Cornwall VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Cornwall, Vermont.
1. Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area
SCENIC WILDLIFE VIEWING
Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area offers hiking trails through diverse wetland habitats in Cornwall. The trails are generally easy to moderate in difficulty, perfect for birding enthusiasts and nature photographers. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and observing the rich variety of bird species that inhabit this protected area.
2. Trail Around Middlebury
16-MILE TOWN CIRCUIT
The Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) is a 16-mile network of trails that encircles the town of Middlebury near Cornwall. The trail system varies in difficulty from easy to moderate sections, making it accessible for hikers of different abilities. TAM utilizes existing parks, a ski area, and crosses through many private properties whose owners have generously allowed public access to this community treasure.
3. Falls of Lana
CASCADING MOUNTAIN WATERS
Falls of Lana is a popular hiking destination near Branbury State Park that leads to a series of stunning cascading waterfalls carved out of rock. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty but rewards hikers with spectacular views of the natural water features. This trail is part of the western slopes of the Green Mountains and connects to the larger Moosalamoo Recreation Area trail system.
4. Rattlesnake Point
PANORAMIC LAKE VIEWS
Rattlesnake Point trail offers hikers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Dunmore from an elevated vantage point. The moderately challenging trail takes hikers through diverse forest terrain before reaching the point, which is known for its breeding peregrine falcons. This scenic trail is connected to the Green Mountain National Forest and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
5. Silver Lake Trail
MOUNTAIN LAKE ESCAPE
Silver Lake Trail takes hikers on a journey to a small, scenic mountain lake nestled in the Green Mountains. The moderate difficulty trail winds through lush forests before revealing the pristine alpine lake surrounded by mountains. This hike is part of the extensive trail network in the Moosalamoo Recreation Area, offering opportunities to extend your adventure if desired.
6. Monroe Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT ROUTE
The Monroe Trail on Camel's Hump State Park presents hikers with a somewhat challenging but rewarding route to one of Vermont's most iconic peaks. The trail becomes increasingly rugged as it approaches the summit, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Green Mountains. For those seeking a genuine Vermont hiking challenge within driving distance of Cornwall, this trail delivers both physical demands and scenic rewards.
7. Camel's Hump Accessible Loop
FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
The universally-accessible loop at Camel's Hump State Park offers an inclusive hiking experience with its own dedicated parking area. This 0.8-mile trail is wide and flat, making it perfect for families with small children, seniors, and those with mobility limitations. The loop features three strategic viewing spots that provide excellent vistas of the summit of Camel's Hump without requiring a strenuous climb.
8. Burrows Trail
POPULAR SUMMIT APPROACH
Burrows Trail offers a slightly shorter approach to the summit of Camel's Hump from the Huntington side of the mountain. This popular trail is of moderate difficulty for most of its length but becomes more challenging near the summit area. Hikers are advised to arrive early on weekends with good weather as the parking area fills quickly due to the trail's popularity and rewarding summit views.
9. The Pinnacle Trail
PANORAMIC RIDGE HIKING
The Pinnacle Trail leads hikers to the 1,683-foot summit along the scenic Windmill Hill Ridgeline in southeast Vermont. The moderate trail is well-marked with red disc blazes and climbs at a gentle grade through forests and over exposed bedrock outcrops. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Hedgehog Gulf, Mount Snow, and Stratton Mountain.
10. Headwaters Trail
WINDING MOUNTAIN PATH
Headwaters Trail is a narrower path that winds around the slopes of the Windmill Hill Ridgeline, passing historic stone walls and crossing the headwaters of Sacketts Brook. The trail climbs at a moderate grade for about half a mile up to the crest of Windmill Ridge, offering diverse terrain and natural features. This blue-disc-blazed trail connects with other paths in the area, allowing hikers to create loop experiences of varying lengths and difficulties.