Marlboro VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Marlboro, Vermont.
1. Hogback Mountain Conservation Area - North Side
MULTI-USE MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Hogback Mountain Conservation Area offers a 3.6-mile network of multi-use trails with easy to moderate difficulty levels. The trails feature packed earth surfaces in summer and ungroomed snow in winter, making them suitable for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing year-round. Visitors can enhance their experience by using GPS tracking with downloadable trail maps for seamless navigation throughout the conservation area.
2. Potash Hill Trails
EXTENSIVE WOODLAND NETWORK
Potash Hill features an impressive 17-mile trail system for hiking and skiing throughout the year. The trails connect to the broader Marlboro town trail network, creating extensive exploration opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Maintained by the Marlboro Nordic Ski organization, these trails offer a well-kept wilderness experience in the heart of Vermont.
3. Mount Watatic Loop
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LOOP
Mount Watatic Loop is a 4.1-mile trail that follows the Wapack Trail system near Marlboro. This popular loop trail offers hikers a moderate challenge with rewarding mountain views throughout the journey. The well-established path provides an excellent day hike option for those looking to experience Vermont's natural beauty.
4. Early Successional Habitat Trails
WILDLIFE VIEWING PATHS
The Early Successional Habitat Trails at Hogback Mountain offer unique hiking through former ski slopes that have been converted to wildlife habitat. These trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing while traversing through varied terrain. Volunteer-maintained and regularly improved, these paths offer an educational outdoor experience focused on habitat conservation.
5. VAST Trail System
MULTI-SEASON RECREATION PATHS
The VAST Trail System segments in Marlboro provide designated trails for varied recreational use including hiking and snowmobiling. During winter months, these trails offer a unique snowmobile-accessible route through Vermont's scenic backcountry. In warmer seasons, hikers can enjoy these wide, well-maintained paths through diverse Vermont landscapes.
6. Marlboro Town Trails
LOCAL COMMUNITY PATHWAYS
Marlboro Town Trails form an interconnected network of community paths that link with larger trail systems like Potash Hill. These locally maintained trails offer accessible hiking options for residents and visitors exploring the Marlboro area. The varied terrain provides opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to experience Vermont's natural beauty close to town.
7. Hogback Mountain Conservation Area - Historic Sites
HERITAGE WALKING PATHS
The Historic Sites trails at Hogback Mountain Conservation Area combine natural beauty with cultural history. These paths lead hikers through preserved historic locations that tell the story of the mountain's past. The trail system is well-documented with maps that highlight points of historical interest throughout the conservation area.
8. Green Mountain National Forest Trails
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Green Mountain National Forest offers extensive trail networks within driving distance of Marlboro. These trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes through Vermont's iconic mountain landscapes. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems, stunning viewpoints, and the peaceful solitude of protected forest lands.
9. Southern Vermont Natural History Park
EDUCATIONAL NATURE TRAILS
Southern Vermont Natural History Park features interpretive hiking trails that focus on Vermont's natural ecosystems. The trails are designed to showcase local flora and fauna with educational markers throughout the routes. Visitors enjoy easy to moderate hiking with opportunities for wildlife observation and learning about Vermont's natural heritage.
10. Molly Stark State Park Trails
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN PATHS
Molly Stark State Park Trails provide hiking options through beautiful forests near Marlboro in neighboring Wilmington. The trail system includes the popular ascent to the Mt. Olga Fire Tower, offering panoramic views of southern Vermont and neighboring states. These well-maintained paths traverse a variety of terrains while connecting hikers to the region's natural and historical significance.