Vermont has hiking trails for everyone from beginners to experienced trekkers, and the views we take in along the way are worth every sore muscle we feel after. Sometimes we’re not up for something too extreme, so we thought we’d put together a go-to list with hikes under 5 miles in Vermont. No matter where you are in the Green Mountain State, we’ve got 18 rewarding short treks that will make you love hiking in Vermont.

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Grab your sneakers and fill up your water bottles – we’re ready to hit the trails and embark on an outdoor adventure in Vermont!

What do you consider to be the best hiking trails in Vermont? Let us know by sharing a comment below. For more hiking articles, check out this post here of the 8 best kid-friendly hikes in Vermont.

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hikes under 5 miles in Vermont

What are the most beautiful hikes in Vermont?

Lucky are those who get to call Vermont home. With endless parks, natural reserves, and hiking opportunities in our state, you won’t quickly run out of exploring options. In our opinion, Vermont has some of the best hiking trails and nature spots in all of New England, and our pick for the most beautiful trail in Vermont is the summit hike to Mt. Mansfield’s peak, which provides some of the most astonishing vistas in all of Vermont. If you are interested in hiking Mt. Mansfield, we recommend taking the Sunset Ridge Trail; the trail is well marked and it’s easily accessible from Underhill State Park. Some other spectacularly beautiful hikes that are worth considering are 1) Mount Pisgah Trail, 2) Camel’s Hump Trail, 3) Lye Brook Falls Trail. Happy hiking!

Which state parks should I visit in Vermont?

It all hinges on what you are looking for in a state park. Some state parks are better suited for longer duration stays and camping, while others are more favorable for day trips and shorter stays. However, for the best overall state parks to visit in Vermont this summer, here are our picks: 1) Smugglers Notch State Park; 2) Mt. Philo State Park; 3) Emerald Lake State Park; 4) Quechee Gorge State Park; 5) Jamaica State Park. You really cannot go wrong with any of these parks. Whether you’re looking to go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, or exploring, these state parks will have everything you’re looking for in a state park.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Vermont?

One great aspect of hiking in Vermont is that you’re not required to hike for miles and miles to find beautiful outlooks and varying terrain. We have compiled some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Vermont that are fun and enjoyable for the whole family: 1) Sterling Pond Trail in Stowe; 2) Pond Loop in Manchester; 3) Owl’s Head in Marshfield; 4) Mount Olga Trail in Wilmington; 5) Mount Philo in Charlotte. Each of these easy hikes will be beautiful fun for the whole family

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