Pawlet VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Pawlet, Vermont.
1. North Pawlet Hills Natural Area
BIODIVERSITY AND DAY HIKING
North Pawlet Hills Natural Area is popular with day hikers and rich in biodiversity. The trail is approximately 1.60 miles one way with a moderate difficulty level on packed earth and dirt surfaces. This splendid natural area is expanding and offers hikers a chance to experience Vermont's natural beauty.
2. Haystack Mountain
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Haystack Mountain offers one of the best panoramic views in Vermont with its imposing presence often called the Gibraltar of America. The trail is approximately 3.3 miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of vertical gain, making it a moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views in all directions from the summit, particularly looking south, east, and north to Middle Mountain and Pine Mountain.
3. Merck Forest and Farmland Center
SUSTAINABLE FARMING TRAILS
Merck Forest and Farmland Center is a family and nature lover's paradise with multiple hiking trails through sustainable farmland. The center offers information on sustainable farming practices while allowing visitors to observe farm animals along the trails. Located just south of Pawlet, this must-see destination provides a unique combination of agricultural education and natural exploration.
4. Lake St. Catherine State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE TRAILS
Lake St. Catherine State Park offers scenic hiking trails around one of Vermont's most beautiful lakes. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and provide beautiful views of the water and surrounding forests. Hikers can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities and access to swimming areas during warmer months.
5. Emerald Lake State Park
FOREST AND LAKE VIEWS
Emerald Lake State Park features hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along the shores of its namesake lake. The trails are generally easy to moderate in difficulty, making them accessible for most hikers and families. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant green waters that give the lake its name while exploring the diverse natural environment.
6. Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION TRAILS
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park offers a network of walking and hiking trails within a community recreation area. The trails are primarily easy difficulty and suitable for all ages and ability levels. This park combines natural areas with recreational facilities, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Lye Brook Falls Trail
SPECTACULAR WATERFALL HIKE
Lye Brook Falls Trail leads hikers to one of Vermont's tallest and most impressive waterfalls. The 4.4-mile round-trip trail is rated as moderate difficulty with a steady uphill climb through the Lye Brook Wilderness. The 125-foot cascading waterfall serves as a dramatic endpoint to this popular forest hike.
8. Baker Peak Trail
RIDGE VIEWS AND FORESTS
Baker Peak Trail offers hikers access to impressive views along the Appalachian/Long Trail system. The moderately difficult trail climbs to Baker Peak with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains and valleys. Hikers encounter diverse forest ecosystems and rocky outcroppings along this rewarding route.
9. Middle Mountain Trail
SISTER PEAK TO HAYSTACK
Middle Mountain Trail takes hikers to one of the sister peaks visible from Haystack Mountain. The trail offers moderate difficulty with rewarding views of the Pawlet region and surrounding mountains. Hikers can connect this trail with Pine Mountain and Haystack for a more extensive hiking experience in the area.
10. Pine Mountain Trail
WOODLAND MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Pine Mountain Trail explores the northernmost of the three sister peaks in the Pawlet region. The trail winds through pine forests and offers moderate hiking with occasional views of the surrounding landscape. This less-trafficked route provides a quieter alternative to the more popular Haystack Mountain while still delivering an authentic Vermont hiking experience.