The best walks and hikes around Burlington

Burlington offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from tranquil lakeside paths along Lake Champlain to more challenging ascents in the foothills of the Green Mountains. You'll find trails winding through urban forests, along riverbanks like the Winooski, and through scenic state parks with stunning views of the Adirondacks across the lake.

Yes, Burlington has many accessible options perfect for beginners or those seeking a leisurely stroll. Areas like Ethan Allen Park and Oakledge Park offer easy, well-maintained trails. For a peaceful forest walk, consider the Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve, which is an easy 5.3 km route. Another gentle option is the Wild Turkey and Horned Lark Loop, spanning about 4.9 km.

Burlington's trails are rich with natural beauty. Many paths offer breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, especially at parks like Red Rocks Park and Mount Philo State Park. You can also find panoramic 360-degree views from the tower in Ethan Allen Park. The Winooski River trails provide opportunities for birdwatching, while areas like Rock Point offer cliffside views over Lake Champlain.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, the Green Mountains offer demanding trails. Iconic peaks like Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, provide challenging climbs with incredibly rewarding panoramic views. Within our collection, the Great Western Trail is classified as difficult, covering over 27 km.

Yes, loop trails are a popular way to experience the diverse landscapes without retracing your steps. Our collection includes options like the Wild Turkey and Horned Lark Loop, an easy 4.9 km route. Another convenient loop is the Pingree Grove Forest Preserve loop from Pingree Grove, which is a shorter 3.1 km easy hike.

The hiking experiences around Burlington are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning lake and mountain views, the peaceful forest settings, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels.

Burlington is an excellent destination for family outings. Many parks offer easy, accessible trails suitable for all ages. Eagle Mountain, just a short drive from Burlington, is known for its family-friendly trails with expansive views. Urban parks like Oakledge Park also provide pleasant walks with amenities nearby.

Each season offers a unique hiking experience in Burlington. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer is perfect for lakeside walks and enjoying the warmer weather. Autumn is particularly spectacular, with the Green Mountains ablaze in vibrant fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, offering serene, snow-covered landscapes for those prepared for colder conditions.

Many trails in the Burlington area beautifully combine forest immersion with stunning water vistas. Red Rocks Park is a prime example, with paths meandering through woodlands and along Lake Champlain's cliffs. Niquette Bay State Park also offers diverse trails with beautiful lake and mountain views, including access to a cove for swimming.

Hikes around Burlington vary greatly in length and duration. You can find short, easy walks that take less than an hour, such as the Pingree Grove Forest Preserve loop which takes about 48 minutes. For longer excursions, there are routes like the Great Western Trail, a challenging route that can take over 7 hours to complete.

While many popular spots are well-known, areas like Colchester Pond offer tranquil walking trails ideal for leisurely hikes and birdwatching in a peaceful setting away from the busiest crowds. Rock Point also provides a serene forest experience with trails leading to scenic cliffside views of Lake Champlain that are often less frequented.