Mendon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Mendon, Vermont.
1. Bucklin Trail
PATH TO KILLINGTON PEAK
Bucklin Trail is a wide and flat trail that leads hikers to Killington Peak. The trail narrows and becomes more challenging with rocks and roots after crossing a bridge, eventually veering away from the brook to become a single-person path. Hikers will find the trailhead a couple of miles up Wheelerville Road, which can be muddy during spring and summer.
2. Bald Mountain Trail
SCENIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Bald Mountain Trail follows a 'lollipop' configuration with a loop at the end of a half-mile section. The trail traverses the summit of Bald Mountain, offering several great views of surrounding valleys and mountains, including Pico and Killington. Hikers should be prepared for elevation changes and some up and down trail walking.
3. Girl Scout Loop Trail
HISTORIC FLAT TERRAIN
Girl Scout Loop Trail follows an old loop road that was originally part of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp from the 1930s and later a Girl Scout Camp. The trail maintains flat terrain throughout as it follows the historic road and loops back to the beginning. This accessible trail shares a portion with the VAST snowmobile trail that accesses the corridor trail off the property.
4. Canty Trail
CREEKS AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Canty Trail is a moderately challenging 1.9-mile one-way hike to Blue Ridge Mountain featuring several creek crossings. The trail climbs steeply after 0.7 miles where it turns right from the woods road, crosses a brook, and continues to climb to the junction near the summit. At the 3,278-foot Blue Ridge Mountain summit, hikers can follow either spur for great panoramic views.
5. Aitken State Forest Trails
MODERATE FOREST NETWORK
Aitken State Forest offers a network of trails covering 4.10 miles of moderate difficulty terrain. The trails feature packed earth and dirt surfaces that wind through the state forest. Hikers can explore various paths through this forested area that showcases Vermont's natural beauty.
6. Thundering Brook Falls
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATERFALL HIKE
Thundering Brook Falls trail is a kid-friendly hike spanning just 0.44 miles round trip with 112 feet of elevation gain. The trail is accessible year-round but is best experienced during spring, summer, or fall when the colors are vibrant. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash while visitors enjoy the impressive waterfall.
7. Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park
DIVERSE TERRAIN EXPLORATION
Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park features a unique collection of hiking trails and walking paths across 204 acres of diverse terrain. Visitors can explore fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens throughout the park. The best way to experience these enchanting trails is to pack a picnic and plan for a full-day ramble.
8. Appalachian Trail - Vermont Section
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail passes near Mendon, offering hikers access to this iconic long-distance path. This portion of the trail traverses through the Green Mountains with varying levels of difficulty and spectacular mountain views. Hikers can experience a portion of the famous 2,190-mile trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine.
9. Deer Leap Trail
STUNNING OVERLOOK HIKE
Deer Leap Trail is a popular hiking path near Mendon that leads to a stunning overlook of Pico Mountain and the surrounding valley. The moderate difficulty trail features a mix of flat walking and steeper rocky sections as it climbs to the viewpoint. Hikers are rewarded with one of the best panoramic views in the region after completing this relatively short but satisfying trek.
10. Pine Hill Park
URBAN FOREST TRAIL NETWORK
Pine Hill Park offers over 16 miles of maintained multi-use trails just minutes from downtown Rutland and a short drive from Mendon. The trail system ranges from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes winding through 300 acres of municipal forest. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and trail running while experiencing streams, unique rock formations, and diverse forest ecosystems.