Bakersfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bakersfield, Vermont.
1. Underhill State Park
GATEWAY TO MOUNT MANSFIELD
Underhill State Park serves as a base for hikes up Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. The park features a network of challenging trails, including the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trails, offering steep ascents and rewarding summit views. Hiking here provides stunning vistas and an immersive experience in the Green Mountains.
2. Camel's Hump State Park
ICONIC PEAK EXPERIENCE
Camel's Hump State Park is famous for its distinctive hump-shaped summit, accessible by several moderately difficult to strenuous trails. The ascent traverses hardwood forests and alpine terrain, culminating in panoramic views from one of Vermont's most recognizable peaks. The park is especially popular with seasoned hikers seeking a rewarding challenge.
3. Lye Brook Falls Trail
WATERFALL WOODLAND HIKE
The Lye Brook Falls Trail offers a moderately challenging hike through lush forest to one of Vermont's highest waterfalls. The trail gently climbs over a 4.6-mile round-trip journey, leading visitors to the picturesque 125-foot Lye Brook Falls. This route is known for its tranquil scenery and cascading water.
4. CC Putnam State Forest
QUIET FOREST TRAILS
CC Putnam State Forest features a tranquil network of trails catering to hikers of various skill levels. The area is largely wooded and offers both gentle and moderately challenging paths, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of a northern hardwood forest. The trails provide a peaceful alternative to more crowded destinations.
5. Gifford Woods State Park
LONG TRAIL CROSSROADS
Gifford Woods State Park serves as a major junction of the Appalachian and Long Trails, making it an important destination for thru-hikers and day hikers alike. The park offers easy to moderate trails with highlights such as scenic views from Deer Leap Mountain and peaceful walks along Thundering Brook Trail. Hikers experience beautiful forests and waterfalls in this classic Vermont hiking area.
6. Mt. Ascutney State Park
SUMMIT AND SCENIC VIEWS
Mt. Ascutney State Park boasts four trails of varying difficulty that climb to the mountain's distinctive summit. Hikers can tackle routes ranging from the moderate 2.7-mile Windsor Trail to the longer, strenuous Futures Trail, all offering opportunities for panoramic views and encounters with waterfalls. A summit observation tower rewards the effort with expansive vistas.
7. Moss Glen Falls Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL WALK
The Moss Glen Falls Trail is a short, family-friendly hike leading to one of Vermont's most photographed waterfalls. This easy trail meanders through a mixed forest, culminating at the impressive 125-foot Moss Glen Falls. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
8. Burke Mountain Fire Tower Trail
SUMMIT FIRE TOWER VIEWS
The Burke Mountain Fire Tower Trail climbs steadily through northern hardwood forests to a fire tower at the summit of Burke Mountain. The hike is considered moderate and is known for its rewarding views across the Northeast Kingdom from the tower platform. Along the way, hikers may spot wildflowers and enjoy the serenity of the mountain.
9. Sunset Ledge Trail
RIDGE-TOP VISTA SPOT
Sunset Ledge Trail offers an easy to moderate hike along the Long Trail to an open ledge with remarkable sunset views. The trail is well-suited for families and less experienced hikers seeking scenic rewards. Its west-facing viewpoint allows for sweeping vistas over the Champlain Valley.
10. Shelburne Farms Loop
LAKESHORE AND MEADOW WALK
The Shelburne Farms Loop provides an easy walk through rolling meadows, woodlands, and along the Lake Champlain shoreline within a historic working farm. This leisurely route is accessible for all ages and offers picturesque views of both the lake and Adirondack Mountains. The trail is ideal for those seeking a gentle, scenic outing.