9 Kid-Friendly Hikes In Vermont That Take 30 Minutes Or Less
Vermont offers a variety of scenic hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.
If you're short on time but still looking for an outdoor escape for the family, the following nine best hikes in Vermont are easy and kid-friendly. Each one can be accomplished in 30 minutes or less while giving you a taste of the great outdoors. Extend your day by lingering at these gorgeous locations for even more fun activities.
1. Burton Island State Park
This 253-acre state park in northwest Vermont has two easy kid-friendly trails under 1/2 mile that will take less than 30 minutes to hike. Walk the North Shore Trail or Eagle Bay Trail for a quick family outing. However, once you get on the island with the kiddos, they are going to want to explore even more of this oasis. Visit the park at 2714 Hathaway Point Rd., St Albans City, VT 05481.
2. Woodford State Park
Woodford State Park is located on a mountain plateau and surrounds Adams Reservoir. The Atwood Trail is a short 1/2-mile loop that is engaging for kids. Rent a boat or do some fishing to extend your visit. Find the park at 142 State Park Rd.,
Woodford, VT 05201.
3. Brighton State Park
Brighton State Park has three easy hikes for kids, each taking under 20 minutes. The Red Pine Trail, Shore Trail, and Logger's Trail are fun paths for children to explore. After a walk, spend some time fishing or swimming to put a perfect end on the day. Find this gem of a park and its trails at 102 State Park Rd., Island Pond, VT 05846.
4. Fort Dummer State Park
The Sunset Trail at Fort Dummer State Park is a 1/2 mile trail through the woodland. A quick walk will get the kids outside for some fresh air and sunshine. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a scenic lunch in the forest. Find this park near Interstate 91 at 517 Old Guilford Rd., Guilford, VT 05301.
5. Niquette Bay State Park
Take either the Burns Trail or Allen Trail for hikes that can be enjoyed in under 20 minutes. The 584-acre state park has more than just easy hikes for the young ones. Bring your suits and bask in the sun and water at the lakeside beach. Visit this treasure on Lake Champlain at 274 Raymond Rd., Colchester, VT 05446.
6. Waterbury Center State Park
Kids will love taking the Peninsula Trail at Waterbury Center State Park for a quick 15 minute jaunt. Located on the Waterbury Reservoir, this park also has opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating if you prefer to spend even more time outdoors. Bring the family to the park at 177 Reservoir Rd., Waterbury Center, VT 05677,
7. Button Bay State Park
This 253-acre state park on Lake Champlain has loads of family fun. Enjoy either the Button Bay Point Trail or Dog Walk Trail for two kid-friendly hikes around Vermont that each takes just 15 minutes. Both trails run lakeside for some incredible views. Find these short-and-sweet hikes and the park at 5 Button Bay State Park, Vergennes, VT 05491.
8. Molly Stark State Park
The Nature Center Spur is a brief 0.20-mile hike that can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes. Older children can enjoy the less than one-mile climb up to the fire tower for a more ambitious outing. Visit this little slice of paradise at 705 VT-9, Wilmington, VT 05363.
9. Elmore State Park
This beautiful state park has plenty of family fun to offer. Take the 1/2-mile Beaver Trail for a wooded hike. Enjoy some time at the beach afterward and perhaps run into some feathered residents of the area. Bring the kids to the park at 856 VT-12, Elmore, VT 05661.
Add some of these easy kid-friendly hikes to your list. They're a great way to get the whole family outdoors. If you love a trail with a great pay-off, take one of these waterfall hikes in Vermont.
And if you've been searching for "hiking trails near me," then you'll want to check out this list of scenic hikes in Vermont.
Which other easy hikes in Vermont have you done? Let us know below in the comments. We love reading about your hiking experiences in Vermont.
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