Berlin VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Berlin, Vermont.
1. Irish Hill at Berlin Pond
YEAR-ROUND TRAIL NETWORK
Irish Hill at Berlin Pond offers a network of trails open to hikers year-round, with some areas also available for mountain biking from May 15 to November 1. The trail system features varied terrain suitable for moderate hiking experiences with well-marked paths. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Berlin Pond and the surrounding natural landscapes throughout their hike.
2. Tower Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT CLIMB
Tower Trail is a primitive jeep road that leads to the cell tower on top of Irish Hill in Berlin. This trail presents a challenging, relentless climb characterized by mud, slippery ledge, and loose terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers. The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding Berlin landscape.
3. Boyer State Forest
MULTI-SEASON RECREATION AREA
Boyer State Forest provides diverse recreational opportunities including well-maintained hiking trails that wind through Vermont's natural beauty. The forest offers trails suitable for various skill levels, from beginner to intermediate hikers, and can be enjoyed across different seasons. In addition to hiking, visitors can engage in mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, and wildlife observation.
4. Mount Hunger
BREATHTAKING SUMMIT VIEWS
Mount Hunger is a beloved hiking trail in Central Vermont that offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. The trail presents a moderately challenging trek with rocky sections and steep inclines, suitable for intermediate hikers. At 3,539 feet, the bare summit provides hikers with spectacular 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, including Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield.
5. Camel's Hump via Monroe Trail
ICONIC VERMONT MOUNTAIN
Camel's Hump Summit via Monroe Trail is one of Vermont's most iconic hiking experiences, leading to the distinctive profile of the state's third-highest peak. The moderate to difficult trail climbs steadily through beautiful forest before emerging onto an alpine zone with spectacular views. Hikers experience a true wilderness trek with exposed summit areas, unique alpine vegetation, and panoramic vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
6. Warren Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Warren Falls offers a short but rewarding hike to one of Vermont's most beautiful natural swimming areas and waterfalls. The trail is easily accessible and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, featuring a gentle path through the woods to the falls. Visitors can enjoy the series of cascading waterfalls, emerald pools carved into the bedrock, and natural swimming holes during the warmer months.
7. Hubbard Park
CAPITAL CITY NATURE RETREAT
Hubbard Park sits just behind Vermont's capitol building and offers a network of accessible trails within minutes of downtown Montpelier. The park features well-maintained paths through peaceful woods where hikers can quickly feel immersed in nature despite the proximity to the city. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse wildlife, including ruby-throated hummingbirds, woodpeckers, warblers, and thrushes that call the park home during various seasons.
8. Spruce Mountain
FIRE TOWER SUMMIT REWARD
Spruce Mountain in Plainfield offers a moderate 4.4-mile round-trip hike through beautiful Vermont forest to a historic fire tower. The well-marked trail gradually ascends to the 3,037-foot summit, providing a steady climb that's challenging but accessible for most hikers. At the top, visitors can climb the restored fire tower for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, including the Worcester Range and Northeast Kingdom.
9. North Branch River Park
RIVERSIDE NATURE TRAILS
North Branch River Park features scenic trails that meander along the North Branch of the Winooski River just outside downtown Montpelier. This accessible park offers gentle terrain suitable for all skill levels, with open meadows and riverside paths providing diverse habitats to explore. Hikers can enjoy a peaceful amble through changing landscapes while observing local flora and fauna in this natural urban retreat.
10. Moss Glen Falls
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL VIEW
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe features a short but rewarding hike to one of Vermont's most striking waterfalls. The easy 0.3-mile trail is accessible to hikers of all abilities and leads to a dramatic 125-foot cascading waterfall that plunges down a series of rock steps. Visitors can enjoy viewing platforms that provide excellent photography opportunities of the falls surrounded by lush Vermont forest.