Vermont offers hiking adventures for every pace and season where sweeping views, lush forests, and natural landmarks await around every turn. From rugged mountain summits to serene lakeshore paths, listed below are hiking opportunities showcasing the state’s most iconic trails and parks.
Mount Mansfield gateway
Set on the west slope of Vermont’s highest peak, this park anchors classic routes to Mt. Mansfield’s open ridge. Trails like Sunset Ridge and Maple Ridge climb quickly from shaded forest to sweeping alpine views. It offers an iconic launch point for summit hikes with a true Green Mountains feel.
Iconic summit trails
Home to Camel’s Hump’s distinct bald summit, this park provides multiple routes to one of Vermont’s most recognizable peaks. Popular approaches like Burrows, Monroe, and Forest City link into the Long Trail for airy ridgeline walking. The experience blends steady forest climbs with big, panoramic payoffs.
Bucklin Trail ascent
When the lifts are quiet, the mountain opens as a summer hiking hub with routes to windswept Killington Peak. The Bucklin Trail delivers the classic forest-to-scramble ascent, while family paths loop ponds and meadows near the base. It’s a versatile destination where rugged peak-bagging and mellow rambles share the same skyline.
Stowe Pinnacle views
This rugged forest protects a network of trails on the Worcester Range with quick access to standout lookouts. The Stowe Pinnacle Trail climbs steeply to granite ledges and sweeping views over the valley and Mansfield. It’s a short, punchy hike that rewards with a signature Green Mountains panorama.
Classic summit walk
Vermont’s original state park leads hikers up a friendly mountain with big-lake vistas. The Mt. Philo Trail switchbacks through hardwoods to breezy overlooks above farms and the Adirondack horizon. It’s a beloved, close-to-town climb perfect for sunrise strolls and family outings.
Quechee Gorge Trail
Known for Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon,” this park centers on a dramatic river-carved chasm. The Quechee Gorge Trail follows the roaring Ottauquechee River from bridge-top views to water-level banks. It’s an easy, photogenic walk showcasing geology, rushing water, and forest shade.
Green Mountain National Forest
This woodland route follows an old rail grade and brook to one of Vermont’s tallest cascades. The trail gently gains elevation through a mossy hardwood forest before the final approach to the 125-foot falls. It’s a classic waterfall hike with steady footing and a spectacular payoff at the end.
Killington boardwalk access
A short, accessible boardwalk leads through wetlands to a roaring multi-tiered waterfall. The route connects with the Appalachian Trail network nearby while keeping the experience easy and family friendly. It’s a quick, satisfying stop with big water and minimal effort.
Stowe gorge cascade
This brief but steep path drops through hemlocks to a deep pool and powerful cascade. Stone steps and roots make for a scrambly descent to emerald water and sculpted gorge walls. It’s a compact adventure with classic swim-hole vibes and photogenic rock formations.
Lakeshore cliff paths
A network of easy forest trails loops to Lake Champlain overlooks and red sandstone bluffs. Quiet paths weave through pines and birches to breezy viewpoints and pocket beaches. It’s a serene in-town escape for sunsets, birding, and gentle miles.
Mount Pisgah ridge
Trails climb above glacial Lake Willoughby to cliff-top vistas on Mount Pisgah. The path alternates between cool hardwood forest and dramatic ledge lookouts across the fjord-like lake. It’s one of Vermont’s most striking view hikes, pairing blue water with rugged cliffs.
Windsor Trail summit
Multiple routes ascend this standalone peak for granite ledges and far-reaching views into New Hampshire. The Windsor Trail offers a classic, steady climb through mature forest to a fire tower near the top. It’s a rewarding summit day with a true mountain feel and varied terrain.
Pogue Loop woodlands
Historic carriage roads and singletrack wind through a working forest in Woodstock. The Pogue Loop circles a tranquil pond beneath maples and hemlocks with gentle grades and quiet views. It’s a contemplative walk where conservation history and easy hiking go hand in hand.
Emerald loop shoreline
Calm trails trace the bright green waters of this spring-fed lake and surrounding forest. The Emerald Lake Loop mixes shoreline strolling with short climbs to small overlooks and picnic spots. It’s a family-friendly base for swims, paddles, and relaxing laps by clear water.
Rattlesnake cliff lookouts
Set on Lake Dunmore, this park launches hikes into the Moosalamoo’s rocky heights. The Rattlesnake Cliff Trail climbs to cliff-top perches and sweeping lake-and-peak panoramas. It’s a leg-burner with standout views, balanced by beach time down at the shoreline.