Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone just looking to take a leisurely stroll, the best hikes in Vermont provide fantastic views and are perfect for the whole family. If you can’t wait to lace up your boots and start exploring, then check out these 10 easy hikes in Vermont!

1. Haystack Mountain, Wilmington
Haystack Mountain, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Alltrails/Adam Hernandez
This family-friendly hike is clearly marked so you won't have any trouble making your way along. It's about 4.2 miles and you can do it any time of the year.
2. Sterling Pond Trail, Stowe
Sterling Pond Trail, 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Tripadvisor/Kim G
A drive through the windy notch in Smugglers Notch State Park may be a nail-biter, but we suggest braving it. There are loads of hikes throughout the park and plenty of areas to explore. Check out Sterling Pond Trail for a great little hike with stunning views.
3. Pond Loop, Manchester
Equinox Pond, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
Flickr/Aaron Leavy
At the base of Mt. Equinox, you'll find the starting points for a variety of hikes, but if it's something quick and easy you want, this is the trail for you. It's less than a mile and you get to enjoy both a wooded area and the gorgeous Equinox Pond.
4. Owl's Head, Peacham
Owl's Head Mountain, Peacham, VT 05046, USA
Flickr/geoff dude
The New Discovery State Park in Marshfield has a hike where you'll get the most bang for your buck. A 3.2-mile hike in and out will bring you to Owl's Head, which is a scenic vista that makes you feel like you're on top of the world.
5. Mount Philo, Charlotte
Mt. Philo State Park, 5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, USA
Flickr/Joe C
Head to Vermont's first State Park, Mt. Philo State Park for an easy hike with big rewards. The House Rock Trail will bring you through a forest and you'll end up with these spectacular views.

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6. Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow
Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Flickr/Brian Flanagan
Here, you'll find an easy hike that's just over a mile and a few waterfalls and an incredible swimming hole for those hot, summer days.
7. Mount Olga Trail, Wilmington
Sfh, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
AllTrails/Meggie Barr
This 1.4-mile loop is pretty easy, and the views from the fire tower are extraordinary. This extra height gives you miles of scenery to take in.
8. Mount Independence Trail, Orwell
Mount Independence, Mt Independence, Orwell, VT 05760, USA
AllTrails/Jehosephat Robespierre
Mount Independence is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest and most well-preserved Revolutionary War archaeological sites in America. Be sure to check out the site before hitting the trails, which are equally awesome.
9. Snake Mountain, Addison
Snake Mountain Trail, 2601 Mountain Rd, Addison, VT 05491, USA
Flickr/Don Shall
It's not difficult to get to the spectacular panoramic views from Snake Mountain. There is some great history here, such as the finding of a whale skeleton from Vermont's prehistoric salt-water past, as well as the old site of a hilltop inn from the 19th century.
10. Ice Beds Trail, Wallingford
National Forest Highway, National Forest Hwy, Vermont, USA
AllTrails/Chris Huan
You'll love the sights of the Ice Beds Trail. Be sure to peek in the nooks and crannies to see snow and ice lingering around, even on a hot summer day. Also, don't miss the turnoff for White Rocks Overlook, which is a fabulous view.

What are some of your favorite scenic hikes in Vermont? Let us know in the comments which hiking trails in Vermont you’ve tried and which ones you plan on hiking soon.

Looking for more kid-friendly hikes around Vermont? Check out these 11 Beautiful Vermont Hikes.

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Luke | April 01, 2022

Where are the best swimming holes in Vermont?

Vermont has so many hidden swimming holes nestled sweetly all over the state. For starters, Bingham Falls is a great spot for an all-around swimming hole. With natural pools, cliff jumping, and waterfalls, what else could you want in a swimming hole? Another great place is Bristol Falls in Bristol. Here, you will find a refreshing and fun place to cool off from the summer heat. You’ll find deep pools, a waterfall, and several natural pools to explore. For more amazing swimming holes in Vermont, have a look at these 11 outstanding swimming holes in Vermont.

What are the most beautiful hikes in Vermont?

One of the most scenic hikes in Vermont is the hike up Mt. Mansfield, which provides some of the most spectacular views in the state. If you are interested in hiking Mt. Mansfield, we highly recommend taking the Sunset Ridge Trail; the trail is easily accessible from Underhill State Park and is well-marked. Some other beautiful hikes in Vermont are Mount Pisgah Trail, Camel’s Hump Trail, and Lye Brook Falls Trail. Happy hiking!

What is the most scenic town in Vermont?

Answering this question is really challenging as there are many scenic towns in Vermont. Attempting to answer this question will assuredly lead to disappointing some while gratifying others. But with that being said, here are the five most scenic towns in Vermont: 1. Manchester; 2. Woodstock; 3. Grafton; 4. Stowe; 5. Shelburne.

Of course, there are many other scenic and worthy towns to visit. If you are still interested in finding more picturesque towns in Vermont, check out the 17 most picturesque towns in Vermont.

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