Morgan VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Morgan, Vermont.
1. Mount Pisgah Trail
SCENIC CLIFFTOP VIEWS
The Mount Pisgah Trail offers hikers a moderately challenging ascent along the eastern cliffs of Lake Willoughby. This popular trail rewards visitors with spectacular views from several lookouts perched high above the lake. The journey features a well-marked path through shady forests and ends at panoramic vistas of the surrounding Northeast Kingdom.
2. Brighton State Park Trails
LAKESIDE WOODLAND PATHS
Brighton State Park features a network of gentle to moderate trails weaving through mixed woods along the shores of Spectacle Pond. Hikers can experience tranquil forest settings and occasional glimpses of wildlife. The park's trails are suitable for families and offer access to picnic areas and swimming spots.
3. Maidstone State Park Trails
REMOTE FOREST WILDERNESS
The Maidstone State Park trails skirt the edge of one of Vermont's most secluded lakes, providing easy to moderate hikes through quiet northern forests. These trails offer peaceful surroundings and access to lake views ideal for reflection and photography. Visitors can enjoy relatively flat paths, making the area accessible to most abilities.
4. Moose Mountain Trail
NORTHEAST KINGDOM SUMMIT
Moose Mountain Trail presents a moderately difficult, five-mile hike with a steady climb of 1,800 feet through dense woodlands. The trail quickly leads hikers to scenic outlooks offering broad vistas across Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The summit rewards those who make the journey with panoramic landscapes ideal for photography.
5. Bald Mountain via Mad Brook Trail
FIRE TOWER ADVENTURE
The Mad Brook Trail to Bald Mountain is a moderate route that leads to a historic fire tower at the summit. Along the way, hikers ascend through hardwood forests and enjoy wildflowers in the spring and summer. At the top, the fire tower provides sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
6. Big Jay
BACKCOUNTRY CHALLENGE
Big Jay is a strenuous hike favored by experienced hikers seeking a rugged, less-traveled summit near Jay Peak. The trail features steep, occasionally muddy terrain and requires careful navigation, especially in wet conditions. Those who persist are rewarded with unobstructed views deep into Vermont and neighboring Canada.
7. Underhill State Park Trails
GATEWAY TO MOUNT MANSFIELD
Underhill State Park serves as the starting point for several trails up Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Hikers can choose from moderate to strenuous routes like the Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles trails, both offering rich flora and breathtaking ridgeline panoramas. The park's high elevation ensures cool breezes and stunning summit views.
8. Beaver Brook Falls Wayside
WATERFALL WALK
Beaver Brook Falls Wayside features a short, easy walking trail leading to a dramatic 80-foot waterfall in a peaceful natural setting. The area is perfect for a family stroll, picnic, and photographs by the falls. The surroundings combine open grassy spaces and shaded woods for a pleasant outing.
9. Rattlesnake Mountain Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ASCENT
The Rattlesnake Mountain Trail offers a moderate 2-mile hike to open cliffs with sweeping views of the White Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most hikers, including families with children. The rocky summit is a favorite spot for picnics and enjoying the scenery.
10. Falls of Lana Trail
CASCADING WATERFALLS HIKE
The Falls of Lana Trail provides a moderate climb along a well-marked path to a series of picturesque waterfalls near Lake Dunmore. Hikers pass through lush forests and alongside rushing streams before reaching the main cascades. The trail features scenic viewpoints and is a popular destination during the warmer months.