21 Hikes Near Burlington VT to Add to Your Bucket List

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Burlington, VT is well known for its location next to the stunning Lake Champlain and is a fun city to visit year round! Although most visitors will plan on coming to see fall foliage, there is much to do year round.

If you need a break from bustling Church Street and lively nightlife, slip away for a few hours to enjoy one of the many hikes near Burlington VT. Most think that you have to drive over an hour away to get to the Green Mountains for any hiking – but there are so many sights to see within a 40 minute drive from downtown.  

Put on your hiking boots, because we are bringing you the top hiking trails near Burlington VT that will be worth your while. From beginners to experts, this list of hikes will have any outdoor enthusiast excited to hit the trails and see what our little corner of Vermont has to offer!  

Whether you’re looking for a quick trail trot to blow off some steam, or a half day hike to view sweeping vistas, this list offers a mix of hiking close to Burlington that will satisfy your wanderlust. 

Spoiler alert: a few of these are even located in Burlington!

Hikes Near Burlington VT

Lone Tree/Shelburne Farms

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4.3 mile loop

Distance from Burlington: 16 minutes/ 6.7 miles

Shelburne Farms is a local non-profit and working farm open to the public for outdoor use! Take the full hiking loop for lakeside views and check out the beautiful historic Formal Garden at the Inn.

From there, follow the trail down to the Coach Barn and finally make your back back up through Whimsy Meadows for a glorious view from Lone Tree Point! Enjoy a stunning view of the bay and Adirondacks just across the lake. 

Catamount Family Center

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 20+ miles of trails

Distance from Burlington: 20 mins/ 8.8 miles

The Catamount family center is located in Williston, VT – a short 20 minute drive from downtown Burlington. You won’t have any trouble finding a trail to take, with over 20 miles of trails, the center is a great place for a long hike or even trail running. Depending on the season, the trail will be shared with bikers and nordic skiers! 

Red Rocks

Tall forest trees dead in winter covered in snow. A woman in a winter jacket and red hat stands between the trees on hiking trails near Burlington, Vermont.
Red Rocks Park – Photo courtesy Em Hamilton; these hiking trails near Burlington, Vermont are gorgeous!

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.7 loop

Distance from Burlington: 8 minutes/ 2.7 miles (South Burlington)

Red Rocks park in South Burlington is a local beauty. This park offers well maintained trails in a quiet forest setting with beachfront and lake side views. You will find a mix of flat and hilly terrain as you explore the several paths within the park. This is a great family hike as it is accessible for all skill levels! Even bring your pup along and you will most certainly make friends with other dog walkers on the trail.

The Intervale

Difficulty: Easy

Distance from Burlington: In Burlington!

The Intervale is one of the few spots for hiking in Burlington VT, and yes, it’s more like nature walks but well worth a visit if you’re looking for a great spot to get out and get active in the city.

There are several great walking trails at this protected natural area, and walking along the Winooski River is a nice scenic Burlington hike.

Raven’s Ridge Loop

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Length: 2.7 miles

Distance from Burlington: 30 minutes/ 18 miles

Raven’s Ridge is a nature conservatory just south of Burlington with a sloping, winding trail that leads to a satisfying birds eye view of surrounding farms and mountains. Start out on a wooden boardwalk trail among a field of cattails and make your way into the woods. Stop to read fun tips and signage along your hike for an educational experience!

Muddy Brook

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.75 miles

Distance from Burlington: 5.8 miles

Situated on 27.5 acres between the Winooski River and the Burlington International Airport, the Muddy Brook Loop Trail offers a lovely little walk along the river, and in addition to the wildlife typically spotted at this natural preserve, there’s also a picturesque wooden footbridge, as well.

Rock Point

Girl standing on a snowy rock edge looking out to the water on hiking trails near Burlington, Vermont.
Rock Point – – Photo courtesy Em Hamilton

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2+ mile loop

Distance from Burlington: 8 minutes/ 2 miles

Rock Point features newly upgraded trails and stunning vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Keep an eye out for rock climbers in the summer! Enjoy a cliffside sunset, or follow the trail down to North Beach for a walk in the sand. Rock Point is one of our favorites for a solo hike or if you only have a short window of time to get outside!

Macrae Farm Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.9 miles of trails

Distance from Burlington: 15 minutes/6.8 miles

This interesting Burlington area hike has two trails that cut through the upper and lower meadows, and an old town road turned present day footpath.

You’ll get lovely views of the Winooski River and the Hilltop View Trail offers great views of Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield!

Colchester Pond Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.1 mile loop

Distance from Burlington: 21 minutes/ 10.3 miles

This park welcomes all from hikers, to fishers, birders and swimmers! You will likely see outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts while you follow the rocky trail circumnavigating the pond.

Bring your swimsuit and stop for a quick dip at the rope swing located on the northern end of the pond! If you’re looking for hikes near Burlington with swimming spots, add this one to the list.

Libby’s Look/Preston Pond Trail

Girl standing with her arms up on a rock covered in snow looking out to the mountain landscape while hiking near Burlington, Vermont.
Libby’s Look – Photo courtesy Em Hamilton; hiking near Burlington, Vermont.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.4 mile loop (4.2 if you add on the Preston Pond Loop)

Distance from Burlington: Jericho, 30 minutes/ 20 miles

Libby’s Look is a heavily trafficked hiking area featuring a beaver pond and mountain views. It’s one of the best day trips from Burlington! This hike is the perfect option for a short, sweet and rewarding outing. Perfect for sunrise, sunset or during a weekday. Keep in mind that this trail is very popular on weekends and holidays!

Niquette Bay State Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 3.2 mile loop

Distance from Burlington: 18 minutes/ 12.8 miles

This 584 acre park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon! There are several loops for hiking, but we recommend taking Ledges Trail to Cedar Point Trail to Mulhey Trail to experience the full loop! This trek is great for all skill levels, with trails ranging from wooden boardwalk to rocky inclines. If you bring a 4 legged-pal, they can jump in the water at Calm Cove! You’ll also have a fantastic view of Mt. Mansfield from the Muhley Trail vista.

LaPlatte Nature Park

Difficulty: Easy
 
Distance from Burlington: 15 minutes/7.6 miles
 
Shelburne’s LaPlatte Nature Park has trails running all around its 145 acres of woodlands and meadows, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours stretching your legs and enjoying the fresh air.
There’s even a mini waterfall at this hike near Burlington, and just wait until you cross the footbridge!

Mount Philo

Landscape view of distant mountains and a lake with fall foliage dotting the scene on one of the best hikes near Burlington Vermont.
View from Mt. Philo, one of the best hikes near Burlington VT.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.9 miles out and back

Distance from Burlington: 35 minutes/ 16.8 miles

Mt. Philo is a tried and truly great hike for all Vermonters and visitors! Be prepared for a small entrance fee if you are visiting in season (May 21 – Nov 1). This hike is popular for a reason – the sweeping panorama from the summit is breathtakingly picturesque! You’ll be able to see the Green Mountains, Champlain Valley and Adirondack High Peaks all from the same viewpoint. If you love it so much you want to stay…well, you can! Mt. Philo is also a beloved campground – wave hello to campers on your journey back down.

Donahue Sea Caves (winter only)

Girl standing in a cave with water on a hiking trail near Burlington Vermont.
Donahue Sea Caves – Photo Courtesy Em Hamilton; how cool is this hiking trail near Burlington?

Difficulty: Easy

Length: .6 miles out and back

Distance from Burlington: in town!

Who would have thought historic sea caves could be found in our very own Vermont?! Located just across from Burlington High School, these cool caves are a must see. One major caveat though, you will only be able to see the caves in winter once the lake has completely frozen over! You’ll want to come prepared with microspikes or crampons, as you will have to walk on some ice to access the mouth of the cave. If the conditions are perfect, you’ll be able to enter the cave and explore its mystical insides. 

Centennial Woods Loop

 
Difficulty: Easy
 
Length: 3.8 miles
 
Distance from Burlington: in South Burlington
 
This Burlington hike is considered fairly easy by most, but it is not well marked and can be easy to get turned around. Luckily, it’s a fairly short loop  through the woods.
It’s a lovely wooded retreat that isn’t typically crowded, so if you’re looking for hiking trails in Burlington where you can hear yourself think for a bit, it’s perfect.

Ethan Allen Park

View between two stone columns of blue mountains and a lake in the distance under a cloudy sky on one of the Burlington Vermont hikes.
Ethan Allen Park – Photo Courtesy Em Hamilton; this is simple, yet lovely Burlington hiking.

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 4+ miles

Distance from Burlington: 7 minutes/ 2 miles

Boasting the highest point in the city, Ethan Allen Park is a great option for hitting the trails. The park offers over 4 miles of trails, with a favorite that leads to the historic Ethan Allen Tower. This 40 foot tower sits at the highest point of the city, and has a stunning view of Camel’s Hump, the city of Burlington, and the lake. Visit during the tower’s “open hours” and climb to the top for a true fairy-tale moment! 

Delta Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: .5 mile

Distance from Burlington: 16 minutes/7.8 miles

Located on a protected wetland sanctuary where Lake Champlain meets the Winooski River, this simple 1/2 mile nature trail near Burlington is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk.

In addition to the views of the lake, wetlands, and Adirondack Mountains, you also might be fortunate enough to see turtles nesting on the protected sandy beaches!

Sucker Brook Hollow Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.4 miles out and back

Distance from Burlington: 12 minutes/ 8.2 miles

Hike through local wilderness on a slight incline for a little over a mile to break through at the top for a lovely view of the Champlain Valley. Sucker Brook trail is a pet friendly hike so be prepared to run into some furry friends along the way! Pack a snack or bring a picnic to enjoy the lookout area at the top of the trail.

Derway Island Nature Trail

Difficulty: Easy
 
Length: 1.9 miles
 
Distance from Burlington: In Burlington
 
While technically a peninsula, the Derway Island Nature Preserve is a Burlington nature preserve that spans over 148 acres and encompasses marshlands, shrub swamps, and shoreline.
The Derway Island Nature Trail is a simple out and back trail that is less than 2 miles long, but you’re likely to see plenty of wildlife like blue herons, geese, and mallards during this nice Burlington walk.

Bolton Valley Vista Lookout Tower

Girl holding her hat looking out to the sun setting over blue mountains on a hike near Burlington VT.
Bolton Valley Lookout – Photo Courtesy Em Hamilton

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3 miles out and back

Distance from Burlington: 33 minutes / 24 miles

The Bolton Valley lookout tower is such a hidden gem, located only a half-hour’s drive from Burlington! You’ll want to prepare for this hike once the ski season has ended (or before it begins). Arrive at Bolton Valley Resort to park and hike up the ski run. At the top you’ll find a wooden lookout platform with a breathtaking 360° of Waterbury Reservoir, Mt. Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Lake Champlain and more! This moderate hike will be worth the uphill trek – to get the tower to yourself, we recommend a sunrise adventure.

Camels Hump

Difficulty: Difficult

Length: 4.8 miles out and back

Distance from Burlington: 41 minutes/ 26 miles

Locals can all agree that Camel’s Hump is a fantastic hike worth the efforts. Camel’s Hump is Vermont’s third tallest peak, scaling in at 4,083 ft elevation at the summit! The peak is named for a it’s peculiar summit shape that can be observed from a distance. You’ll have gorgeous mountain top views to take in from the peak, so put this hike on your must-do list! For the shortest route take the Burrows Trailhead for an out and back adventure, or make it a loop by taking the Forest City Trail down. 

When it comes to Burlington VT hiking, you do have to hop in the car to get to most of the longer, more challenging trails. But there are opportunities for Burlington hikes, too, if you’re just looking for cool outdoor spots to take a nice walk in.

Wherever you end up going, Happy Burlington Hiking!

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