Hiking in Vermont: Exploring the Green Mountain State
As the weather gets warmer, we all feel an itch to head outside and enjoy nature's beauty. From forests abundant with wildlife and greenery to striking mountainscapes—Vermont has a lot to offer. So, why not put on those hiking boots and get familiar with a few of the state's stunning trails?
A short drive off of the traffic-heavy Shelbourne Road in southern Burlington is a peaceful park called Red Rocks—and it is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. It’s shaded, has wide, flat pathways, and leads to gorgeous lookouts of Lake Champlain. Red Rocks Park is made up of a few trails that loop together which means you can take in the scenery with a leisurely 3-mile walk or go on a brisk mile-long jog, the choice is yours!
A charming excursion inside the woodland that runs alongside Lake Champlain that offers beautiful cliffside views. Rock Point is an approximately 2.6-mile loop located off of Burlington’s bike path. A quick access point is Leddy Beach—if you take a left as you enter the bike path from the parking lot the trail’s entrance is about a half a mile away. Plus there’s nothing like kicking back at Leddy Beach post-hike to cool off!
It should be noted that Rock Point requires trail-goers to obtain a digital pass.
Whether you're looking for a little bit of a climb, or a swift, smooth walk—Shelburne Bay Park has got you covered! Much like Rock Point, this park runs through forestland alongside Lake Champlain. It has plenty of openings onto rocks by the waterside where you can enjoy the bay. And if you’re looking for flatter terrain, Shelbourne Bay also has a walking path that runs alongside the beach.
Immerse yourself in South Burlington’s woodlands—pass through gently flowing streams, gaze at towering juniper, cedar, and maple trees, and keep an eye out for the Mature Bur Oak tree, believed to be the oldest oak tree in South Burlington at over 200 years old. Wheeler Nature Park is made up of a series of short, paved paths through the forest and open fields that are easy to navigate.
Sucker Brook Hollow Trail is a relatively challenging hike in Williston, Vermont. From the parking lot to the top it's about 1 mile and almost entirely an incline. Cross the bridge over Sucker Brook River and take a tour of Vermont’s magnificent beech, white pine, and maple trees. Reward yourself at the hike's peak by looking out over stunning local scenery.
Wander through Colchester, VT’s striking forestland. Niquette Bay is comprised of a series of interlacing hiking trails, meaning you can take in the wetland and vistas on the longer routes or walk directly to the beach on the Allen Trail and dip into Lake Champlain.
As Niquette Bay is a State Park, day-use fees do apply.
Mt Philo always has plenty of hikers—and it's popular for a reason. The park’s summit trail is about an ¾ mile incline that leads to a spectacular view of Lake Champlain Valley and New York’s Adirondack Mountains. There are plenty of lookout points to take in the scenery, and you can also learn about the state park by exploring the area around the summit lodge, which has stood at the top of Mt Philo since 1930.
As Mt Philo is a State Park, day-use fees do apply.
Although it's a bit of a steep climb, Sterling Pond is worth the exertion. It’s about a mile hike to the top where you will see the picturesque pond adorned by mountainscapes, evergreen trees, and wildlife. Explore the area a little further and you will find breathtaking views near Smugglers Notch Resort’s Madonna Chairlift.
