Clarendon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Clarendon, Vermont.
1. Clarendon Gorge
SCENIC SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Clarendon Gorge features a beautiful suspension bridge crossing the Mill River. The trail is easy to navigate and takes about 5 minutes one-way to reach the gorge area. Visitors can enjoy the scenic river views, explore the gorge, and even find swimming opportunities in the deep yellow/green pools.
2. Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest
POPULAR SWIMMING HOLE
Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest offers a small network of hiking trails along the top of the gorge and swimming hole. The 74-acre forest surrounds the gorge on the Mill River and features unique Temperate Calcareous Cliff natural communities that are uncommon in Vermont. Visitors can enjoy both hiking and swimming activities in this preserved natural area.
3. Appalachian Trail - Clarendon Section
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE TRAIL
The Appalachian Trail section in Clarendon provides hikers with access to the famous long-distance trail system. This segment features a narrow trail that opens up to the suspension bridge over the gorge, offering memorable river views. Hikers can either enjoy a short out-and-back to the gorge or continue on the main trail for nearly a mile to reach additional scenic views.
4. Cascade Mountain Trail
MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Cascade Mountain Trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding summit experience near Clarendon. The trail features steady elevation gain through diverse forest environments before reaching panoramic summit views. Hikers should come prepared with proper footwear and water as the terrain can be rocky in sections.
5. Ampersand Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Ampersand Mountain Trail provides hikers with a moderately challenging route to spectacular 360-degree views. The trail begins with a gentle incline through mixed forests before becoming steeper and more technical as it approaches the summit. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
6. Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain offers a strenuous but spectacular hiking experience near Clarendon. The trail features significant elevation gain with sections of steep climbing and rocky terrain. Hikers who make it to the summit are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and neighboring peaks.
7. White Dot Trail
POPULAR MOUNTAIN PATH
White Dot Trail offers a direct and moderately challenging route to impressive viewpoints in the region. The trail is well-marked with white blazes and features a mix of forest hiking and rocky sections. Hikers should be prepared for some steep segments but will find the panoramic views at designated lookout points worth the effort.
8. Pumpelly Trail
HISTORIC WILDERNESS ROUTE
Pumpelly Trail presents hikers with a historic and scenic route through diverse Vermont terrain. The trail features moderate difficulty with some challenging sections and passes through beautiful forests and alongside mountain streams. Hikers can enjoy a variety of natural features including rock formations and seasonal wildflowers along the way.
9. Mount Osceola Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT TREK
Mount Osceola Trail provides a demanding but rewarding hiking experience for those seeking a challenge near Clarendon. The trail features steady climbing through dense forest before opening up to rocky terrain near the summit. Hikers reaching the top are treated to expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
10. Algonquin Trail
SCENIC ALPINE EXPERIENCE
Algonquin Trail offers one of the most scenic hiking experiences in the region surrounding Clarendon. The trail features challenging terrain with significant elevation gain and some scrambling sections as it approaches the alpine zone. Hikers who complete this difficult trail are rewarded with spectacular views above the treeline and a true wilderness adventure.