Spring is in the air and we’re all excited to get outside in the sunshine. Lucky for us, there are plenty of places for us to explore and get some exercise in the Green Mountain State. Get ready to stretch those muscles, folks. Here are 8 easy and beautiful spring hikes in Vermont that you’re going to love. In fact, these might just be some of the very best hikes in Vermont. See if you agree.
- Stowe Rec Path, Stowe
Tripadvisor/Teaches2nd This flat and easy bike path has bridges over the river, benches along the way and gorgeous scenery. There are plenty of spots to rent bikes along the way if you want to get more speed. Of course, while you’re in the area, be sure to check out Stowe – one of the very best day trip destinations in Vermont. Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
- Mt. Horrid and the Great Cliffs, Goshen
All Trails/Jaime Baker This hike is only 1.4 miles, but be warned that it can be steep at times. The cliff stands 800 feet above Route 73 and has breathtaking views of both New Hampshire and New York. When it comes to great hikes under 5 miles in Vermont, Mt. Horrid belongs at the top of the list. Mount Horrid, Mt Horrid, Rochester, VT 05767, USA
- Abbey Pond, East Middlebury
All Trails/Randy King A steady hike that will take you to a gorgeous mountain pond that’s perfect for a picnic. If you’re looking for another nearby adventure, you’ll want to check out Abbey Pond Cascades. Since spring is the best time to catch a waterfall, the cascades you’ll see along the way are a great bonus! Abbey Pond Road, Abbey Pond Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Wheeler Mountain, Barton
All Trails/Megan Rose LaPorte This short hike has a big payoff with stunning vistas. You’ll have fun climbing over the rocks as you make your way along the trail. Plus, Barton might just be one of the most charming towns to visit in Vermont! Wheeler Mountain Road, Wheeler Mountain Rd, Barton, VT, USA
- Mt. Ascutney, Weathersfield
Flickr/Doug Kerr There are a few trails on this gorgeous mountain which will take you to the top for fabulous views. There is also an upper parking lot on the mountain which makes getting to the summit even easier. Without a doubt. Mt. Ascutney is one of best hiking destinations in Vermont. Mount Ascutney, Mt Ascutney, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
- Lye Brook Falls, Manchester
Flickr/mwms1916 This lovely walk through the woods brings you to a wonderful waterfall. It flows down about 160 feet which makes it one of the tallest in Vermont. Lye Brook Falls might just be one of the best waterfall hikes in Vermont. Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
- Deer Leap Outlook, Killington
TripAdvisor/jbrown8738 It only takes about 2 hours to get out to the rocky perch and back, and you’ll love every step of the way. There are stunning 180-degree views from the lookout from the cliff top, too. Learn more about this amazing overlook in Vermont. Deer Leap Trail, 139 US-4, Killington, VT 05751, USA
- White Rocks Ice Bed Trail, Wallingford
All Trails/Brian Krulish Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Vermont is White Rocks Ice Bed in Wallingford. This is a cool hike on a hot day…literally! These boulders keep cool even in the summer months, and it’s less than 2 miles out and back. Wallingford, VT, USA
So what did you think of this list? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Vermont? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! If you enjoy these spring hikes in Vermont, here are 18 more hikes under 5 miles that you’re going to love!
Tripadvisor/Teaches2nd
This flat and easy bike path has bridges over the river, benches along the way and gorgeous scenery. There are plenty of spots to rent bikes along the way if you want to get more speed. Of course, while you’re in the area, be sure to check out Stowe – one of the very best day trip destinations in Vermont.
Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
All Trails/Jaime Baker
This hike is only 1.4 miles, but be warned that it can be steep at times. The cliff stands 800 feet above Route 73 and has breathtaking views of both New Hampshire and New York. When it comes to great hikes under 5 miles in Vermont, Mt. Horrid belongs at the top of the list.
Mount Horrid, Mt Horrid, Rochester, VT 05767, USA
All Trails/Randy King
A steady hike that will take you to a gorgeous mountain pond that’s perfect for a picnic. If you’re looking for another nearby adventure, you’ll want to check out Abbey Pond Cascades. Since spring is the best time to catch a waterfall, the cascades you’ll see along the way are a great bonus!
Abbey Pond Road, Abbey Pond Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
All Trails/Megan Rose LaPorte
This short hike has a big payoff with stunning vistas. You’ll have fun climbing over the rocks as you make your way along the trail. Plus, Barton might just be one of the most charming towns to visit in Vermont!
Wheeler Mountain Road, Wheeler Mountain Rd, Barton, VT, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
There are a few trails on this gorgeous mountain which will take you to the top for fabulous views. There is also an upper parking lot on the mountain which makes getting to the summit even easier. Without a doubt. Mt. Ascutney is one of best hiking destinations in Vermont.
Mount Ascutney, Mt Ascutney, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
Flickr/mwms1916
This lovely walk through the woods brings you to a wonderful waterfall. It flows down about 160 feet which makes it one of the tallest in Vermont. Lye Brook Falls might just be one of the best waterfall hikes in Vermont.
Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
TripAdvisor/jbrown8738
It only takes about 2 hours to get out to the rocky perch and back, and you’ll love every step of the way. There are stunning 180-degree views from the lookout from the cliff top, too. Learn more about this amazing overlook in Vermont.
Deer Leap Trail, 139 US-4, Killington, VT 05751, USA
All Trails/Brian Krulish
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Vermont is White Rocks Ice Bed in Wallingford. This is a cool hike on a hot day…literally! These boulders keep cool even in the summer months, and it’s less than 2 miles out and back.
Wallingford, VT, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Vermont March 18, 2022 Beth C. What are some of the best places to go camping in Vermont? Vermont draws adventurers from all over the globe, and it’s no mystery why. The Green Mountain State is a treasure trove of natural wonders, hiking trails, and opportunities for recreation. Naturally, camping is one of the most popular activities in Vermont. One of the most popular camping destinations in Vermont is Waterbury Center State Park. Visit this park and you’ll be positively surrounded by the mountains. Located right on the Waterbury Reservoir, this destination also boats beautiful water views. It’s not a traditional campground, but rather a place where you can access a handful of primitive campsites that are accessible only by boat. If you don’t mind a bit of an adventure, you’ll find your effort will be well-rewarded. A few other campsites that Vermonters love include Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, New Discovery State Park in Groton, Lake Carmi State Park in Enosburg Falls, and Burton Island in St. Albans.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Vermont
March 18, 2022
Beth C.
What are some of the best places to go camping in Vermont? Vermont draws adventurers from all over the globe, and it’s no mystery why. The Green Mountain State is a treasure trove of natural wonders, hiking trails, and opportunities for recreation. Naturally, camping is one of the most popular activities in Vermont. One of the most popular camping destinations in Vermont is Waterbury Center State Park. Visit this park and you’ll be positively surrounded by the mountains. Located right on the Waterbury Reservoir, this destination also boats beautiful water views. It’s not a traditional campground, but rather a place where you can access a handful of primitive campsites that are accessible only by boat. If you don’t mind a bit of an adventure, you’ll find your effort will be well-rewarded. A few other campsites that Vermonters love include Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, New Discovery State Park in Groton, Lake Carmi State Park in Enosburg Falls, and Burton Island in St. Albans.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Vermont draws adventurers from all over the globe, and it’s no mystery why. The Green Mountain State is a treasure trove of natural wonders, hiking trails, and opportunities for recreation. Naturally, camping is one of the most popular activities in Vermont. One of the most popular camping destinations in Vermont is Waterbury Center State Park. Visit this park and you’ll be positively surrounded by the mountains. Located right on the Waterbury Reservoir, this destination also boats beautiful water views. It’s not a traditional campground, but rather a place where you can access a handful of primitive campsites that are accessible only by boat. If you don’t mind a bit of an adventure, you’ll find your effort will be well-rewarded. A few other campsites that Vermonters love include Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, New Discovery State Park in Groton, Lake Carmi State Park in Enosburg Falls, and Burton Island in St. Albans.
