Middlebury VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Middlebury, Vermont.
1. Trail Around Middlebury (TAM)
SCENIC 18-MILE LOOP
The Trail Around Middlebury is an 18-mile-long footpath that encircles the village of Middlebury, linking several hundred acres of town land, conserved properties, and schools. It offers various small and long trail sections suitable for every ability level and remains open year-round. Hikers can enjoy walking through woods, along Otter Creek, across meadows, and even on city sidewalks while experiencing the natural beauty of the area.
2. Jeffrey Murdock Nature Preserve Trail
EASY CAVE EXPLORATION
The Jeffrey Murdock Nature Preserve Trail is a short 0.6-mile path that's part of the TAM system in Middlebury. This easy trail is perfect for beginners and features a small cave on the north end worth exploring. Hikers can enjoy a quick nature excursion without venturing far from town.
3. Johnson Trail
WILDLIFE VIEWING PATH
The Johnson Trail is a 0.8-mile section of the TAM that offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers can observe a variety of waterfowl, muskrats, and birds along this relatively short and easy path. The trail provides a peaceful nature experience close to Middlebury's center.
4. Chipman Hill Trail
PANORAMIC DOWNTOWN VIEWS
The Chipman Hill Trail is a 2.5-mile path that provides a moderately challenging hike with stunning rewards at the summit. Reaching 360 feet above downtown Middlebury, this trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail winds through one of the original sections of the TAM system built in 1989.
5. Abbey Pond Trail
WOODLAND STREAM JOURNEY
The Abbey Pond Trail is an approximately 4-mile round-trip hike that winds through woods and along a picturesque stream. This family-friendly trail is suitable for all ages and culminates at the beautiful Abbey Pond. Leashed dogs are welcome on this accessible trail that begins from Abbey Pond Road off Route 116 in Middlebury.
6. Robert Frost Trail
POETIC NATURE LOOP
The Robert Frost Trail is an easy loop trail located along Route 125 between Middlebury and Breadloaf. Accessible year-round, this trail provides a peaceful walk through landscapes that inspired the famous poet. The trail combines natural beauty with literary significance, making it a culturally enriching hiking experience.
7. Mt. Moosalamoo Oak Ridge Trail
MAJESTIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Oak Ridge Trail leads hikers to the majestic summit of Mt. Moosalamoo and offers spectacular views from both North and South Vistas. This moderate trail requires about 4-5 hours round trip and rewards hikers with breathtaking eastern panoramas. The trail includes a 500-foot side trail to North Vista, with the option to continue south for more extensive views.
8. Belden Falls TAM Section
RIVERSIDE GORGE VIEWS
The Belden Falls section of the TAM offers stunning views of Otter Creek and access to the Otter Creek Gorge Preserve. Hikers can either head west over Otter Creek through the Gorge or south through the 150-acre Wright Park. This scenic trail begins at the end of Belden Falls Road off Route 7 in New Haven, just outside Middlebury.
9. Snake Mountain
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY OVERLOOK
Snake Mountain is a moderate trail that climbs through peaceful woods to reach spectacular views of Lake Champlain from its summit. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Champlain Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain from the foundation of the long-gone Grand View Hotel. The trailhead can be found at the intersection of Mountain Road and Wilmarth Road in Addison, with a small parking lot just north of the entrance.
10. Mt. Abraham Trail
CHALLENGING ALPINE SUMMIT
Mt. Abraham (Mt. Abe) offers a challenging hike with steep inclines and some rock scrambling sections for those seeking a good workout. This longer trail takes about 3 hours round trip and provides significant elevation gain with corresponding rewards. The summit offers exceptional views above the treeline, making it one of the most popular peaks in the region near Middlebury.