Isle La Motte VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Isle La Motte, Vermont.
1. Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve
ANCIENT FOSSIL TRAILS
Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore trails winding through an 83-acre outdoor museum dedicated to the ancient Chazy Fossil Reef. The trails are generally easy and accessible to all levels, providing a unique blend of nature and geological history. Highlights include interpretive exhibits, fossil displays, and stunning views of diverse ecosystems.
2. Fisk Quarry Preserve
HISTORIC QUARRY WALK
Fisk Quarry Preserve features walking trails amid a landscape shaped by both natural history and centuries-old quarrying. The trails are easy and suitable for most hikers, winding through a landscape revealing ancient rocks from the Chazy Reef and historic quarry remnants. Visitors can enjoy informative signs and peaceful views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Isle La Motte Ramble
SCENIC ISLAND LOOP
The Isle La Motte Ramble is a flat, scenic multi-use trail perfect for casual hiking or biking, circling the island on quiet roads with frequent lake views. The path is easy, covering approximately 10 miles with access to quiet rural scenery and points of historic interest. Hikers will pass ancient geological features and can visit Saint Anne's Shrine along the route.
4. Island Line Trail Recreation Path
LAKE CHAMPLAIN VIEWS
The Island Line Trail Recreation Path is a long, multipurpose trail offering outstanding views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding islands. With mostly flat terrain, it is rated as easy and welcomes walkers, cyclists, and families. Highlights include causeway sections over the lake and access to beaches and picnic spots.
5. Butternut Hill Natural Area
FOREST AND WETLAND WALK
Butternut Hill Natural Area provides a one-mile easy trail through scenic woods, floodplain forests, and along cobble shorelines. The route is gentle and leads to a shale beach with wide southerly views of Lake Champlain. Hikers can enjoy the tranquil setting and the diversity of plant and animal life.
6. Fox Hill Trail
VINEYARD AND LAKE VIEWS
Fox Hill Trail is a short, moderately steep hike that leads to panoramic views over Lake Champlain, the Island Line Trail, and nearby vineyards. The trail is located at Snow Farm Vineyard and offers an easy-to-moderate experience, perfect for pairing a hike with a local wine tasting. The summit features some of the best vistas in the Champlain Islands.
7. Ironwood Nature Trail
TOWER AND WETLAND LOOP
Ironwood Nature Trail is an easy, 0.8-mile loop near Grand Isle State Park, ideal for families and nature lovers. The trail features old ironwood trees, a scenic observation tower, and wetland-forest plants along exposed bedrock domes. Hikers can observe diverse habitats and enjoy the tranquil forest environment.
8. Tracy Woods Community Trail
COMMUNITY FOREST PATH
Tracy Woods Community Trail offers a gentle walk through local woodland, making it ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities. The path winds among mature trees and native plant life, providing a peaceful experience in a community setting. It is a great spot for a quiet nature retreat close to the village.
9. Central Vermont Rail Trail
LONG-DISTANCE GREENWAY
Central Vermont Rail Trail stretches for 27 miles, offering a mostly flat, multi-use path through scenic farmland, forests, and wetlands. The trail is accessible for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, making it suitable for all skill levels. Highlights include wildlife viewing and expansive rural landscapes.
10. Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
RURAL RAIL TRAIL
Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail runs for 26 miles between St. Albans and Richford, traversing farms, forests, and wetlands along a former railroad bed. The trail is rated as easy and is ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. Visitors will appreciate the peaceful, rural atmosphere and the diverse scenery along the way.