West Rutland VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near West Rutland, Vermont.
1. West Rutland Marsh
SERENE WETLAND BOARDWALK
West Rutland Marsh offers a 0.10-mile boardwalk trail that extends into the heart of the wetland ecosystem. The trail is rated as easy difficulty, making it perfect for bringing children and all skill levels to observe wildlife. Visitors can enjoy seasonal bird watching including red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, and the secretive Virginia rails.
2. Pine Hill Park
EXTENSIVE TRAIL NETWORK
Pine Hill Park features 19 miles of single-track trails spread over 325 acres of terrain in the central Vermont region. The park offers some of the very best mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and walking opportunities in the area. Visitors can also enjoy the Carriage Trail and Redfield trails, which are primarily old logging roads with stunning forests and scenic views.
3. Lincoln Gap via Long Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN PATHWAY
Lincoln Gap via Long Trail is a 3.2-mile one-way hiking trail located in Green Mountain National Forest near West Rutland. The trail provides hikers with beautiful mountain vistas and a moderate-to-challenging hiking experience. This section of the famous Long Trail offers a genuine Vermont wilderness experience with diverse terrain and forest environments.
4. Ira Trails
RUGGED MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Ira Trails is a nearly 17-mile network of trails located off of West Road in Ira, just outside of West Rutland. While predominantly used for ATV riding, sections are suitable for hiking with rocky woods trails offering a challenging outdoor experience. Hikers can enjoy great views of Lake Bomoseen, the town of Castleton, and surrounding landscapes from the Herrick Mountain Overlook.
5. Green Mountain National Forest Trails
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous hiking trails near West Rutland, providing access to some of Vermont's most pristine wilderness areas. The forest features trails of varying difficulties, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain ascents. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems, stunning mountain views, and abundant wildlife throughout the changing seasons.
6. Appalachian Trail Vermont Section
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Vermont section of the Appalachian Trail passes through Rutland County, offering hikers a chance to experience part of this iconic 2,190-mile footpath. The trail winds through lush forests, over scenic ridgelines, and past beautiful mountain streams. Day hikers from West Rutland can access several trail sections for experiences ranging from moderate day hikes to more challenging terrain.
7. Killington Peak Trails
SPECTACULAR SUMMIT VIEWS
Killington Peak Trails offer hiking access to Vermont's second-highest mountain at 4,229 feet, located a short drive from West Rutland. The network features multiple trail options of varying difficulty, from moderate to strenuous climbs to the summit. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, White Mountains, and Adirondacks from the peak's observation tower.
8. Deer Leap Trail
CLIFF-TOP MOUNTAIN PANORAMA
Deer Leap Trail is a moderate 4-mile round trip hike located near Killington, providing a rewarding outdoor experience not far from West Rutland. The trail climbs to dramatic cliff faces that offer spectacular views of Pico Mountain and the surrounding Rutland region. Hikers will enjoy the relatively short but steep trail through beautiful forest before reaching the rocky overlook.
9. Pittsford Trails Network
HISTORIC RECREATION PATHS
Pittsford Trails Network offers a series of interconnected paths just north of West Rutland that showcase the area's natural beauty and historical sites. The trails vary from easy walking paths to more moderate hiking routes through diverse landscapes including forests, fields, and along waterways. Hikers can explore the area's rich history while enjoying the serene natural environment and wildlife viewing opportunities.
10. Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park
JAPANESE GARDENS WILDERNESS
Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park features a unique combination of Japanese gardens and natural Vermont wilderness within driving distance of West Rutland. The park offers several miles of hiking trails that wind through meadows, forests, and along mountain ridges with varying difficulty levels. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Taconic Mountain range, peaceful garden settings, and a dramatic 60-foot gorge with a waterfall.