Walden VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Walden, Vermont.
1. My Walden
SERENE FOREST SANCTUARY
My Walden is a 236-acre natural sanctuary in Sharon featuring an excellent system of well-constructed forest roads for hiking and skiing. The mostly hardwood forest includes west-facing grassland openings, wetland areas, streams, a 5-acre pond, and a fen where showy lady's slippers bloom in early summer. Visitors can enjoy relatively easy walking on the well-maintained roads and trails, with boardwalks and bog bridges providing access around wetlands.
2. New Discovery State Park
WILDERNESS EXPLORATION TRAILS
New Discovery State Park offers hikers a network of trails through the pristine Vermont wilderness near Walden. The trails range from beginner to intermediate difficulty, winding through dense forests and offering opportunities to spot local wildlife. Hikers particularly enjoy the park's natural beauty and well-maintained pathways that provide access to scenic overlooks.
3. Stillwater State Park
LAKESIDE FOREST PATHS
Stillwater State Park features hiking trails that circle Groton Lake and traverse through surrounding woodlands. The relatively flat, easy trails make this park accessible for hikers of all abilities, with options for both short walks and longer excursions. Highlights include beautiful lake views, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful forest settings.
4. Kettle Pond State Park
GLACIAL POND TRAILS
Kettle Pond State Park offers hikers a chance to explore trails around several glacial ponds formed during the last ice age. The moderate-difficulty trail network provides access to pristine waters and unique geological features throughout the park. Visitors particularly enjoy the 3-mile loop trail that circles the main pond, offering frequent water views and opportunities to observe water birds.
5. Ricker Pond State Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT HIKES
Ricker Pond State Park features several miles of shoreline trails along one of the most picturesque ponds in the Groton State Forest. The easy to moderate trails connect with the larger Groton State Forest trail system, allowing for hikes of various lengths and difficulties. Hikers can enjoy beautiful water views, access to swimming areas, and connections to longer forest trails.
6. Seyon Lodge State Park
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN PATHWAYS
Seyon Lodge State Park offers hiking trails through a pristine mountain environment surrounding Noyes Pond. The moderate trails wind through diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows. Hikers can enjoy spectacular mountain views, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and access to one of Vermont's most pristine fly-fishing-only ponds.
7. Spruce Mountain Trail
SUMMIT FIRE TOWER HIKE
Spruce Mountain Trail is a popular 4.4-mile round-trip hike leading to a restored fire tower offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The moderately challenging trail climbs steadily through northern hardwood forests before reaching the 3,030-foot summit. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, White Mountains, and on clear days, even glimpses of the Adirondacks.
8. Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail
SCENIC RIDGE EXPLORATION
The Windmill Hill Ridgeline Trail spans 16 miles across an undulating procession of small peaks in southeast Vermont including Putney Mountain and The Pinnacle. Hikers can enjoy a variety of loop options, including the popular 1.4-mile loop from the main parking area on Putney Mountain Road to the summit. The trail features diverse woodland habitats, attractive fern glades, rugged rock outcrop ledges, and old stone walls along the way.
9. Underhill State Park Trails
MOUNT MANSFIELD ACCESS
Underhill State Park provides unparalleled access to Mount Mansfield's rugged beauty through its network of hiking trails. The challenging trails lead hikers up Vermont's highest peak, offering spectacular alpine experiences and panoramic views. Highlights include rare arctic-alpine vegetation, exposed rocky ridgelines, and on clear days, views extending to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
10. Dine and Hannum Trail Loop
DIVERSE FOREST EXPERIENCE
The Dine and Hannum trails combine to form a moderately difficult 3-mile loop hike starting from either of the trailheads along Holland Hill Road in Putney. The trails pass through a variety of wooded habitats, including pine stands, hardwood forest, and regenerating areas with attractive fern glades and rugged rock outcrop ledges. Hikers particularly enjoy the diverse natural features, including old stone walls, stream crossings on small wooden bridges, and the peaceful forest atmosphere.