Bristol VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bristol, Vermont.
1. Bristol Ledges Trail
SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Bristol Ledges Trail is a 1.9-mile round-trip hike that starts right in town and leads to a famous rock outcropping with amazing views of Bristol and the distant Adirondack Mountains. The moderate difficulty trail features an 850-foot elevation change that's entirely uphill, making for a challenging but rewarding trek. Hikers should be prepared for black flies in late May or early June, which are known to be particularly active on this trail.
2. Bristol Trail Network
SCENIC VILLAGE LOOP
The Bristol Trail Network is a scenic loop of mostly flat, easy trails through the village of Bristol, occasionally interrupted by short but steep inclines with narrow tread. The network includes the River Bend Trail section which follows the New Haven River for about half a mile, passing through several distinct forest types and historical bank erosion prevention sites. The Business Park Loop section offers stunning views to the south and east of Bristol.
3. River Bend Trail
RIVERSIDE FOREST PATH
River Bend Trail follows the scenic New Haven River for approximately half a mile as part of the Bristol Trail Network. Hikers will encounter various forest types along with historical efforts to prevent bank erosion, making it interesting for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The trail provides excellent access to the river for fishing before climbing steeply up to downtown Bristol where it connects with the Business Park Loop.
4. Robert Frost Trail
POETIC WILDERNESS JOURNEY
The Robert Frost Trail is an easy one-mile stroll through the beautiful fields and woods of the Breadloaf wilderness area near Bristol. This loop trail is enhanced with informational signs about local flora and poems by Robert Frost, creating a literary hiking experience. Located just 2.1 miles east of Ripton along the scenic SR 125, this trail offers an accessible nature experience for hikers of all abilities.
5. Silent Cliff Trail
CLIFF VIEWS AND CAVE
Silent Cliff Trail is a 1.6-mile round trip hike of easy to moderate difficulty that branches off from the Long Trail in the Breadloaf Wilderness. The trail leads to Silent Cliff and Silent Cave, offering impressive views south of Middlebury Gap, Monastery Gap, and the Green Mountains. Hikers can access the trailhead at the top of Middlebury Gap, approximately 9.2 miles east of Middlebury on Route 125.
6. Mount Abraham
GREEN MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
Mount Abraham is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Bristol, offering spectacular panoramic views from its 4,006-foot summit. The trail to the summit follows a section of the Long Trail, Vermont's iconic long-distance hiking path that runs the length of the state. Hikers are rewarded with alpine vegetation zones near the summit and, on clear days, views of the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and even Canada.
7. Business Park Loop
SCENIC VISTA TRAIL
The Business Park Loop is a short and flat trail section of the Bristol Trail Network that offers stunning panoramic views to the south and east. This accessible trail connects with the River Bend Trail, creating opportunities for longer hikes through multiple environments. Despite its name referring to a business park, the trail provides a natural escape with impressive mountain vistas.
8. Allen Mountain
CHALLENGING WILDERNESS TREK
Allen Mountain trail is an 18.0-mile out and back trail rated as difficult, requiring strong hiking experience and endurance. The trail rewards persistent hikers with remarkable wilderness solitude and views after navigating challenging terrain. This lengthy hike is best tackled as a full-day adventure with proper preparation for changing weather conditions.
9. Street & Nye Mountains
MODERATE MOUNTAIN PAIR
The Street & Nye Mountains trail is a moderate 8.0-mile trek that allows hikers to summit two peaks in one outing. This popular trail features a variety of terrain including forest paths, stream crossings, and some steeper sections as hikers approach the summits. Both mountains offer partial views through the trees, with Street Mountain standing at 4,166 feet and Nye at 3,895 feet.
10. Lookout Mountain Loop
PANORAMIC VISTA CIRCUIT
Lookout Mountain Loop via Wilmington Trail offers hikers a circular route with spectacular views from several vantage points. The trail combines forest hiking with rocky outcroppings that provide natural rest spots and photo opportunities. Hikers can expect a moderate challenge with some elevation gain that leads to rewarding panoramic vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains.