscape. Branbury State Park features a trail that climbs steadily, leading to dramatic cliffside overlooks above the lake. Branbury State Park is ideal for hikers looking for both a physical challenge and panoramic scenery.
16. Elmore Provincial Park
MOUNT ELMORE FIRE TOWER TRAIL | ELMORE VT
Elmore Provincial Park features the Mount Elmore Fire Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile path ascending to the summit of Elmore Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with the opportunity to climb a historic fire tower, offering sweeping views of the Green Mountains and the Presidential Range. The trail is a highlight for those seeking a classic Vermont summit experience surrounded by forested beauty.
17. White Rocks National Recreation Area
ICE BEDS TRAIL | WALLINGFORD VT
White Rocks National Recreation Area features the Ice Beds Trail, a short but striking hike leading to the base of massive talus piles beneath the White Rocks Cliffs. The trail is known for its cool air and streams of icy water that persist into summer, thanks to the deep rock crevices. Hikers are treated to unique geological features and scenic vistas, making this trail a favorite for nature enthusiasts.
18. Mill Trail
MILL TRAIL | STOWE VT
The Mill Trail in Stowe offers a gentle hike through mixed hardwood and softwood forests along the West Branch of the Waterbury River. Hikers pass historic sites, including cellar holes and a restored log cabin, while enjoying river views and abundant wildlife. The trail is ideal for a peaceful walk, nature observation, and learning about Stowe's past.
19. Shelburne Bay Park
SHELBURNE BAY PARK TRAILS | SHELBURNE VT
Shelburne Bay Park features a network of trails that wind through 93 acres of lakefront, meadows, and forested ledges along the shores of Lake Champlain. The Shelburne Bay Park Trails are ideal for walking or hiking, with a 1.4-mile recreation path that connects to the Ti-Haul Trail and offers access to beautiful water views. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful hike while observing local wildlife and the park's diverse natural habitats.
20. Mount Hunger
MOUNT HUNGER TRAIL | WATERBURY VT
Mount Hunger is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging climb via the Mount Hunger Trail, which ascends through C.C. Putnam State Forest to a rocky, bald summit. The trail features steady elevation gain, some scrambling near the top, and panoramic views of the Green Mountains, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains on clear days. The summit rewards hikers with one of Vermont's most spectacular vistas, making the effort well worthwhile.