Addison VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Addison, Vermont.
1. Snake Mountain
PANORAMIC LAKE CHAMPLAIN VIEWS
Snake Mountain is a popular climb featuring a 4.1-mile trail that reaches an elevation of 1,287 feet. The trail is broad and easy to navigate, making it suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels. From the summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Addison County farmland, Lake Champlain, and the rising Adirondacks to the west.
2. Falls of Lana
CASCADING WATER BEAUTY
Falls of Lana is located just a half-mile up the trail from the Route 53 trailhead in Salisbury. The waterfall is best viewed from below via a short and steep side trail that brings hikers down for optimal viewing. This relatively easy hike makes for a perfect quick adventure for those exploring the Addison County area.
3. Silver Lake Trail
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN LAKE DESTINATION
Silver Lake Trail is a 3.2-mile path that leads to a pristine mountain lake with lakeside picnic opportunities. The trail follows an easy-to-follow service road that is well-traveled by hikers, joggers, and cyclists. From Silver Lake, hikers can continue on a 2.5-mile trail around the lake, which connects with the Leicester Hollow trail and Chandler Ridge Trail for extended hiking options.
4. Buck Mountain
WOODLAND MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
Buck Mountain offers a 2.3-mile hiking trail through the scenic woodlands of Addison County. The trail provides a moderate challenge for hikers looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty. Though shorter than some other trails in the area, Buck Mountain delivers rewarding views that make the climb worthwhile.
5. Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
POETIC NATURE WALK
The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is a 1-mile loop that celebrates the famous poet's connection to Vermont's landscape. This easy trail features placards with Frost's poetry placed throughout the walk, allowing hikers to experience the natural settings that inspired his writing. The trail is ideal for families, casual walkers, and literature enthusiasts seeking a gentle outdoor experience.
6. Mount Abraham via Long Trail
BREATHTAKING SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Abraham via Long Trail offers hikers access to one of Vermont's most magnificent peaks in the Breadloaf Wilderness area. The trail presents a challenging hike with significant elevation gain, rewarding persistent hikers with exceptional panoramic views from the summit. This segment of Vermont's iconic Long Trail provides both a physical challenge and an opportunity to connect with the state's wilderness heritage.
7. Sunset Ledge via Long Trail
SPECTACULAR EVENING VISTAS
Sunset Ledge via Long Trail offers hikers a journey through the Green Mountain National Forest to a spectacular viewpoint. The moderate difficulty trail winds through Vermont's lush forests before opening to an exposed ledge perfect for sunset viewing. As its name suggests, this hike is particularly magical in the evening hours when the sun casts golden light across the valley below.
8. Brilyea Dam Trail
WILDLIFE AND WETLAND EXPLORATION
The Brilyea Dam Trail is a 3.5-mile path starting at the Deadcreek WMA entrance on Brilyea Road in Addison. This year-round accessible trail features diverse terrain including wetlands and forest areas, making it excellent for wildlife viewing. Hikers can enjoy open spaces perfect for sunrise viewing, particularly spectacular during fall foliage season.
9. Middlebury Snowbowl Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN CHAIRLIFT VIEWS
The Middlebury Snowbowl Trail offers hikers a unique experience on a ski mountain during the off-season. The trail leads to the upper chairlift, where hikers can often sit and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For those short on time, a quick detour to nearby Pleiad Lake creates a perfect 1-mile out-and-back experience.
10. Moosalamoo National Recreation Area Trails
DIVERSE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Moosalamoo National Recreation Area offers numerous hiking opportunities through diverse Vermont landscapes. The area features trails of varying difficulty levels winding through forests, along ridges, and to scenic overlooks. Hikers can experience the ecological diversity of the Green Mountain National Forest while exploring well-maintained paths through this 16,000-acre recreation area.