Bennington VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bennington, Vermont.
1. Little Pond Trail
SERENE POND EXCURSION
Little Pond Trail is an easy 5-mile round trip hike with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain near Bennington. The trail takes hikers to a picturesque backcountry pond surrounded by lush Vermont forest. Hikers will enjoy the relatively flat terrain making it perfect for families and beginners seeking a peaceful nature experience.
2. Harmon Hill via the Long Trail
CHALLENGING VIEWS WORTH CLIMBING
Harmon Hill is a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail with 1,265 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate to difficult. The trail begins very steeply with rocks and switchbacks before leveling out after about a mile and traveling through a lovely meadow. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Bennington and the surrounding mountains by venturing about 200 feet perpendicular to the trail.
3. Bald Mountain Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Bald Mountain Trail offers a difficult hiking experience for those seeking a challenging adventure near Bennington. The trail leads adventurous hikers to stunning overlooks of the surrounding Vermont landscape. The demanding terrain rewards those who make the climb with breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the beauty of Southern Vermont.
4. Shaftsbury State Park Trails
ACCESSIBLE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Shaftsbury State Park offers accessible, easy trails just north of Bennington for hikers of all abilities. The park features well-maintained paths that wind around Lake Shaftsbury, providing beautiful water views and opportunities to observe local wildlife. These trails are perfect for families, beginners, or those seeking a leisurely outdoor experience in a picturesque Vermont setting.
5. Paran-Frost Trail
LITERARY LANDSCAPE PATH
The Paran-Frost Trail is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail with 255 feet of elevation gain, rated as moderate difficulty. The trail features small bridges, lakeside views, and forest paths connecting the Robert Frost Stone House Museum and Paran Lake. Hikers can enjoy the literary significance of the area while experiencing the natural beauty that inspired the famous poet.
6. Bennington Area Trail System (BATS)
LOCAL MULTI-USE NETWORK
The Bennington Area Trail System offers over 12 miles of interconnected multi-use singletrack trails established in 2015. BATS provides diverse terrain for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners with accessible paths and stunning views throughout the network. The system includes the popular Halloween Tree Trail, which serves as a backbone connecting numerous other paths in the network.
7. Zaphod's Run
ELEVATED MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Zaphod's Run is a recent addition to the Bennington Area Trail System that leads hikers to higher-elevation terrain on Mount Anthony. The trail culminates in a picturesque lookout offering expansive views over Bennington and the surrounding valley. This path provides a rewarding hiking experience with natural beauty and panoramic vistas of the Vermont landscape.
8. Robert Frost Trail
POETIC NATURE PATH
The Robert Frost Trail stretches 2 miles from Lake Paran in North Bennington to the Robert Frost Stone House Museum in Shaftsbury. This lovely footpath winds through the countryside that inspired some of Frost's most famous poetry. Hikers can immerse themselves in both natural beauty and literary history as they walk in the footsteps of America's beloved poet.
9. Ursa Way
UPHILL COLLEGE VIEWS
Ursa Way is a 0.6-mile intermediate to advanced hiking trail best traveled from south to north near the Southern Vermont College area. The trail starts at a gravel road and climbs upward toward the college's water tank, following an old logging road. After a challenging ascent, hikers are rewarded with incredible views of the Green Mountains from the upper field.
10. Old Farm Road Trail
HISTORIC MANSION SHORTCUT
Old Farm Road is a beginner-friendly 0.5-mile trail that serves as a shortcut to the Everett Mansion area from Monument Avenue in Old Bennington. The path offers a pleasant stroll through historic grounds with minimal elevation change. Hikers can enjoy both the natural surroundings and glimpses of Old Bennington's architectural heritage along this accessible route.