The best walks and hikes around Burlington

Burlington offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 100 routes documented on komoot. These trails cater to different preferences, ranging from leisurely walks to more challenging excursions.

Yes, Burlington is very welcoming for beginners and families. Out of the over 100 available routes, 84 are classified as easy. A great option is the Whispering Hill loop — Mary Cummings Park, which is 2.6 miles (4.1 km) long and leads through parklands with gentle elevation changes, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes. Many parks like Oakledge Park and Red Rocks Park also offer accessible, scenic paths.

For those looking for a bit more challenge, Burlington has 23 moderate hiking trails. The Burlington Landlocked Forest Yellow Loop from Willard's Woods is a popular choice, covering 8.6 miles (13.8 km) through extensive woodlands, providing a longer, immersive experience.

Yes, many trails around Burlington are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. A notable example is the Mill Pond Reservoir loop — Mill Pond Conservation Area, a peaceful 2.0-mile (3.3 km) circuit around the reservoir. Another option is the Horn Pond loop from Woburn, which is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long.

Burlington's trails often lead to beautiful natural features and historical sites. You can explore various lakes like Spy Pond or Lake Quannapowitt. For scenic views, consider trails near Eagle Rock or Prospect Hill Park. The region also features unique geological formations like the thrust fault at Rock Point and the Donahue Sea Caves along Lake Champlain.

The hiking experience in Burlington is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths along Lake Champlain to peaceful woodland trails and riverside walks along the Winooski River. The variety of options for different ability levels is also a common highlight.

Absolutely. While Burlington itself is on the lake, nearby areas offer stunning vistas. Mount Philo State Park, a short drive away, provides accessible trails to a summit with expansive views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Ethan Allen Park, within Burlington, features the Ethan Allen Tower for panoramic views of the city and lake. Eagle Mountain also boasts expansive views from the Hoyt Lookout across Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

Burlington and its surrounding areas are spectacular for fall foliage. Trails through diverse woodlands, such as those in the Landlocked Forest or Ethan Allen Park, offer vibrant autumn colors. The views from Mount Philo or Eagle Mountain also provide breathtaking panoramas of the colorful landscape, especially across Lake Champlain towards the Adirondacks.

Yes, winter hiking is possible, especially in areas like Bolton Valley, which transforms into a haven for winter enthusiasts. Many local parks and trails, while not specifically groomed for winter, can be enjoyed with appropriate gear like snowshoes or microspikes, offering a serene experience in snow-covered landscapes.

Burlington's hiking landscape is incredibly diverse. You'll find trails along the shores of Lake Champlain, offering stunning water views and sunsets, as well as paths winding along the Winooski River. Extensive woodlands and forests, like those in Arms Forest or Centennial Woods, provide shaded routes. The nearby Green Mountains offer a dramatic backdrop and opportunities for more strenuous ascents, though these are typically a short drive from the city center.

While popular spots can get busy, areas like the Intervale Center along the Winooski River or Derway Island offer peaceful trails and unique marsh environments, often less crowded than the main lakeside parks. Colchester Pond, a short drive away, also provides tranquil walking trails ideal for leisurely nature walks away from the bustle.