Vermont Hiking Trails & Places To Hike

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.

Underhill State Park

1. Underhill State Park

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.

Camel's Hump State Park

2. Camel's Hump State Park

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.

Killington Resort

3. Killington Resort

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.

CC Putnam State Forest

4. CC Putnam State Forest

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.

Mt. Philo State Park

5. Mt. Philo State Park

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 State Park

6. Quechee State Park

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.

Lye Brook Falls Trail

7. Lye Brook Falls Trail

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.

Thundering Brook Falls Trail

8. Thundering Brook Falls Trail

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.

Bingham Falls Trail

9. Bingham Falls Trail

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.

Red Rocks Park

10. Red Rocks Park

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.

Willoughby State Forest

11. Willoughby State Forest

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.

Mt Ascutney State Park

12. Mt Ascutney State Park

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.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller

13. Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller

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 Lake State Park

14. Emerald Lake State Park

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.

Branbury State Park

15. Branbury State Park

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.