Woodstock VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Woodstock, Vermont.
1. Mount Peg Loop
PERFECT FOR SUNSET VIEWS
Mount Peg Loop is an easy to moderate 1.3-mile trail with 341 feet of elevation gain that can be accessed directly from the Woodstock Inn. The trail is part of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park and offers wide-open views of the Green Mountains and the town of Woodstock. This hike is particularly beautiful at sunset as it faces west, providing spectacular views across the valley.
2. Mount Tom via Faulkner Trail
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Mount Tom via Faulkner Trail is a moderate 2.8-mile hike with 540 feet of elevation gain, located just a five-minute drive from the Woodstock Inn. The trail is part of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park, offering hikers a chance to explore the rich natural history of the area. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of Woodstock and the surrounding countryside.
3. Ottauquechee River Trail
SERENE RIVERSIDE JOURNEY
The Ottauquechee River Trail is an easy 2.8-mile loop that starts at East End Park and follows the river's path through trees and scenic overlooks. This flat, accessible trail weaves through fields alongside the serene Ottauquechee River with multiple river access points along the way. The trail is jogger and kid-friendly, with dogs welcome on leash, making it perfect for a family outing.
4. Aqueduct Trails
PEACEFUL WOODLAND ESCAPE
The Aqueduct Trails offer an easy 4.4-mile hiking adventure that is often less crowded than the more popular trails in Woodstock. The path leads to a pond which hikers can loop around before returning on the original path, making it ideal for families with young children. This area is also popular for mountain biking and is one of the few places in town where well-behaved dogs are allowed off-leash.
5. Eshqua Bog Natural Area
RARE BOTANICAL WONDERLAND
Eshqua Bog Natural Area offers a short 0.5-mile easy stroll along a 460-foot boardwalk through a unique wetland ecosystem. The area is especially beautiful in June when Lady Slippers and other rare plant species bloom throughout the bog. Visitors can enjoy observing the diverse flora and fauna while keeping dry above the bog on the well-maintained boardwalk.
6. Luce's Lookout
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Luce's Lookout is a scenic hiking destination that rewards visitors with expansive views of the surrounding valley. The trail winds through Vermont's characteristic mixed forests before opening up to a stunning lookout point. Hikers of moderate ability will appreciate the balance of accessibility and natural beauty this trail offers in the Woodstock area.
7. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Trails
HISTORIC CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park features over 20 miles of trails for visitors to explore through peaceful forests and spectacular overlooks. These historic trails crisscross the property that was once owned by three conservation-minded families who helped shape America's conservation movement. Hikers can experience a variety of trail difficulties while learning about the area's rich environmental history.
8. Quechee Gorge Trail
VERMONT'S LITTLE GRAND CANYON
Quechee Gorge Trail leads visitors along Vermont's deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. The moderate 2.7-mile trail offers spectacular views from both the rim and the bottom of the 165-foot deep gorge carved by the Ottauquechee River. Hikers can descend to the river below where swimming holes and unique geological features await exploration.
9. Appalachian Trail - Pomfret Section
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Pomfret section of the famous Appalachian Trail offers hikers a chance to experience a portion of America's most famous long-distance hiking path. This moderate to difficult segment winds through classic New England forests with occasional clearings providing views of the rolling Vermont countryside. Hikers can connect with the trail's rich history while enjoying the serene natural environment just a short drive from Woodstock.
10. Killington Peak
GREEN MOUNTAIN SUMMIT CHALLENGE
Killington Peak, Vermont's second-highest mountain at 4,235 feet, offers several challenging hiking trails to its summit. The difficult 7.2-mile round trip via the Bucklin Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views extending to New Hampshire's White Mountains and New York's Adirondacks on clear days. In winter, the mountain transforms into a premier ski resort, but summer and fall hikers can enjoy the alpine environment and abundant wildlife.