Lyndon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lyndon, Vermont.
1. Paths Around Lyndon (PAL) River Trail
RIVERSIDE EASY WALKING
Paths Around Lyndon (PAL) River Trail provides an easy mowed walkway along the Passumpsic River, accessible from downtown and Lyndon Institute. The trail offers gentle terrain suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxed stroll or wildlife-watching. Visitors will enjoy scenic river views, bird songs, and the historical Millers Run covered bridge nearby.
2. Rotary River Walkway
TRANQUIL RIVER HABITAT
Rotary River Walkway invites hikers to enjoy an easy stroll along the Passumpsic River, passing through riparian habitats rich with birdlife and opportunities for wildlife sightings. The pathway is mostly mowed grass, with a gravel connector between the Lyndon Town Offices and Lyndon Institute, making it suitable for all skill levels. Key highlights include scenic waterside views and the proximity to downtown Lyndon.
3. Lyndon State Forest Trails
WOODLAND LOOP ADVENTURES
Lyndon State Forest Trails feature a 4.9-mile network of hand-built singletrack paths through one of Vermont's oldest state forests. Trails accommodate hikers of all abilities, offering easy, moderate, and some more challenging routes with tight turns and quick downhills. Visitors will experience lush forest scenery, diverse wildlife, and classic New England woodland terrain.
4. Permit Trail (Lyndon State Forest)
PERIMETER FOREST ROUTE
Permit Trail loops 1.8 miles around the perimeter of the Lyndon State Forest, providing a moderate hike with gentle elevation changes. Suitable for hikers and mountain bikers, this trail covers classic Vermont woodland scenery with roots and forested slopes. The route is ideal for those seeking a slightly longer yet manageable forest hike.
5. Phloem Trail (Lyndon State Forest)
BEGINNER FOREST LOOP
Phloem Trail is the easiest loop in Lyndon State Forest, winding gently through the heart of the forest. Its smooth terrain and short distance make it perfect for families, children, or anyone wanting a quick and easy nature walk. The trail's tranquil atmosphere offers a pleasant introduction to Vermont's woodlands.
6. Hemlocks Trail (Lyndon State Forest)
STEEP GULLY CHALLENGE
Hemlocks Trail in Lyndon State Forest provides a more challenging hike, featuring steeper slopes in a gully environment. This route is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a bit of adventure and elevation gain within the state forest's natural setting. The trail rewards with dense hemlock groves and a heightened sense of wilderness.
7. Wedgey Trail (Lyndon State Forest)
INTERMEDIATE FOREST PATH
Wedgey Trail offers an intermediate-level hike with some steeper terrain, making it well-suited for those looking for a moderate challenge. The trail explores a scenic gully and is best traversed from east to west for a smoother experience. Hikers will appreciate the quiet woodland seclusion and the interplay of elevation and forest cover.
8. Mossland Trail (Lyndon State Forest)
LUSH WOODLAND DETOUR
Mossland Trail branches off from the main loops in Lyndon State Forest and is favored for its intermediate difficulty and lush groundcover. Hikers encounter mossy sections, gentle curves, and a peaceful backcountry feel. The trail is perfect for those seeking added variety within the forest's trail network.
9. Kingdom Trails
RENOWNED TRAIL NETWORK
Kingdom Trails in East Burke is a nationally recognized network offering dozens of hiking, walking, and biking routes across varied terrain. The trails range from easy to strenuous, winding through forests, meadows, and scenic vistas in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Highlights include broad views, well-maintained paths, and a vibrant outdoor recreation community.
10. Burke Mountain Trails
SUMMIT AND SCENIC VIEWS
Burke Mountain Trails offer a range of hiking options from challenging summit climbs to family-friendly meadow walks. The main ascent takes hikers up to the fire tower, providing panoramic views of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and beyond. Trails vary in difficulty and highlight the area's impressive mountain scenery and forest landscapes.