Shelburne VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Shelburne, Vermont.
1. Shelburne Bay Park
SCENIC BAY VIEWS
Shelburne Bay Park offers approximately 3.7 miles of nice jogging and hiking trails with beach access and beautiful views of Shelburne Bay. The trail network features easy to moderate difficulty paths, including the flat, accessible Rec Path that proceeds between woods and meadow, and the more challenging Allen Hill Trail which ascends rapidly and stays along the water. The park includes 93 acres of conserved land with 6,000 feet of lake frontage and provides amenities such as a picnic area and small boat access near the trailhead.
2. LaPlatte Nature Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
LaPlatte Nature Park encompasses about 145 acres of town-owned open space supporting various forms of passive recreation with trails that meander through hay fields, woods, and alongside the LaPlatte River. The trails are suitable for walking, running, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, with easy to moderate difficulty levels throughout the network. In winter, the park features a popular sledding hill in the meadow near the post office, making it a year-round recreational destination.
3. Shelburne Farms Walking Trails
HISTORIC FARM EXPLORATION
Shelburne Farms offers more than 10 miles of walking trails providing breathtaking views and quiet spaces for conversation, discovery, and reflection. The trails are the primary way to explore the extensive campus, including popular destinations like the Farm Barn and Lone Tree Hill, with difficulty ranging from easy to moderate depending on the path chosen. Visitors should note that the trails close at sunset and dogs (except service dogs), bikes, and drones are not permitted on the property.
4. Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATH
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a converted rail corridor offering miles of recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts near Shelburne. The trail features relatively flat terrain making it accessible for users of various ability levels, though it should be noted that it is a multi-use trail shared with snowmobilers in winter. Beautiful Vermont scenery can be enjoyed along the route, which connects multiple communities across the northern part of the state.
5. Cross Vermont Trail
TRANS-STATE HIKING EXPERIENCE
The Cross Vermont Trail is a long-distance path that passes near Shelburne, offering hikers the chance to experience Vermont's diverse landscapes. This trail varies in difficulty from easy to challenging sections as it traverses the state from west to east. Hikers can enjoy forests, farmlands, and river valleys along this route that showcases the natural beauty of Vermont.
6. Webster Road Bike & Pedestrian Path
EASY FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAIL
The Webster Road Bike & Pedestrian Path in Shelburne provides an accessible route for walkers and cyclists of all ages. This easy trail offers a smooth, mostly flat surface ideal for casual strolls or family outings. Users can enjoy the scenic surroundings while traveling through one of Shelburne's pleasant residential areas.
7. Lone Tree Hill Trail
PANORAMIC HILLTOP VIEWS
Lone Tree Hill Trail within Shelburne Farms leads hikers to one of the property's most iconic viewpoints. The moderately challenging trail rewards hikers with spectacular panoramic vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains upon reaching the summit. This destination trail is particularly popular during summer months when the surrounding landscape is lush and vibrant.
8. Allen Hill Trail
LAKESIDE TERRAIN ADVENTURE
Allen Hill Trail in Shelburne Bay Park offers a more challenging hiking experience as it ascends rapidly and follows the shoreline of Lake Champlain. This moderate difficulty trail provides some of the most dramatic water views in the park and creates a loop by eventually connecting back to the Rec Path on the beach. Hikers should be prepared for elevation changes and occasional rough terrain that make this trail more suitable for experienced walkers.
9. Ti-Haul Trail
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The Ti-Haul Trail in nearby Charlotte follows a historic route once used to transport boats between Lake Champlain and Town Farm Bay. This easy to moderate trail offers hikers a unique combination of natural beauty and local history as they traverse the same path used by early settlers. Beautiful views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed along this trail that connects the local community to its maritime past.
10. Mount Philo State Park Trails
SUMMIT WITH LAKE VIEWS
Mount Philo State Park Trails, located just south of Shelburne in Charlotte, offer hikers approximately one mile of trail leading to the 968-foot summit of Mount Philo. The moderately challenging trail system provides spectacular views of the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. As Vermont's oldest state park, established in 1924, Mount Philo combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.