Charleston VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Charleston, Vermont.
1. The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN SUMMIT EXPERIENCE
The Horn via Bunnell Notch Trail and Killkenny Ridge Trail is one of the best hiking routes near Charleston. The trail offers a challenging yet rewarding experience as hikers navigate through diverse forest terrain to reach the summit. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom landscape.
2. NorthWoods Stewardship Center Trails
EDUCATIONAL NATURE EXPLORATION
NorthWoods Stewardship Center Trails offer hikers informative paths through Northeast Kingdom's ecology and history. The well-maintained trails include interpretive signs that highlight the region's natural features and historical significance. These moderate difficulty trails are perfect for educational walks through cathedral-like red pine plantations and mixed hardwood forests.
3. Lang Brook Trail
SHORT ECOLOGICAL DISCOVERY
Lang Brook Trail is a short 0.5-mile path that showcases the natural ecology of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The trail features gentle terrain suitable for hikers of all skill levels while providing educational opportunities through interpretive signage. Hikers can enjoy the peaceful sounds of Lang Brook as they explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
4. Gardner Path
HISTORIC HOMESTEAD EXPLORATION
Gardner Path is a 0.7-mile history trail that highlights the remains of the Lang family homestead with informational signs exploring the landscape's evolution. The path takes hikers through plantation forests of Norway spruce and red pine planted in the 1900s, passing by impressive granite foundations of the historic Lang barn and house. This easy to moderate trail follows old stone walls and loops around the pine plantation, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's past.
5. All Persons Trail
ACCESSIBLE WOODLAND JOURNEY
The All Persons Trail at NorthWoods Stewardship Center provides an accessible hiking experience through northern hardwood forests and red pine plantations. The trail features gentle switchbacks, periodic rest areas, and a 30-foot bridge crossing Lang Brook that allows hikers to enjoy the sights and sounds of water flowing toward the Clyde River. This inclusive trail culminates with a 180-foot boardwalk, making it suitable for visitors of varying mobility levels while showcasing the natural beauty of Vermont's landscape.
6. Brighton State Park Nature Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST EXPLORATION
Brighton State Park Nature Trails offer peaceful walking paths around Spectacle Pond in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The trails feature easy to moderate terrain suitable for families and casual hikers looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy lakeside views, diverse wildlife habitats, and the serene atmosphere of this well-preserved state park.
7. Bald Mountain Trails
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Bald Mountain Trails in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom lead hikers to spectacular panoramic vistas of Lake Willoughby and surrounding mountains. The moderate to challenging trail system features several route options of varying difficulty that wind through northern forests before reaching the exposed summit. At the top, hikers are rewarded with some of the most dramatic views in the region, showcasing Vermont's natural splendor.
8. Mount Pisgah Trails
DRAMATIC CLIFFSIDE VISTAS
Mount Pisgah Trails traverse the eastern side of Lake Willoughby, offering some of Vermont's most dramatic hiking experiences. The moderately difficult trail system climbs to impressive cliffs with breathtaking views of the glacially carved lake and surrounding Green Mountains. Hikers will experience diverse forest ecosystems and several scenic overlooks that make this trail system a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts in the Northeast Kingdom.
9. Kingdom Heritage Trail
REMOTE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Kingdom Heritage Trail system connects Bluff, Middle, and Gore mountains in Vermont's most remote and wild region. This challenging trail network traverses rugged terrain through pristine forests maintained by the NorthWoods Conservation Corps since 1995. The trail rewards experienced hikers with solitude and unspoiled wilderness views that showcase the authentic character of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.
10. Nulhegan Basin Refuge Trails
WILDLIFE-RICH WETLAND PATHS
Nulhegan Basin Refuge Trails wind through a unique ecosystem of boreal forests and wetlands in northeastern Vermont. The trail system features paths of varying difficulty that showcase the refuge's remarkable biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Hikers can enjoy opportunities for wildlife viewing including moose, birds, and other native species in this preserved natural area.