Vermont’s solely metropolis has been named one of many healthiest cities in the United States many times over, and in accordance with Wallet Hub, it is out there in because the twelfth healthiest city for 2021. Could all the superb hiking trails near Burlington, Vermont be a factor? 100% yes!
There are plenty of straightforward hikes near Burlington.Burlington takes its outside recreation very critically with an abundance of green areas, trails, parks, and gardens throughout the city, and if you’re planning a visit to this lovely a half of Vermont, you’ll be happy to know that there are heaps of simple hikes near Burlington, VT.
Whether you’re hiking with your beloved ones, or simply wish to get away from the bustle of town for a bit, likelihood is there’s a hiking trail near Burlington together with your name on it.
Best Easy Hikes Near Burlington
Vermont’s largest city wholeheartedly embraces the outdoors. There are dozens of parks, a quantity of paved bike trails, and numerous places to swim in Lake Champlain, and whereas we aren’t including many mountain hikes on this submit, there are sufficient straightforward trails to maintain you blissfully wandering for many happy days.
There are so many cool spots and hiking trails near Burlington, but these are our favorites. All of these hikes are within half-hour of Burlington and easy enough for outdoor-loving children.
Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, Vermont: The Best Hiking in Burlington
When I was a kid, Red Rocks used to be the place where the dangerous boys jumped off cliffs into Lake Champlain. I’m positive that’s nonetheless happening, but for me, the true treasure of Red Rocks is the Lake Trail, which meanders along lots of the aforementioned cliffs, offering unparalleled views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.
The paths at Red Rocks Park are largely hard-packed gravel, and there are limitations between the trail and the sting of the cliffs for security. This is an easy stroll that will take you about an hour, relying on how motivated you’re.
If you want to do a little more exploring beyond the Lake Trail, my kiddos suggest a climb on the Lichen Ledges and a swim on the public seashore before calling it a day.
Difficulty stage: Easy-peasy – perfect for all ages!
Length of trail: About a mile (one way) if you want to stroll in from the road (winter). It’s nearer to zero.6 of a mile should you park within the lot (summer).
Dogs: Must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Lots of canines walk right here.
Fee: When the park is open, there’s a every day parking fee of $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents
For instructions and a printable trail map, visit the South Burlington Recreation & Parks web site.
Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte: Welcome to Vermont’s First State Park
Mt. Philo is a superb hike near Burlington, VTMt. Philo is definitely certainly one of our all-time favorite places to watch the sunset over Lake Champlain. I wrote a bit about Mt. Philo in this post about exploring the Lake Champlain Valley. I really have to be sincere although, we often drive as a lot as the top of the mountain, mainly as a outcome of we’re carting along the perfect sunset picnic.
I’m including Mt. Philo on this Vermont hiking list, although, as a result of it was my absolute favorite hike to take with my grandparents when I was a child. The trail from the car parking zone to the summit is ¾ of a mile. It’s an uphill climb the entire method, and the entire world opens up if you get to the highest. I think I beloved this hike a lot as a child as a result of it really felt like I had achieved one thing once I obtained to the top.
Difficulty level: Steep, however short. I assume 10-year-olds would love it!
Length of trail: ¾ mile a technique.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Fee: $4 for adults / $2 for youths (free through the off-season)
Additional information: During the open season (Memorial Day to Indigenous People’s Day), you’ll discover restrooms at the high. There’s also a charmingly quiet campground with fewer than a dozen websites. I love tenting here and waking up in time for the sunrise. For a campground/trail map, go to Vermont State Parks.
Colchester Bog, Airport Park, Colchester: A Perfect Stop on Your Colchester Bike Rid
Pitcher PlantPitcher PlantAirport Park in Colchester is an efficient start line for every kind of out of doors adventures. Jogging paths, rec fields, playground tools, and restrooms make this a favourite after-school park all year long. You can even access the Colchester Causeway for a nice flat bike ride along Lake Champlain.
Our favourite discovery within Airport Park is Colchester Bog, the place you’ll discover a few of the coolest plants in all of Vermont. A boardwalk delves deep into the bathroom, making it straightforward for kids to rise up close and personal with this distinctive ecosystem. You’ll discover swampy forests here, in addition to some open peat bogs, and dense thickets of shrubs. Please keep on the boardwalk to guard this fragile group.
Difficulty: So easy and brief that you’ll want to mix this journey with a playground go to or bike journey.
Distance: 0.1 mile
Dogs: Not certain, but if you do bring canines, be certain to hold them on the boardwalk.
Fee: Free
I couldn’t find a trail map, probably because the trail is so quick, however you can learn a bit more about Colchester Bog on the UVM web site.
Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester: Hike Along Lake Champlain with Mountain Views
There’s nothing fairly like a Lake Champlain sunset!I first fell in love with Niquette Bay State Park as a outcome of the paths are so dog-friendly. Unfortunately, canines are not permitted to wander around off-leash when the park is open (May sixth to Indigenous People’s Day). You’ll still discover plenty of joyful canines in the park, though, and canine can nonetheless swim at Calm Cove.
There are all types of trails at Niquette Bay State Park, ranging in length and problem, so whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon, you’ll discover a trail that’s good for your journey. My favourite trail at Niquette Bay is the Muhley Trail to the Island View Trail (views!!), again to the Muhley Trail to Calm Cove for a swim, and back to the parking lot via Burns Trail (easier) or Ledges Trail (more difficult).
Difficulty: Varies – Families with young kids can take Allen Trail straight to the beach, and the trail talked about above is nice for older youngsters who must burn off some energy.
Distance: Varies. Here’s a trail map
Dogs: Yes, but keep them on a leash in the course of the open season.
Fee: $4 for adults / $2 for teenagers (free through the off-season)
For more data, including directions, take a look at Vermont State Parks.
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne: Easy Hike Near Burlington with Stunning Views
Shelburne Farms features expansive views (photo credit)The 10 miles of strolling trails at Shelburne Farms are good for meandering among fields, by way of forests, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. It’s a favorite spot for vacationers, joggers, and walkers, and is likely certainly one of the finest simple hikes near Burlington.
Park on the welcome middle and take the trail on the left towards Lake Champlain. Pass the farm barn and take the Farm Trail past Lone Tree Hill, the farm’s highest point. There is a bench here to loosen up on and take in the stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
From Lone Tree Hill, continue on the Farm Trail to the lake, take the Buckthorn Tunnel Trail only for enjoyable, and loop back towards the welcome middle on the North Gate Pass. The loop is just below 4 miles, however there are aspect paths you can take if you want a longer walk. There are even formal gardens to discover near the historic inn.
Difficulty: Trails are mostly easy
Distance: Varies – here’s a trail map
Dogs: No
Fee: Donations are appreciated
Additional info: Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit organization and working farm with a sturdy calendar of occasions for families. The Inn at Shelburne Farms is a good place to stay whereas exploring the Burlington space.
Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington: Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing
The Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington is a superb community useful resource. The sprawling grounds embrace 4 miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails, the restored farmhouse of Ethan and Fanny Allen (built in 1787), and the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.
Bike paths connect Ethan Allen Homestead with nearby Ethan Allen Park to the north and the Intervale to the south. Begin your hike on the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and take the Homestead Loop, to the Pond Trail, to the Peninsula Loop for a simple hike beneath three miles.
Much of this hike travels subsequent to the Winooski River, with opportunities for spotting wildlife, together with raccoons, otters, beavers, and deer. There are boardwalks via the wetlands, however this is still a moist stroll year-round.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4 miles of trails. The loop mentioned above is less than three miles.
Dogs: On leash
Fee: Free
Ethan Allen Homestead Park is managed by the Winooski Valley Park District. Need a trail map? Here ya go!
The Intervale, Burlington: More Burlington Hiking Trails alongside the Winooski River
Welcome to the Intervale (photo credit)The leisure trails on the Intervale are excellent for biking, birding, strolling, jogging, and snowboarding on groomed trails within the winter. The trails wind alongside the Winooski River to Ethan Allen Homestead (mentioned above). The Intervale is on a low floodplain, so expect muddy situations on flat trails.
Drive down Intervale Road and park in one of the many parking areas. We like to park within the lot across from Gardner’s Supply so we are in a position to browse for vegetation after our stroll. Take Calkins Trail for 1.three miles along the river, after which retrace your steps or walk back to your automobile on Farm Road past most of the group farms which are a half of the Intervale Center. The Intervale is open three hundred and sixty 5 days a 12 months and is free to the public.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: There are 6 miles of trails to discover
Dogs: On leash
Fee: Free
The Intervale Center is manges 360 acres of farmland, trails, and open area with a mission of strengthening neighborhood meals methods by enhancing farm viability, selling the sustainable use of agricultural lands and engaging people within the meals system. Here’s a trail map to help plan your adventure.
Ethan Allen Park, Burlington
The view from Ethan Allen Tower (photo credit)Heading within the different course northwest of Ethan Allen Homestead is Ethan Allen Park, one of the first urban forest parks in the United States. This is a 60-acre woodland park in Burlington that surrounds the city’s highest level which is topped by a 40-foot stone tower with offers visitors a 360-degree view of Burlington, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains.
There are four miles of easy trails in Burlington’s Ethan Allen Park, each paved and dirt. In addition to the community of trails, there could be additionally a playground, picnic area, and a gazebo. The park is related to Ethan Allen Homestead through the 127 Bike Path.
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Distance: 4.2 miles of interconnected trails
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Fee: Free
Ethan Allen Park is maintained by Burlington Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront. Here’s a trail map that will help you plan.
Colchester Pond, Colchester
Colchester Pond is so peaceful! (photo credit)While the Colchester Pond loop is a busy and well-traveled trail, it is still one of the best Burlington hikes for escaping the town and discovering peaceable solitude. The trail travels alongside the sting of the pond, via meadows and woodland, and positive aspects about 300 feet in elevation along the excessive banks on the far facet.
The trail is muddy in spots, with plenty of rocks and roots to be careful for, in addition to wildflowers, mushrooms, and critters. There are a number of scenic views alongside the means in which, in addition to nice picnic spots.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.2 miles
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Fee: Free
Colchester Pond is maintained by Winooski Valley Park District. Here’s a trail map via Trail Finder.
What to Pack for Day Hikes Near Burlington, Vermont
Before you head out on your journey, ensure you pack some essentials so that your hike is memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some things to stash in your daypack.
* Navigation: The hikes in this listing are fairly easy, and when you stay on the trail, you don’t stand an opportunity of getting misplaced. However, I still advocate bringing a map or GPS system as a failsafe. The premium version of the Alltrails or Gaia apps both have downloadable maps and GPS monitoring.
* Water: Pack a full water bottle per person for these hikes.
* Food: Having an emergency granola bar in your bag is at all times a good idea, however you also needs to pack a lunch so you’ll be able to have a mid-hike picnic.
* First aid package: Keep a easy first assist kit in your pack with wound and blister care, tweezers, and common medicines like Tylenol, Benadryl, and Pepto Bismal.
* Headlamp: For emergencies and hiking after dark, a headlamp is very helpful during those brief winter hikes.
* Extra layers: Based on the climate, however it’s nice to have an additional pair of socks, a beanie, and a fleece, plus a rain jacket if wet climate is forecasted.
* A pocket knife: Useful for so many things
* A lighter or matches: Ditto
* Lip balm, sunscreen, and bug spray: Ticks and mosquitoes are a problem on all these hikes, and a great bug spray will make life on the trail far more nice.
* Sunglasses
* A energy bank: In case your cellphone runs out of juice.
* An emergency blanket: Just in case.
Want much more concepts for adventures in and around Burlington? These out of doors pocket adventures from Outdoor Adventure Sampler could additionally be simply what you’re in search of.Don’t neglect to watch the hiking near Burlington web story.
Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American street trip blog. She can also be the co-author of the third edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont (pre-order your copy for the 2023 release date in May).