Plainfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Plainfield, Vermont.
1. Plainfield Town Forest
LOCAL FOREST TRAIL NETWORK
Plainfield Town Forest offers a modest network of non-motorized hiking trails winding through a gradually re-wilding hemlock-northern hardwood forest. Trails here are generally easy to moderate, making them accessible for most hikers and providing opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful exploration. The area highlights responsible forest management and showcases noticeable ecological changes as the land returns to its natural state.
2. Spruce Mountain Trail
SUMMIT AND FIRE TOWER
Spruce Mountain Trail in L.R. Jones State Forest is a 2.2 mile (one way) advanced hike leading to the 3,037-foot summit of Spruce Mountain. The trail offers a moderate climb through hardwood forests, becoming steeper and rockier near the top, and culminates at a historic fire tower. From the summit, hikers enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Camel's Hump, the Worcester Range, and the Central Vermont landscape.
3. L.R. Jones State Forest
VERMONT'S FIRST STATE FOREST
L.R. Jones State Forest is Vermont's first state forest, spanning 642 forested acres with a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods. The forest is best known for the Spruce Mountain Trail, but also offers additional hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities for varying skill levels. Visitors can explore unique rock crevices, caves, and access the summit fire tower for sweeping regional views.
4. Cross Vermont Trail
MULTI-USE CONNECTOR TRAIL
Cross Vermont Trail offers a section near Plainfield that forms part of a much longer multi-use pathway connecting communities across Vermont. Its terrain near Plainfield is mostly easy to moderate, suitable for hiking, biking, and other non-motorized activities. The trail features pleasant scenery along rivers and woodlands, providing a quiet route for hikers of all abilities.
5. Hunger Mountain Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN HIKE
Hunger Mountain Trail, located in nearby Waterbury, is a strenuous and popular hike to a 3,538-foot summit. The trail is steep and challenging, passing through dense forest before opening up to rocky outcrops near the top. Hikers are rewarded with expansive views of the Green Mountains and the surrounding valleys from the summit.
6. Kettle Pond State Park
SHORELINE AND FOREST PATHS
Kettle Pond State Park in Groton offers several gentle shoreline and forest trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trails meander around the scenic pond, providing opportunities for birdwatching and viewing wetland habitats. The park's peaceful atmosphere and water views make it a favorite for relaxed day hikes.
7. Seyon Lodge State Park
REMOTE PONDSIDE WALKING
Seyon Lodge State Park features short hiking loops around Noyes Pond, set in a tranquil and lightly developed area of Groton State Forest. These easy trails pass through mixed woods and along the water, making them ideal for nature walks and calm reflection. The park is particularly appealing for those seeking a serene, uncrowded hiking experience.
8. New Discovery State Park
GROTON FOREST HIKING HUB
New Discovery State Park serves as a central base for hiking within the broader Groton State Forest, offering access to several interconnected trails. The park's trails vary from short, easy nature walks to more robust forest hikes, catering to a range of abilities. Highlights include lush forest scenery, abundant wildlife, and the occasional pond or beaver habitat.
9. Stillwater State Park
WOODLAND LAKE TRAILS
Stillwater State Park, also located within Groton State Forest, features gentle, family-friendly trails winding through mixed woodlands and along the shores of Lake Groton. The easy nature of the trails makes them accessible for all ages and allows for frequent wildlife observation. The park's lakeside setting is perfect for combining short hikes with swimming or paddling.
10. Ricker Pond State Park
LAKE AND FOREST HIKES
Ricker Pond State Park offers several easy to moderate trails along the pond and through the surrounding forested landscape. The trails are well-suited to families and those seeking peaceful, scenic nature walks. Visitors enjoy views of the water, quiet picnic spots, and a chance to observe local birdlife and plant species.