Check out: Venture Vermont: Stratton Fire Tower Hike. An autumn view from the beach at Lake Shaftsbury State Park. Our favorite time to hike in this area is early October because the fall colors are incredible, but fall is also prime tick season, so be sure to protect yourself from those nasty critters. There are several trails criss-crossing the summit, but if you want to climb the fire tower and watch the hang gliders, I recommend taking the summit trail to the Weathersfield trail to the hang glider’s trail. All of these hikes look amazing. Safe and happy hiking from Vermont Living Magazine. Knight Point. We get lots of rain in Vermont, but plenty of sunny days too. Vermont has hiking trails for everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers, and the views we take in along the way are worth every sore muscle we feel after. Kid appeal: awesome swimming, rope swing for big kids (on the island), bird watching, boat rentals Dogs: They’re allowed in the campground and on the trails (on leash), but not at the beach or picnic areas. If There Are Only 11 Hikes You Ever Do In Vermont, Make Them These. This is absolutely a wonderful post for families looking to take their kids out on a hike. Tell us! The hike is an easy loop but with a big payoff — a fire tower with a 360-degree view of southern Vermont and northern Massachusetts. Vermont is a small, sparsely populated state with some of the best adventures in the eastern United States. Here are five hikes that offer big rewards for two miles or less of walking one-way. The hike to Hamilton Falls is probably the most challenging on this list. Stratton Fire Tower from the base of the mountain gains 1,700 feet in elevation, and is 6 miles, round trip. Little Rock Pond sits just off the Appalachian / Long Trail. Equinox Pond Loop. In 2016, the Town of Dorset acquired 260 acres to expand Owls Head Town Forest. That orange is so vibrant! I’d love some more recommendations. The hike is 4 miles round-trip, but it gains just 350 feet in elevation. Please pack out what you bring in. I would SO love to visit Vermont in the fall months — especially for the gorgeous fall coloring. Check out our Vermont Vacation Guide for Outdoor Lovers or read these posts: Did you enjoy this post? The hike around Lake Shaftsbury is more of a ramble — a mile in length, meandering through the woods, then wetlands, than back into the woods, with a constant view of the lake. We’ve seen moose up here and spent days on the water without running into another person. In fact, Mt. Phone: 802-254-2610, Easy 0.5 to 1-mile walks; great views; good for kids. Mount Olga. The Hiland Hall gardens have been meticulously restored and are located behind the main house. Vermont State Parks open May 1, marking the beginning of hiking season. Expertly curated and field-tested, this guide features 60 of the best day hikes the state has to offer, for all skill levels. 413 US Rte 7 South Southern Vermont. Once at the top, the summit trails are easy and fun to explore, with incredible views, a fire tower, and a hang glider launch pad. New England 50 Finest Summits Vermont Adventures; Best 10 Mountain Hikes in Vermont. I’m sure that families that are living in Southern Vermont will surely be happy about this list and they will get to bring their kids here and hike. I don’t have children, but I would go to many of these locations with friends and family. Thanks for this great guide. Whatever your skill level, the hiking near Manchester, VT, offers something for everyone. This is a great hike to aspire to, but it’s probably not suitable for young children, unless they are avid hikers already. Site designed by PenciDesign. Manchester, VT The Chocolate Barn at Lake Shaftesbury State Park sounds fab too! Those attractions add to the curiosity of the kids and makes the hikes all the more fun. What an informative blog post, and some great suggestions for kids. I created this page to unite women in southern Vermont, who would like to go on hikes. 930 Southern Vermont Arts Center Drive Manchester, VT Phone: 802-362-1405 The Southern Vermont Arts Center loop trail leads to many hikes. Luckily, there’s a shortcut. Southern Vermont hiking is unlike anywhere else and it's right at your fingertips. It sits behind the beautiful Park McCullough house in North Bennington, VT. Woodford State Park is much more secluded than Lake Shaftsbury, and much cooler (temperature wise). Thanks for putting this list together! It's time to get outside. The Hiland Hall gardens have been meticulously restored and are located behind the main house. These are the best day hikes in Southern Vermont. 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Phone: Off Route 30 Phone: 3270 Route 315 The Green Mountain Club, a non-profit for the Long Trail, maintains the trails throughout the Green Mountain State to help preserve what all outdoor enthusiasts love. Tara is a writer and photographer from Vermont with a passion for outdoor adventures. Star Gazer Farm is conveniently located to several hiking hot spots. Favorite Springtime Hikes. It’s 6 miles round-trip — 2 miles on the rail trail, and then a 1.1-mile climb to the base of the falls. At 1,280 feet, Black Mountain isn’t huge, but it is an unusual ecosystem for Southern Vermont, boasting lots of mountain laurels and blueberry bushes (ready in late July or early August), and lots of exposed granite. All great places to go for day hikes… Being a big kid myself, I’d love to try the rope swing in Emerald Lake State Park. The trail, marked with blue blazes, enters the 15,680-acre Lye Brook Wilderness following Lye Brook. This is a fairly easy, 3-mile loop, but we often make a day of it because the animals are so hard to resist. Luckily, there’s a shortcut. WOW!! Camel's Hump is the third highest mountain in the state of Vermont, topping out at an elevation of 4,081 feet.It is an approachable hike all year, but during the winter months the snow pack gives it a completely different feeling. There is a lean-to shelter and several tent platforms set up near the lake for hikers, which also makes this hike the perfect first backpacking adventure for your family. Merck Forest Trails are open for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. It’s a 1.8-mile loop to the top of the mountain. I have to say that our kids much prefer the lake trail, which hugs the shoreline, with side trails into the three campground loops. Article from backroadramblers.com. Twelve miles of trails on 400 acres begin and end at the Welcome Center. for the best ice cream you’re ever likely to taste in Southern Vermont. It is wonderful to see that there are so many safe and adventurous places for kids to hike. Phone: 802-362-1788, 517 Old Guilford Road Hiking sounds like the perfect idea! This 84-acre park is small but well-loved. 18 Scenic Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Vermont Should Take. These look like great places for all people, even those without families like me. As you hike or bike this trail, you’ll find lots of secluded swimming holes. East Dorset, VT, 05253 Slopes of Mount Equinox Ask us about VT Hikes or share your Vermont hikes and comments. Difficulty: moderate to difficult Length of trail: depends – see above Kid appeal: blueberries, wildlife, good birdwatching Dogs: no Fees: none. Social distancing is important in the time of COVID-19 but there are only so many Zoom calls I can do. Forest Hiking Trails. At 3,940 feet, Stratton Mountain is Southern Vermont’s tallest peak. No motor vehicles. Hikers with an interest in botany may enjoy a pre-hike stroll on the Boswell Botany Trail at the Southern Vermont Art Center in Manchester Center (802-362-1405). Does it rain there? Open Water Swimming (and swim holes) in Southern Vermont and Southwest New Hampshire (English Edition) The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living Rail-Trails New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (English Edition) Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting … Somerset Road, off Route 9 Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, is a historic house and also a place for wonderful walks. 5 Wild and Secluded Beaches in the USA for Outdoor... Survive the Family Road Trip in 10 Easy Steps, The Perfect Vermont Treehouse Rental for Green Mountain Luxury, Lake Shaftsbury State Park in all Four Seasons, Awesome Long Distance Hiking Trails for Families and Beginners, Woodford State Park: A Vermont Park for all Seasons, LaiAriel R. Samangka (Thelittlelai: Beyond limits), Our Best Tips for Skiing and Snowshoeing with Dogs, 10 Incredible Small Towns for Your Next Family Vacation, Unique and Affordable Things to Do in St. Hi Natasha – Fall is indeed a gorgeous time of year to visit. The following hikes are located in the southern Green Mountains, which are gorgeous in all four seasons! We help people connect with the world and each other by embarking on journeys big and small. Phone: 802-362-1655, Fine camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, walking and hiking; motor boats prohibited. These are the best day hikes in Southern Vermont. Difficulty: moderate Length of trail: 2-mile loop Kid appeal: hang gliders, awesome views, fire tower Dogs: on leash Fees: $4 for adults, $2 for kids, Want to read more about Mt. Thank you for sharing so useful information . Areas; VT; Southern Vermont; View Sub Areas; Local tips or suggestions? Trails on the Brattleboro Retreat property have been used by local people since the 1800s. The hike to the. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Trolley Trail follows an abandoned trolley line, with views of the wetland and the surrounding hills. Yes, Vermont is a wonderful place to hike and explore. It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re hiking in Southern Vermont – layers are your friend. 25 Best Day Hikes within 10 miles of Burlington, Vermont. 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