Hyde Park VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Hyde Park, Vermont.
1. Elmore Mountain Fire Tower Loop
SCENIC SUMMIT WITH VIEWS
Elmore Mountain Fire Tower Loop is a 5.6-mile trail with 1485 feet of elevation gain near Hyde Park. The trail leads hikers through beautiful forest terrain to a fire tower at the summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can begin from the lower parking lot when the park is closed or from the upper lot when open, making it accessible year-round.
2. Sterling Pond Trail
ALPINE POND ADVENTURE
Sterling Pond Trail is a 2.28-mile route with 876 feet of elevation gain located near Route 108. The trail begins across from a parking area about 3 miles south of Smugglers' Notch Resort and leads to a beautiful mountain pond. Winter hikers should note that the road closes during snow season, requiring a longer approach of about 40 minutes from an alternate parking location.
3. Spruce Peak and Sterling Pond Loop
FALL FOLIAGE SHOWCASE
Spruce Peak and Sterling Pond Loop is a 3.38-mile trail with 1204 feet of elevation gain near the Stowe area. The loop is particularly spectacular during fall foliage season in September and early October, offering some of New England's most vibrant autumn colors. Accessible from the scenic I-89 corridor, this moderate hike provides access to both Spruce Peak and the Sterling Pond area.
4. Babcock Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RETURN ROUTE
Babcock Trail serves as an excellent option for creating a loop hike when combined with the Long Trail to Devil's Gulch. The trail is less challenging than the Long Trail, making it a preferred route for the return journey, especially with tired children. This accessible path offers hikers a more gentle terrain while still showcasing the natural beauty of the Hyde Park region.
5. Green River Reservoir State Park
WATERSIDE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Green River Reservoir State Park offers a network of trails surrounding one of Vermont's most pristine bodies of water. Hikers can enjoy relatively flat trails that wind through forests and along shorelines, providing frequent glimpses of wildlife and water views. The park combines hiking opportunities with options for paddling, creating a versatile outdoor destination for visitors to Hyde Park.
6. Moss Glen Falls Trail
CASCADING WATER SPECTACLE
Moss Glen Falls Trail is a relatively short hike that leads to one of Vermont's most photographed waterfalls near Stowe. The trail follows a gentle incline through mixed forest before revealing the multi-tiered cascading falls that drop dramatically through a moss-covered rock formation. Accessible for most fitness levels, this hike offers a significant natural reward for minimal hiking effort.
7. Stowe Pinnacle Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Stowe Pinnacle Trail climbs steadily to one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the region with vistas of the Green Mountains and Stowe Valley. The moderately difficult 3.7-mile round-trip hike features a rocky summit area that provides nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers should be prepared for a somewhat challenging ascent that becomes steeper near the top but rewards with spectacular scenery.
8. Brewster River Gorge
HIDDEN WATERWAY WONDER
Brewster River Gorge offers hikers a chance to explore dramatic water-carved formations along a series of interconnected trails. The gorge features several swimming holes, small waterfalls, and unique geological features carved by the persistent flow of the Brewster River. Visitors should exercise caution on the sometimes slippery terrain, especially when exploring areas close to the water's edge.
9. Mount Haystack
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Mount Haystack provides hikers with a challenging 5-mile round trip journey to the summit of one of southern Vermont's distinctive peaks. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest before opening up to several viewpoints and the final peak with expansive views of the Deerfield Valley. While demanding in terms of elevation gain, the trail rewards persistent hikers with solitude and panoramic vistas rarely found on more popular routes.
10. Crosstown Trails
ALL-SEASON TRAIL NETWORK
Crosstown Trails consists of a well-maintained network of paths that wind through the forests and fields near West Dover. The interconnected system allows hikers to create routes of varying lengths and difficulties, from gentle walks to more substantial day hikes. In winter, many sections of the Crosstown Trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making this a versatile year-round outdoor destination.