Danby VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Danby, Vermont.
1. Green Mountain Trail
SUMMIT AND FOREST LOOPS
Green Mountain Trail is a 6.7-mile loop that offers hikers a moderately challenging ascent through mixed hardwood forest to the summit of Green Mountain. The trail features a series of gradual climbs, several scenic viewpoints, and a final descent linking with the Little Rock Pond Loop and the Appalachian/Long Trail. Highlights include panoramic vistas, tranquil pond shores, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
2. Little Rock Pond Trail
LAKESIDE WOODLAND HIKE
Little Rock Pond Trail is a scenic section of the Appalachian/Long Trail, forming a four-mile round-trip hike through lush forest to a picturesque mountain pond. The trail is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. At the pond, visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping along the serene shoreline.
3. Baker Peak Trail
WILDFLOWERS AND VIEWS
Baker Peak Trail is an 8.7-mile out-and-back trek that rewards hikers with abundant wildflowers and impressive summit vistas. The trail features moderate to strenuous elevation gains, leading to a rocky outcrop with sweeping views over the Taconic Mountains. It's a favored route for those seeking a longer and more challenging hike in the area.
4. Smokey House Center Trails
FARM AND FOREST PATHS
The Smokey House Center offers several miles of trails weaving through a unique landscape that combines active farmland with conservation forests. These easy to moderate trails are perfect for families and those interested in nature, with educational opportunities and community events available year-round. Visitors experience both open fields and peaceful woods while learning about land stewardship.
5. D&H Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAIL CORRIDOR
The D&H Rail Trail follows the historic Delaware & Hudson railway corridor, providing a mostly flat, easy hike along a crushed stone surface. This scenic multi-use trail is ideal for both hiking and biking, with gentle grades and numerous river crossings, bridges, and woodland stretches. It's perfect for leisurely exploration with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Emerald Lake State Park
SHORELINE AND RIDGE TRAILS
Emerald Lake State Park features several short trails of easy to moderate difficulty that meander along the lake's shore and climb the nearby ridges. Hikers can enjoy tranquil water views, forested paths, and opportunities for swimming or picnicking after their walk. The park is a popular destination for families and those looking to combine hiking with outdoor recreation.
7. Bucklin Trail
GATEWAY TO KILLINGTON PEAK
Bucklin Trail is a 7.2-mile out-and-back hike in the Green Mountain National Forest leading to the summit of Killington Peak, Vermont's second-highest mountain. The trail starts with moderate grades through forest and becomes more strenuous near the summit, where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views. Known for its steady ascent and summit panorama, it attracts experienced hikers seeking a half-day adventure.
8. Lye Brook Falls Trail
WATERFALL IN THE WILDERNESS
Lye Brook Falls Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike through forested terrain that leads to one of Vermont's tallest waterfalls. The trail is considered moderate, with some rocky and uneven sections, and features scenic woodland views and lush ferns. The highlight is the dramatic, multi-tiered waterfall at the hike's end, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
9. Ice Beds Trail
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Ice Beds Trail offers a 1.2-mile round-trip hike to an unusual geological formation where cold air seeps through rocks, creating natural refrigerators even in summer. The easy trail is well-suited for beginners and families, featuring interpretive signs and forest scenery. The highlight is reaching the rocky ice beds area, which stays cool and often icy late into the season.
10. Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park Trails
ACCESSIBLE TOWN PARK PATHS
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park features accessible paved and gravel walking paths suitable for families, kids, and casual walkers. The park's easy trails loop through open fields and wooded patches, offering mountain views and ample spots for picnics or play. It serves as a community hub for outdoor recreation, especially for those seeking short and relaxed hikes.