Sheldon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sheldon, Vermont.
1. Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail is a 26.4-mile multi-use trail that parallels the Missisquoi River offering scenic views of river rapids, quiet pools, and working farms. This trail section from Sheldon to Enosburgh provides opportunities to spot wildlife including fox and deer while enjoying views of Jay Peak. The trail features gentle grades typical of converted rail lines, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels.
2. St. Albans to Sheldon Trail
FARMLAND AND WETLANDS
The St. Albans to Sheldon Trail section of the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail crosses through open, quiet farmland and beautiful wetlands with pine forests. This beginner-friendly segment has few road crossings, mostly of gravel roads, making it ideal for a peaceful hike. Hikers will experience a diverse landscape that transitions from agricultural views to serene natural settings.
3. Sheldon to Enosburgh Trail
RIVER AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Sheldon to Enosburgh Trail segment offers hikers spectacular views of the Missisquoi River with its rapids and quiet pools. This moderate hiking route crosses VT 105 three times while providing excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The trail rewards hikers with stunning views of Jay Peak in the distance, creating a picturesque backdrop for the journey.
4. Lake Carmi State Park Trails
LAKESIDE NATURE HIKES
Lake Carmi State Park offers several hiking trails that circle Vermont's fourth-largest natural lake with beautiful shoreline views. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and wind through diverse ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and along beaches. Hikers can spot abundant wildlife and bird species while enjoying the tranquil lakeside setting.
5. Burton Island State Park Trails
ISLAND EXPLORATION PATHS
Burton Island State Park features hiking trails that explore this 253-acre island located in Lake Champlain. The easy to moderate trails circle the island's perimeter and cut through its interior, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hikers can enjoy the unique island ecosystem with diverse plant life and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
6. Milton Town Forest
WOODLAND COMMUNITY TRAILS
Milton Town Forest provides a network of well-maintained trails through diverse woodland settings near Sheldon. The trails vary from easy to moderate difficulty and feature streams, rock formations, and seasonal wildflowers. Hikers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this community forest while exploring multiple interconnected loop options.
7. Knight Point State Park
LAKE CHAMPLAIN SHORELINE
Knight Point State Park offers hiking paths along the shoreline of Lake Champlain with spectacular water and mountain views. The easy trails meander through mature forests and open meadows before reaching scenic overlooks and beach access points. Visitors can observe varied wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this 54-acre park.
8. Niquette Bay State Park
DIVERSE ECOLOGICAL HIKING
Niquette Bay State Park features over 4 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecological zones including hardwood forests, hemlock groves, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The trail system ranges from easy to moderate difficulty with options like the Allen Trail, Muhly Trail, and Burns Trail forming interconnected loops. Hikers can experience dramatic elevation changes, unique rock formations, and peaceful lake views throughout their journey.
9. Appalachian Trail at Gifford Woods
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Appalachian Trail section at Gifford Woods State Park represents an important hiking crossroads where this famous Georgia-to-Maine trail meets Vermont's Long Trail. This moderately challenging trail section offers spectacular mountain views and passes through one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Vermont. Hikers can experience a small portion of this historic 2,190-mile trail while enjoying the natural beauty of the Green Mountains.
10. Mount Ascutney Trails
MONADNOCK MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Mount Ascutney offers four distinct trails to the summit with options including the 2.9-mile Weathersfield Trail passing Cascade Falls and the 4.6-mile Futures Trail. These challenging trails reward hikers with panoramic views from Vermont's famous monadnock, geologically related to New Hampshire's White Mountains. A 0.7-mile summit trail leads to an observation tower providing spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.