Leicester VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Leicester, Vermont.
1. Silver Lake Trail
EASY LAKE ACCESS HIKE
Silver Lake Trail is an easy 2-mile hike up to the lake from the trailhead at Lake Dunmore Road. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, making it perfect for families. Hikers are rewarded with the beautiful Silver Lake at the end, offering a refreshing place to cool down after the trek.
2. Leicester Hollow Trail
BROOK-FOLLOWING GENTLE ASCENT
Leicester Hollow Trail follows Leicester Hollow Brook as it ascends gently to Silver Lake. This multiple-use trail crosses the brook numerous times and has a maximum elevation change of just 250 feet over its 4.8-mile length. The trail offers an easy hiking experience with an average hiking time of 2.5 hours one way.
3. Chandler Ridge Trail
SCENIC RIDGE VIEWS
Chandler Ridge Trail begins off the Silver Lake Loop Trail on the west side of Silver Lake and follows a ridge with gentle grades. The trail offers spectacular views to both the east and west as it traverses the ridge with an elevation change of 720 feet. It eventually meets the Leicester Hollow Trail again, allowing hikers to complete a loop back to the parking area.
4. Silver Lake Loop Trail
LAKESIDE CIRCUIT PATH
The Silver Lake Loop Trail circles around the picturesque Silver Lake, providing continuous views of the water. The trail junctions at both Leicester Hollow Trail and continues around the lake before meeting up with Chandler Ridge Trail at 1.6 miles. This loop offers a moderate hiking experience with lake views and forest scenery throughout.
5. Minnie Baker Trail
STEEP CHALLENGING CLIMB
The Minnie Baker Trail begins in the Town of Leicester off Route 53 and climbs steeply in several pitches from the road. With a maximum elevation change of 800 feet, this challenging trail eventually descends to meet the Leicester Hollow Trail at 1.2 miles. The trail offers a more strenuous hiking option in the area with rewarding views after the climb.
6. Leicester Hollow/Chandler Ridge Loop
DAY-LONG FOREST ADVENTURE
The Leicester Hollow/Chandler Ridge Loop is a comprehensive 10.8-mile trail system that combines multiple trails for a full day hiking adventure. The loop takes hikers through Leicester Hollow, up to Silver Lake, and back via the scenic Chandler Ridge with an average hiking time of 4-5 hours. This trail network showcases diverse terrain including brooks, a lake, and ridge views in a single hike.
7. Cascade Mountain Trail
POPULAR ADIRONDACK HIKE
Cascade Mountain Trail is a popular hiking route located near Lake Placid, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Adirondack region. The trail is moderately difficult with steady elevation gain leading to a stunning summit vista. Hikers can enjoy diverse forest ecosystems and dramatic mountain landscapes throughout this well-traveled trail.
8. Algonquin Trail
HIGH PEAK CHALLENGE
Algonquin Trail leads hikers to the summit of Algonquin Peak, the second-highest mountain in New York State. The challenging trail features significant elevation gain and offers hikers stunning alpine views and unique high-altitude ecosystems. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers prepared for changing weather conditions and steep terrain.
9. Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain offers hikers a direct route to one of the Adirondack's most prominent peaks. The trail is steep and challenging, ascending over 3,000 feet of elevation to reach spectacular 360-degree views at the summit. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the High Peaks region, Lake Champlain, and on clear days, views extending to Vermont.
10. Ampersand Mountain Trail
REWARDING FOREST CLIMB
Ampersand Mountain Trail takes hikers through beautiful forest terrain before emerging onto a rocky summit with exceptional views. The moderately difficult trail begins with a gentle walk through woodlands before tackling a steep, rocky climb to the peak. At the top, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Saranac Lake region and numerous Adirondack peaks and lakes.