Northern Vermont is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, providing hikers with jaw-dropping views and beautiful woodland trails. Some trails make you earn your view with a steep uphill climb.
Others? Not so much.
Yes, there are plenty of beautiful Vermont trails that don’t require breaking a sweat.
Intrigued?
Let’s dive into a few of our favorites.
Over the past few years, we’ve been on a quest.
But not for grueling uphill hikes.
No, we’ve been drawn to gentle meanderings—hidden waterfalls, peaceful woodlands, and secret swimming holes.
Because sometimes, peak bagging isn’t the goal.
And guess what? These hikes are perfect for anyone who wants to experience nature without turning it into a workout.
Pack your camera. Grab your binoculars, and don’t forget your picnic lunch.
These trails are easy enough for families with kids and welcoming to dogs—and your parents, too!
Still with me?
Here are the top northern Vermont hiking trails you should add to your itinerary for your next Vermont getaway.
Want to Dive Deeper Into Vermont’s Outdoors?
If you’re craving more tips on Vermont’s best hiking trails, swimming holes, and charming small towns, head over to our sister site, Vermont Explored.
Now, let’s talk about some specific spots near Burlington…
Best Easy Hiking Near Burlington, Vermont
Vermont’s largest city wholeheartedly embraces the outdoors. There are dozens of parks, several paved bike trails, and numerous places to swim in Lake Champlain. Is it any wonder that Burlington is consistently rated one of the healthiest cities in America?
There are so many cool spots and hiking trails near Burlington, but these are our favorites.
Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, Vermont
When I was a kid, Red Rocks used to be where the bad boys jumped off cliffs into Lake Champlain. I’m sure that’s still going on, but for me, the real treasure of Red Rocks is the Lake Trail, which meanders along many of the aforementioned cliffs, providing unparalleled views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain.
The 2.5 miles of paths at Red Rocks Park are mostly hard-packed gravel, and there are barriers between the trail and the edge of the cliffs for safety. This is an easy walk that will take you about an hour, depending on how motivated you and your kids are.
If you want to do a little more exploring beyond the Lake Trail, my kiddos recommend a climb on the Lichen Ledges and a swim at the public beach before calling it a day.
Difficulty level: Easy-peasy – perfect for all ages!
Length of trail: About a mile (one way) if you have to walk in from the street (winter). It’s closer to 0.6 of a mile if you park in the lot (summer).
Dogs: Must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Lots of dogs walk here.
Fee: When the park is open, there’s a daily parking fee of $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents
For directions and a printable trail map, visit the South Burlington Recreation & Parks website.
Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte
Mt. Philo is 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 have to be honest, though; we usually drive up to the top of the mountain, mainly because we’re carting along the perfect sunset picnic.
I’m including Mt. Philo on this Vermont hiking list, though, because it was my absolute favorite hike to take with my grandparents when I was a kid. The trail from the parking lot to the summit is ¾ of a mile. I
It’s an uphill climb the whole way, and the whole world opens up when you get to the top. I think I loved this hike so much as a kid because it really felt like I had accomplished something when I got to the top.
Difficulty level: Moderate but short. I think kids over 6 would love it.
Length of trail: ¾ mile one way.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Fee: $4 for adults / $2 for kids (free during the off-season)
Bonus Tip: During the open season (Memorial Day to Indigenous People’s Day), you’ll find restrooms at the top. There’s also a charmingly quiet campground. I love camping here and waking up in time for the sunrise. For a campground/trail map, visit Vermont State Parks.
Colchester Bog, Airport Park, Colchester
Airport Park in Colchester is a good starting point for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Jogging paths, rec fields, playground equipment, and restrooms make this a favorite after-school park throughout the year. You can also access the Colchester Causeway for a nice flat bike ride along Lake Champlain.
Our favorite discovery within Airport Park is Colchester Bog, where you’ll find some of the coolest plants in all of Vermont.
A boardwalk delves deep into the bog, making it easy for kids to get up close and personal with this unique ecosystem. You’ll find swampy forests here, as well as some open peat bogs, and dense thickets of shrubs.
Please stay on the boardwalk to protect this fragile community.
Difficulty: So easy and short that you’ll want to combine this trip with a playground visit or bike ride.
Distance: 0.1-mile boardwalk
Dogs: Not sure, but if you do bring dogs, be sure to keep them on the boardwalk.
Fee: Free
I couldn’t find a trail map, probably because the trail is so short, but you can read a bit more about Colchester Bog on the UVM website.
Niquette Bay State Park, Colchester
Calling all dog lovers—this park is for you!
While dogs can’t roam off-leash during peak season, they’re still welcome to swim at Calm Cove. You’ll find a range of trails that suit everyone, from toddlers to teens.
My favorite is the loop that starts on the Muhley Trail, heads to the Island View Trail (for awesome views), and finishes with a swim at Calm Cove.
Difficulty: Varies – Littles can take Allen Trail straight to the beach. Older kids will enjoy the hike mentioned above.
Distance: Varies. Here’s a trail map
Dogs: Yes, but keep them on a leash during the open season.
Fee: $4 for adults / $2 for kids (free during the off-season)
For more information, including directions, check out Vermont State Parks.
Want even more ideas for adventures in and around Burlington? These outdoor pocket adventures from Outdoor Adventure Sampler may be just what you’re looking for.
Easy Hiking Trails in Stowe, Vermont
There are some amazing hiking opportunities in the Green Mountains, but many of the trails are difficult and discouraging for kids. All of the Stowe hikes in this section are easy enough for elementary schoolers, as long as you’re mindful of steep drops near waterfalls and on top of mountains.
Mt. Mansfield Nose to Chin, Stowe
There is no easy way to hike up Mt. Mansfield with young kids, but if you’re willing to cheat a little, you can get a good hike in after driving the Stowe Mountain Resort Auto Toll Road, which allows you to drive to Mt. Mansfield’s nose and hike on the Long Trail to the Chin.
Basically, you’re hiking along the ridge of Mt. Mansfield with incredible views in every direction. From here, you can see Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks in New York, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and Canada. There are very few trees, lots of boulders, and steep drops.
The wind is fierce up here, and you’ll be hiking through rare alpine tundra, so be sure to stay on the trail. You’ll find lots of spots for picnicking and relaxing, so give yourself several hours for the drive/hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.2 miles (one way)
Dogs: Must be kept on a short leash to protect the delicate alpine flora.
Fees: $29 per car and driver; $11 for each passenger to access the toll road
Need a trail map? Visit Vermont State Parks
Bingham Falls, Stowe
I think Bingham Falls is one of the prettiest Vermont waterfalls. Bingham Falls starts as a series of cascades through a narrow gorge of potholes. The main waterfall is a 30-foot cascade, plunging into a lovely round pool of frigid water.
The hike to Bingham Falls starts as an easy stroll in the woods, heading gently downhill until you reach the top of the falls at about 0.2 miles.
From the top of the falls, you can either head upstream, where you’ll find several small swimming holes, or downstream for an unobstructed view of Bingham Falls. This is a busy trail during the summer and fall, especially on weekends. The rest of the year, you may just have the whole trail to yourself.
Difficulty: Easy with an element of danger (gorge and falls)
Distance: 0.2 miles to the falls, additional hiking on Mill Trail, which heads south along the river for about .75 miles.
Dogs: Yes. I don’t know the specific rules, but we saw several dogs off-leash when we were there.
Fees: Free
The Bingham Falls parking lot and the trailhead are located right near Smugglers Notch State Park on the Mountain Road (Route 108) in Stowe.
Moss Glen Falls, Stowe
Yep — Stowe gets Vermont’s tallest mountain and two of its loveliest waterfalls.
Moss Glen Falls in Stowe (not to be confused with Moss Glenn Falls in Granville) is another straightforward hike for kids of all ages.
The hike is a short 0.2 miles from the parking lot to the upper viewpoint, where you’ll get a nice view of the upper falls. Head down to the lower viewpoint to get up close and personal with the falls. Kids will find several spots in the river to get wet if the weather calls for it.
Difficulty: Easy, even for little ones
Distance: 0.3 miles to the falls, but you can keep hiking past the falls through the woods for another mile or so.
Dogs: Yes, but I’m not sure of the leash laws.
Fees: Free
Visit Trail Finder for an updated trail map of Moss Glen Falls
Great Vermont Day Hikes in Groton State Forest
Groton State Forest is such a wild and beautiful part of Vermont, and there are all kinds of hiking opportunities for families, not to mention ponds and lakes for swimming, paddling, and fishing, a super awesome rail trail, and some nice mountain biking trails.
If you are looking for a wild Vermont vacation, this is where you should go! Groton State Forest is home to seven unique state parks, so you’ll never run out of outdoor adventure opportunities.
I wrote a whole post on Groton State Forest over the summer, so maybe I should stop gushing here. Our favorite hikes are also detailed in that post, so please check it out for more info. I will list them here just for reference.
Owl’s Head, New Discovery State Park, Groton
Difficulty: moderate and probably better for older kids (10+). If you’re hiking with younger kids, you can drive up the mountain, and hike a very short trail to the summit.
Distance: 1.5 miles (one way)
Dogs: Yes, on leashes
Fee: Free
Peacham Bog, Groton State Forest, Groton
Difficulty: Easy – it’s a nice flat trail, but the loop is 4.5 miles, which might be difficult for small children.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Dogs: Yes, on leashes
Fee: Free
Kettle Pond Trail, Kettle Pond State Park, Groton
Difficulty: Moderate, only because the trail is strewn with boulders, and very young children might find the hiking frustrating.
Distance: 2.9-mile loop
Dogs: Yes, on leashes
Fee: Free
You can find a bit about these Groton State Forest trails in my aforementioned blog post above. Here’s a link to a Groton State Forest trail map.
A Few Easy Hiking Trails in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont
Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is a world unto itself, with large stretches of wild forest, a collection of small but imposing mountains, and numerous boggy wetlands and river basins.
There are several great, kid-friendly trails throughout the Northeast Kingdom, but these are our favorites so far.
Lake Willoughby’s South Shore Trail, Westmore
Iconic views, crystal clear (and cold) water for swimming, and a fabulous nearby creemee stand make this short hike worth the effort. The trail starts at the south end of Lake Willoughby and travels down a set of steps and into the woods.
The first half of the trail hugs the shoreline, with lots of great swimming spots. The hidden cove along the trail is a popular spot for skinny dippers, so be prepared to see a bit of skin. The loop eventually leaves the shore and travels upland through the woods, with some rocks and roots that make for more tricky footing.
Reward yourself with a swim, and then head over to Willoughby Gap Farm Stand in West Burke for delightful maple creemees in homemade waffle cones.
Difficulty: The first mile is easy. The second half of the loop requires careful footing.
Distance: 2.1-mile loop
Dogs: Yes
Fee: Free
This Lake Willoughby trail map includes the South Shore Trail, but also several other fabulous hikes, including Mount Pisgah, Mount Hor, and Bald Mountain.
Spectacle Pond Trail, Brighton State Park, Brighton
Not only is Brighton State Park a great place to pitch a tent, paddle a kayak, or catch fall foliage, but the easy hike along the shore of Spectacle Pond to a rare red pine forest and out to Indian Point, which is a great spot to watch the sunset.
The Shoreline Trail begins at the swimming area and travels through a mixed hemlock and hardwood forest with interpretive signs along the way that share both the natural and cultural history of the area.
Brighton State Park is also a great spot for family camping. There are lots of tent sites, including several right on the water. Lean-tos are nice for unpredictable weather, and four camping cabins are available for late-season warmth.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4-mile loop
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Fee: $4 for adults, $2 for kids
Download a Brighton State Park trail map
Read about our recent fall camping trip to Brighton State Park.
Sentinel Rock State Park, Westmore
Sentinel Rock is a glacial erratic that was deposited many thousands of years ago when glaciers moved through the area.
The namesake state park is largely undeveloped, except for the universally accessible trail to the rock, and another trail that brings hikers through a meadow with stunning mountain and lake views and into a dark evergreen forest.
Interpretive signs tell about the history of the land and of the town of Westmore. Unlike many of the hikes in our round-up, the hike around Sentinel Rock State Park doesn’t have a water feature, but kids will enjoy scrambling on the rock, and parents will love the quiet, expansive views.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.6-mile network of trails
Dogs: Yes
Fee: Free
Download a trail map for Sentinel Rock State Park
Nulhegan River Trail in Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, Brunswick
The Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge consists of more than 26,600 acres of wild land about 10 miles east of Island Pond.
The area includes conifer and deciduous forests interspersed with forested wetlands, peatlands, and shrub swamps. Three of the four tributaries of the Nulhegan River are located within the wildlife refuge, as well as a working forest landscape that exceeds 150,000 acres.
In addition to several woodland hiking trails, the Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 40 miles of gravel roads that are perfect for back road adventuring, leaf-peeping, and wildlife watching.
Begin your adventure at the visitor contact station on Route 105, and hop on the Nulhegan River Trail, a 1-mile interpretive loop that descends to the Nulhegan River, travels alongside it for a bit, and then climbs back through a hardwood forest to the visitor center.
The fall foliage is stunning here, but if you happen to visit during the summer, there’s a great swimming hole as well.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1-mile loop
Dogs: Yes
Fee: Free
Here’s a more detailed overview of the trail with a map.
I know there are many, many more trails to discover in northern Vermont, and many others are covered in my book, AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont. Be sure to order your copy or pick one up at your local bookstore.
And it may just take us a lifetime to explore them all. Do you have any Vermont hiking trails you can recommend for families? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.
