Fairfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Fairfield, Vermont.
1. Spruce Peak and Sterling Pond Loop
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VISTAS
Spruce Peak and Sterling Pond Loop offers hikers a challenging but rewarding trail with spectacular views of the Green Mountains. The moderate to difficult trail takes trekkers through dense forests before opening up to panoramic vistas at Spruce Peak and the pristine waters of Sterling Pond. Hikers can enjoy diverse landscapes including alpine vegetation and a crystal-clear mountain pond at one of Vermont's highest elevations.
2. Sterling Pond Trail
HIGH ELEVATION POND
Sterling Pond Trail is a popular hiking destination that leads to Vermont's highest elevation trout pond. The moderately difficult trail climbs steadily through northern hardwood forest before reaching the scenic alpine pond nestled in a mountain saddle. Visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to observe unique high-elevation ecosystems.
3. Mt. Mansfield via the Long Trail
VERMONT'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mt. Mansfield via the Long Trail provides hikers with access to Vermont's highest peak with its distinctive face-like profile. The challenging trail features steep sections and rock scrambles but rewards hikers with unparalleled 360-degree views of Vermont, New York, and Canada on clear days. The summit ridge resembles a human face in profile, with features named as the forehead, nose, lips, and chin, offering unique photo opportunities along an alpine ecosystem that's rare in Vermont.
4. Bingham Falls
DRAMATIC WATERFALL TRAIL
Bingham Falls is a short but spectacular trail leading to an impressive 30-foot waterfall cascading into a deep gorge. The relatively easy trail is suitable for most skill levels, though caution is needed on the steeper sections near the falls. Visitors can enjoy the cooling mist of the falls and, during warmer months, some adventurous hikers take a dip in the deep swimming holes beneath the cascades.
5. Lake Carmi State Park Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST PATHS
Lake Carmi State Park offers several gentle hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes along Vermont's fourth-largest natural lake. The easy to moderate trails provide hikers with views of wetlands, forests, and the expansive lake shore, making them perfect for families and casual hikers. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with possibilities to spot various bird species, deer, and other forest creatures throughout the seasons.
6. Milton Town Forest
COMMUNITY WOODLAND NETWORK
Milton Town Forest features a network of well-maintained trails through a beautiful community woodland just north of Fairfield. The easy to moderate trails wind through mixed hardwood forests, across small streams, and past interesting geological features. Hikers can enjoy seasonal highlights including spring wildflowers, summer shade, vibrant fall foliage, and peaceful winter snow scenes on these accessible community trails.
7. Burton Island State Park Trails
ISLAND EXPLORATION PATHS
Burton Island State Park offers unique hiking experiences on a 253-acre island accessible only by boat in Lake Champlain. The network of easy trails circles the island and crosses through its interior, providing spectacular lake views and diverse natural environments including forests, meadows, and shoreline. Hikers can observe abundant wildlife, discover hidden coves, and experience the tranquility of an island separated from mainland bustle.
8. Underhill State Park
GATEWAY TO MANSFIELD
Underhill State Park serves as the western gateway to Mount Mansfield with four distinct trails leading to the summit ridge. The Sunset Ridge Trail, the most popular route at 3.2 miles to the summit, offers hikers beautiful views as it traverses above treeline along an exposed ridge. Hikers experience distinct ecological zones as they climb, moving from northern hardwood forests through spruce-fir zones and finally into rare alpine vegetation near the summit.
9. Deer Leap Mountain Trail
DRAMATIC CLIFF VIEWS
Deer Leap Mountain Trail offers hikers spectacular views from dramatic cliff overlooks near Killington. The moderate trail winds through mixed hardwood forests before emerging at prominent rock outcroppings with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains. Local legend claims the mountain got its name from a deer that leaped from cliff to cliff to escape hunters, adding a touch of folklore to this scenic hiking destination.
10. Thundering Brook Trail
ACCESSIBLE WATERFALL PATH
Thundering Brook Trail features an accessible boardwalk leading to one of Vermont's most impressive waterfalls. The easy, family-friendly trail includes an elevated wooden walkway through wetlands before reaching the powerful multi-tiered Thundering Brook Falls. Visitors can experience the raw power of one of Vermont's largest waterfalls while enjoying the surrounding lush forest environment on this short but rewarding hike.