Canaan VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Canaan, Vermont.
1. The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail is an 11.3-mile out-and-back trail located in White Mountain National Forest near Canaan. This challenging trail takes hikers through varied terrain with rewarding views from The Horn summit. The trail offers a wilderness experience with opportunities to see wildlife and beautiful forest landscapes.
2. Canaan Community Forest Trails
LOCAL FOUR-SEASON PATHS
The Community Forest trails in Canaan provide accessible hiking options for local residents and visitors. These trails are maintained year-round, with snowshoeing opportunities available during winter months. The network offers a great resource for those looking to exercise and enjoy nature close to town.
3. Camel's Hump Burrows Trail
POPULAR SUMMIT ROUTE
The Burrows Trail on Camel's Hump attracts numerous hikers seeking to reach the iconic summit. This somewhat shorter but still challenging trail is best hiked early in the morning on weekends to secure parking. The trail becomes increasingly rugged as hikers approach the summit, offering spectacular views of Vermont's landscape.
4. Camel's Hump Monroe Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
The Monroe Trail on the Duxbury side of Camel's Hump State Park offers a somewhat challenging but rewarding hiking experience. This trail takes hikers through lush forests before emerging above treeline with panoramic views. The route becomes increasingly rugged near the summit, providing an authentic Green Mountain hiking experience.
5. Camel's Hump Accessible Loop
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The universally-accessible loop at Camel's Hump State Park spans 0.8 miles with its own dedicated parking area. This wide, flat trail features three viewing spots offering spectacular vistas of Camel's Hump summit. Perfect for families with small children, elderly visitors, or those with mobility challenges, this trail provides an inclusive outdoor experience.
6. Falls of Lana Trail
CASCADING WATER FEATURES
The Falls of Lana trail leads hikers to a series of magnificent cascading falls carved out of rock. Located near Branbury State Park, this trail is part of the western slopes of the Green Mountains. The hike offers a refreshing experience with beautiful water features surrounded by lush forest.
7. Rattlesnake Point Trail
PANORAMIC LAKE VISTAS
Rattlesnake Point trail provides hikers with panoramic views of Lake Dunmore and the surrounding landscape. The area is known for its breeding peregrine falcons, adding wildlife viewing opportunities to the hiking experience. This moderate trail connects to the broader Moosalamoo Recreation Area trail system, offering options for extended adventures.
8. Silver Lake Trail
SERENE MOUNTAIN LAKE
The Silver Lake Trail takes hikers to a small, scenic mountain lake nestled in the Green Mountains. This moderate trail traverses through varied forest ecosystems with occasional glimpses of wildlife. The destination rewards hikers with a peaceful alpine lake setting perfect for a rest before the return journey.
9. The Weathersfield Trail
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN PATH
The Weathersfield Trail runs 2.9 miles along the south face of the mountain, featuring Cascade Falls, the largest waterfall in the area. Hikers enjoy diverse terrain and ecosystems as they make their way up the trail. The combination of mountain vistas and impressive water features makes this a particularly rewarding Vermont hiking experience.
10. Cross Vermont Trail
EASY RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Cross Vermont Trail spans 10 miles through Groton State Forest, offering an easy hiking experience along a former rail corridor. This family-friendly trail winds through beautiful woodland settings with minimal elevation change. The trail's well-maintained surface makes it accessible for hikers of all abilities seeking a longer but gentler outdoor experience.