Newport VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Newport, Vermont.
1. Memphremagog Trails
LAKE VIEWS AND WILDLIFE
Memphremagog Trails offers a network of year-round trails located just outside Newport, with beautiful vistas of Lake Memphremagog and surrounding fields and forests. The trail system features varying difficulty levels, catering to both leisurely walkers and more adventurous mountain bikers or hikers. Key highlights include wildlife-rich habitats and panoramic Northeast Kingdom scenery.
2. Beebe Spur Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAIL-TRAIL PATH
The Beebe Spur Rail Trail is a mostly flat, multi-use trail that stretches along a historic railway bed between Newport and the Canadian border. This easy trail is ideal for walking, running, cycling, and cross-country skiing, providing visitors with picturesque lake and farmland views. Highlights include its accessibility and proximity to the Memphremagog Trails network.
3. Bluffside Farm Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BOARDWALK
Bluffside Farm Trail features a mile-long, fully accessible recreation path and boardwalk along the scenic shores of Lake Memphremagog. This easy walk connects downtown Newport to trails heading north to Canada, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. The area is known for excellent birdwatching and serene lakeside views.
4. Newport Recreation Path
EASY URBAN CONNECTOR
The Newport Recreation Path winds through the city and along the lake, offering an accessible and scenic option for walkers and bicyclists. This mostly flat trail provides urban and lake vistas, making it popular for an easy stroll or family outing. Highlights include convenient access points and beautiful sunsets over Lake Memphremagog.
5. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use path stretching across northern Vermont, with sections accessible from Newport and surrounding towns. This trail offers easy to moderate hiking through forests, fields, and rural communities, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy long, uninterrupted stretches. Its peaceful environment and historic railroad heritage make it a standout for longer treks.
6. South Bay Wildlife Management Area
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
South Bay Wildlife Management Area provides a network of trails through wetlands and along the southern end of Lake Memphremagog. These mostly flat trails offer easy walks with exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. The natural setting is especially beautiful during spring and fall migrations.
7. Prouty Beach Nature Trails
RECREATION AND LAKE ACCESS
Prouty Beach Nature Trails offer a short, easy network of walking paths adjacent to Prouty Beach and Campground in Newport. These trails are designed for all ages and connect directly to the lake for swimming or relaxing after a hike. The area is popular for its convenient combination of outdoor recreation and beach access.
8. Lake Willoughby South Trail
DRAMATIC CLIFFS AND VIEWS
Lake Willoughby South Trail is a moderate to challenging route traversing the southern shores of Lake Willoughby, about 20 miles south of Newport. This trail features steep ascents with breathtaking views of the glacial lake and its dramatic cliffs. Main highlights include panoramic lookouts and pristine forest surroundings.
9. Pisgah Mountain Trail
SUMMIT HIKE WITH VIEWS
Pisgah Mountain Trail leads hikers up to Mount Pisgah, offering moderately challenging terrain and rewarding summit vistas over Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom. The trail is renowned for its dramatic cliffside overlooks and overlooks the Willoughby Gap. Hikers can expect scenic beauty year-round, especially during fall foliage season.
10. Haystack Mountain Trail
SHORT BUT STEEP CLIMB
Haystack Mountain Trail is a shorter, steep route leading to open summit ledges that provide sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and Lake Willoughby area. The trail is considered moderately difficult due to its elevation gain over a short distance. Highlights include a rocky summit outcrop ideal for picnics and panoramic photography.