Charlotte VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Charlotte, Vermont.
1. Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge
DIVERSE WOODLAND EXPLORATION
Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge offers hiking trails through diverse woodlands, wetlands, pastures, and meadows. The gravel trails wind through 95 acres of land, providing opportunities for passive recreation and nature observation. Hikers can enjoy the varied ecosystems and wildlife viewing in this accessible local refuge.
2. Mount Philo State Park
SUMMIT WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS
Mount Philo State Park features a popular ¾-mile hiking trail that leads to the mountain's summit for more ambitious visitors. The moderate difficulty trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains. Hikers are likely to encounter wildlife including white-tailed deer or moose along this scenic route.
3. Charlotte Town Link Trail
CONNECTING LOCAL LANDMARKS
The Charlotte Town Link Trail currently consists of three contiguous sections from Mt. Philo to Common Way. This trail will eventually connect all the way to the Charlotte Town Beach, creating a comprehensive pathway through the town. The trail offers easy hiking through the beautiful protected landscapes of the Champlain Valley.
4. Allen Mountain
CHALLENGING REMOTE ADVENTURE
Allen Mountain trail is a difficult 18.0-mile out and back trail accessible from the Charlotte area. The challenging route tests hikers' endurance while providing a true wilderness experience away from crowds. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as a reward for the strenuous effort.
5. Street & Nye Mountains
MODERATE MOUNTAIN DUO
The Street & Nye Mountains trail is a moderate 8.0-mile hike accessible from the Charlotte region. This moderately challenging route allows hikers to summit two peaks in a single outing. The trail features beautiful forest terrain and rewarding summit views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Lookout Mountain Loop
SCENIC WILMINGTON VIEWS
Lookout Mountain Loop via Wilmington Trail offers hikers a circular route with panoramic viewpoints. The trail provides a mix of forest hiking and open vistas that showcase Vermont's natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy moderate terrain while experiencing the changing landscapes throughout the loop.
7. Camel's Hump
ICONIC VERMONT SUMMIT
Camel's Hump is one of Vermont's most recognizable mountains with distinctive profile visible from Charlotte and surrounding areas. The challenging trail to the 4,083-foot summit rewards hikers with 360-degree views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. This iconic Vermont hiking destination features alpine vegetation at higher elevations and remains one of the state's most popular hiking destinations.
8. Snake Mountain
HISTORIC LAKESIDE VIEWS
Snake Mountain trail leads hikers to an expansive lookout with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The moderate 4-mile round trip follows the remains of an old carriage road to the site of a former hotel. Hikers can enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of this relatively accessible summit not far from Charlotte.
9. Shelburne Bay Park Trails
LAKESIDE NATURE WALKS
Shelburne Bay Park Trails offer easy walking paths along the shores of Lake Champlain just north of Charlotte. The network of trails winds through forests and along the waterfront, providing excellent bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. These accessible trails are perfect for family outings and casual nature appreciation.
10. LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area
WETLAND ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION
LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area features easy walking trails through one of Lake Champlain's most important wetland ecosystems. Hikers can observe diverse plant and animal life while traversing boardwalks and paths through this protected natural area. The trails offer excellent photography opportunities and seasonal wildflower displays in a location convenient to Charlotte.