Bloomfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bloomfield, Vermont.
1. Nulhegan Hut & Trails
RIVERSIDE FOREST EXPERIENCE
Nulhegan Hut & Trails in Bloomfield offers hikers a scenic journey through conserved forest lands near the confluence of the Nulhegan River and its East Branch. The network of trails features easy to moderate terrain, making it suitable for most skill levels while offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding, and river photography. Main highlights include the tranquil riverside environment and year-round access due to maintained parking.
2. Maidstone State Forest Trails
LAKESHORE AND WOODLAND PATHS
Maidstone State Forest provides three primary hiking trails that wind through lush woods and along the edge of Maidstone Lake. The trails feature smooth, marked paths that are considered easy and take less than an hour to complete, making them great for families and casual hikers. Moose Trail, in particular, highlights opportunities for moose sightings and passes through spruce-fir forest and old logging areas.
3. Moose Trail
WILDLIFE VIEWING WALK
Moose Trail in the Maidstone State Forest is a 0.75-mile trail designed for wildlife observation, especially moose. The easy to moderate path traverses spruce-fir woods, streambeds, and a former logging area, culminating at a peaceful hilltop. Hikers enjoy smooth terrain and a serene forest atmosphere ideal for quiet exploration.
4. Mount Hor Summit & Ridge Trails
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VISTAS
The Mount Hor Summit & Ridge Trails offer a moderately challenging hike with an elevation of 2,648 feet, featuring sweeping views of ponds, Lake Willoughby, and distant mountain ranges. Hikers ascend through wooded areas and emerge at viewpoints that showcase both the Green and White Mountains. These trails are well-marked and provide a rewarding experience for those seeking a scenic adventure.
5. Herbert Hawkes Trail
SHORT SCENIC CLIMB
Herbert Hawkes Trail is a brief yet picturesque hike, climbing over 600 feet in just 0.7 miles from the southern end of Lake Willoughby. The trail is considered moderate and is perfect for hikers looking for a quick ascent with rewarding lake views. Its path navigates through forested terrain before reaching a hilltop lookout.
6. Lyman Falls State Park
RIVERBANK WOODLAND TREK
Lyman Falls State Park offers foot-access trails along the Connecticut River, ideal for hikers seeking a tranquil natural setting. The trails are generally easy and meander along the riverbanks, providing ample opportunities for fishing and picnicking. The park is maintained as a primitive site, appealing to those who appreciate a rustic, uncrowded hiking experience.
7. Underhill State Park Trails
GREEN MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Underhill State Park features several trails leading to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, and is a popular destination for more experienced hikers. The trails vary from moderate to strenuous and showcase the rugged beauty of the Green Mountains with diverse forest landscapes and dramatic summit vistas. Main highlights include challenging climbs and breathtaking panoramic views from the upper elevations.
8. Long Trail (Jay Peak Section)
ICONIC RIDGELINE HIKE
The Jay Peak section of the Long Trail offers a challenging hike along Vermont's celebrated long-distance path, with a trailhead on VT Route 242. This segment includes varied terrain, steep ascents, and rewarding ridgeline views over the Northeast Kingdom and beyond. The trail is suited for experienced hikers seeking a longer and more demanding journey.
9. East Trail (Mount Hor)
STEEP FOREST TRAVERSE
The East Trail leading up Mount Hor is a 2.2-mile route that climbs 900 feet through dense forest before joining the South Trail. The trail features a moderate to challenging effort with rewarding views of Willoughby Lake and the surrounding valleys. Its ascent through private and public forestland offers hikers a quiet, immersive experience in the Northeast Kingdom.
10. Dixville Flume
WATERFALL GORGE PATH
Dixville Flume is a picturesque hiking destination just across the border in New Hampshire, featuring a short trail to a dramatic gorge and cascading waterfall. The trail is considered easy, making it accessible to hikers of all ages. The main highlight is the scenic flume, where water flows through a narrow rock chasm surrounded by lush woodland.