Barre VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Barre, Vermont.
1. Millstone Trails
HISTORIC QUARRY NETWORK
Millstone Trails is a network of multi-use trails traversing the historic quarry lands of Millstone Hill, winding through northern hardwood and coniferous forests. The trails offer various difficulty levels, with primary corridors like Mainline and VAST being suitable for beginners, while trails like TNT present more challenging options for experienced hikers. Hikers can enjoy unique features including scenic vistas of the Green Mountains, dramatic quarries filled with turquoise water, and relics from old quarrying days.
2. Barre Town Forest Trails
POST-INDUSTRIAL SCENIC LANDSCAPE
The Barre Town Forest features approximately 20 miles of maintained trails used for hiking, walking, and other recreational activities. The forest offers a post-industrial landscape of former granite quarries, ponds created by them, piles of leftover granite, and rich immigrant history tied to quarrying. Once a denuded landscape, the land has returned to woods and nature, offering a unique hiking experience among Vermont town forests.
3. Grand Lookout Trail
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Grand Lookout Trail serves as one of the primary corridors through the Barre Town Forest. It connects the Town Forest parking areas at Brook Street and Barclay Quarry, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. The trail offers spectacular panoramic views and is considered one of Millstone's easiest trails to navigate, perfect for a leisurely yet scenic hiking experience.
4. Locomotion Trail
CHARACTERISTIC FOREST PATH
Locomotion is one of the Town Forest area's longest and most characteristic trails, connecting the main corridors on the south and east sides. The trail offers intermediate difficulty with various terrain changes throughout its length. Hikers will encounter typical Vermont forest scenery while traversing this noteworthy path within the Millstone network.
5. TNT Trail
CHALLENGING ADVENTURE ROUTE
TNT Trail is recognized as the most challenging trail for recreation in the Barre Town Forest. This demanding route connects with other trails on the south and east sides of the forest, providing a rigorous hiking experience. Adventure seekers will appreciate the technical nature and rewarding journey that TNT offers within the Millstone trail system.
6. Black Lagoon Trail
HISTORIC QUARRY RELICS
Black Lagoon Trail is situated on the west side of the Town Forest, dotted with relics from historic quarrying activity. The trail offers hikers a glimpse into Barre's industrial past while traversing through restored forest landscapes. Its moderate difficulty makes it suitable for most hikers looking to explore the area's unique cultural and natural heritage.
7. Gnome Man's Land
ADVENTURE-BUILT TRAIL SECTION
Gnome Man's Land features trails purpose-built for adventurous recreation within the Millstone network. While originally designed with mountain biking in mind, these trails also offer exciting hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. The section provides a more thrilling experience than other parts of the network, ideal for those seeking an adrenaline boost during their hike.
8. The Canyonlands
QUIET CONTEMPLATIVE PATHS
The Canyonlands section of the Millstone Trails network offers the quietest and most contemplative hiking experience in the area. These trails wind through dramatic landscapes formed by former quarry operations, creating canyon-like environments unique to this region. Hikers seeking solitude and reflection will particularly appreciate the serene atmosphere of The Canyonlands trails.
9. Wynding Woods Trail
HISTORIC FOREST PATH
Wynding Woods Trail is located on the west side of the Town Forest, featuring interesting relics from the area's quarrying history. The trail winds through regenerated woodland that has reclaimed the formerly industrial landscape. Hikers will enjoy the moderate difficulty level while exploring the natural and historical elements along this engaging forest path.
10. Holy Ghost Trail
HIKER-EXCLUSIVE FOREST PATH
Holy Ghost Trail is a hiking-focused path on the west side of the Barre Town Forest that is not maintained for mountain biking. The trail offers a quieter experience as it winds through areas dotted with relics from historic quarrying activities. Hikers will appreciate the trail's dedication to foot traffic, making it ideal for those seeking a more traditional hiking experience in the Millstone network.