Vernon VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Vernon, Vermont.
1. J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest
ANCIENT TREES AND VISTAS
J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest features a network of 3.25 miles of well-marked trails with two main loops (Red and White) forming the backbone of the system. The Red Loop encircles a black gum swamp where 400-year-old trees can be found, while the White Loop leads to the Eric Haskins Eagle Scout Lookout and Picnic Area with vista points overlooking Mount Monadnock and Mount Snow. Hikers will enjoy the relatively easy navigation system and the opportunity to experience some of the oldest broadleaf deciduous trees in North America.
2. Black Gum Swamps Trail
HISTORIC ANCIENT FOREST
Black Gum Swamps Trail offers hikers a chance to walk among trees that are up to 435 years old, possibly among the oldest broadleaf deciduous trees in North America. The trail is well-marked with several vista points, including views of Monadnock to the east and Mount Snow to the west. Visitors can access this easy to moderate trail via Basin Road where ample parking is available at the trailhead.
3. Fort Dummer State Park - Sunrise Trail
HISTORIC PARK LOOP
Sunrise Trail is a nearly one-mile loop trail traversing level and gently sloping ground on the eastern side of Fort Dummer State Park. This easy trail is completely wooded and features a vista of the historic Fort Dummer site about midway along the route. Hikers will appreciate the peaceful setting and historical significance of this area, which marks the first permanent European settlement in Vermont.
4. Fort Dummer State Park - Sunset Trail
HISTORIC FARM VIEWS
Sunset Trail is a half-mile loop trail on the western side of Fort Dummer State Park, starting near the entrance and looping through a play field. This easy trail provides western vistas of the village of Algiers in Guilford and passes along an old town road with remains of the 1880s Boyden Farm, including stone walls, a small shed, and farmhouse. The gently sloping terrain makes this an accessible hike for most visitors interested in combining natural beauty with historical elements.
5. Fort Dummer State Park - Broad Brook Trail
SCENIC SWIMMING DESTINATION
Broad Brook Trail is a half-mile trail in Fort Dummer State Park that descends from the campground to a popular swimming hole. This trail is rated as more strenuous than other park trails due to steep sections, taking approximately 10 minutes to hike down to the brook and 20 minutes to return. The swimming hole destination makes this a rewarding hike during warmer months, offering visitors a refreshing end goal after the challenging climb.
6. Millers Crossing Trail
CONNECTING SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Millers Crossing is a 0.25-mile connector trail in the J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest that links the White Loop at the Lookout and Picnic Area to the Red Loop. This strategic trail allows hikers to efficiently experience both the scenic viewpoint and the ancient black gum swamp in one visit. The trail is part of Vernon's well-maintained forest trail system, providing an accessible hiking experience for visitors of various skill levels.
7. Delmarre Divide Trail
FOREST EXPLORATION PATH
Delmarre Divide Trail is one of several connecting paths in Vernon's J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest trail network. The trail offers hikers additional exploration options beyond the main Red and White loops, traversing through the diverse forest landscape. Hikers can use this trail as part of various route combinations to create shorter or longer hiking experiences within the municipal forest system.
8. High Point Trail
ELEVATED FOREST VIEWS
High Point Trail is a connector trail within Vernon's Municipal Forest system that leads to elevated terrain in the forest. This trail offers hikers the opportunity to reach higher viewpoints within the J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest. The path connects to the main trail system, allowing for customized hiking routes of varying difficulty and length.
9. Footbridge Trail
STREAM CROSSING PATH
Footbridge Trail is a connecting path within Vernon's J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest that features a scenic crossing over a local waterway. The trail contributes to the 3.25-mile network within the forest, allowing hikers to create loop variations and access different areas of interest. Visitors appreciate this trail segment for adding diversity to the hiking experience within the municipal forest system.
10. State Line Loop
BORDER FOREST EXPERIENCE
State Line Loop is a trail segment within Vernon's Municipal Forest that approaches or follows the Vermont state boundary. This trail offers hikers a unique geographical experience while exploring the diverse forest ecosystem. As part of the larger trail network, this loop can be incorporated into various hiking itineraries for visitors exploring the J. Maynard Miller Municipal Forest.