So maybe you’ve been itching to get outside for a much-needed hike but you just don’t have the time to conquer the Long Trail. Or perhaps you’re bringing along the kids and their little legs just can’t manage the long strides needed to hit one of Vermont’s challenging summits. Hiking in Vermont doesn’t always have to be a long and strenuous undertaking. These eight best kid-friendly hikes in Vermont provide fantastic outdoor adventures for the entire family. Whether you bring the little ones or go at it alone, these trails are all under one mile for a quick breath of fresh air and beautiful landscapes.

1. Thundering Brook Falls Trail, Killington
Google Images/Jeremy Haggard
At under 1/2 mile round trip, this boardwalk trail is easy peasy and accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility devices. The meandering boardwalk has some fantastic views along the way, but the big payoff is the 125-foot cascading waterfall at the end. A short gravel path accesses the falls at the end of the boardwalk. Learn more here.
2. Sunrise Trail, Brattleboro
Vermont State Parks
Located in Fort Dummer State Park, this trail is a one-mile loop perfect for a family outing. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view at the overlook.
3. Airport Park Boardwalk Trail, Colchester
Google Images/Joe Pelletier
The boardwalk trail over Colchester Bog is perfect for outdoor adventurers of all ages. The short .1-mile trail goes straight over the bog allowing travelers to check out the unique eco-system up close. The park also has a playground, fields, and jogging path if you want to stay longer.
4. Nature Trails, Burton Island
Google Images/Rosa Cross
Burton Island State Park offers two self-guided nature trails that are under one mile each. Enjoy learning about wildlife, plants, and history as you wander the paths on the North Shore Nature Trail or Island Farm Nature Trail. Click here to download the trail maps and guides.
5. East Woods Natural Loop, South Burlington
AllTrails/Alex G
Kids will love following the path under the towering trees through the old growth forest. The one-mile loop is one of those easy and short hikes in Vermont to follow with lots to see along the way.
6. Atwood Trail, Woodford
Google Images/Bob Ricketson
Explore a portion of the Adams Reservoir at Woodford State Park on this brief 1/2-mile trail, The Atwood Trail runs alongside the edge of the reservoir for a portion of the way. Extend your stay by bringing a picnic or a fishing pole.
7. Bingham Falls Trail, Stowe
TripAdvisor/Mrslynseyjane
With just a .2-mile hike to the falls, this trail takes just a short time and has a spectacular end view. Once you've reached the falls, you can choose to continue along Mill Trail which heads south alongside the river for another 3/4 mile.
8. Equinox Pond Loop, Manchester
Flickr/Aaron Leavy
Skirt the edges of the beautiful Equinox Pond through the woods on this 3/4-mile trail. With many other trails to explore within the land trust, you can easily visit for a quick hike or an entire afternoon.

What do you consider to be the best kid-friendly hikes in Vermont? Are there other easy hikes in Vermont that you would add to this list? If you’re looking to spend a little more time outdoors with the kids, check out these wonderful parks with easy trails that can be hiked in under 30 minutes.

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best kid-friendly hikes in Vermont

Luke | May 20, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Vermont?

Those who lice in Vermont are fortunate to get to call this state home. There is so much nature and hiking opportunities in the Green Mountain State. In fact, Vermont has some of the best and most beautiful hiking trails in all of New England. One of the most beautiful hikes is the hike up the summit of Mt. Mansfield, which offers some of the most spectacular views in Vermont. If you are interested in hiking Mt. Mansfield, we recommend the Sunset Ridge Trail, which is accessible from Underhill State Park. Some other beautiful hikes that are worth checking out are 1. Mount Pisgah Trail, 2. Camel's Hump Trail, 3. Lye Brook Falls Trail. Happy exploring!

Which hikes in Vermont are short and sweet?

The hikes in this article are great for families because they are on the shorter side, but if you are looking for more short and sweet hikes to explore, we have compiled a list of such hikes. If you are interested in finding out more about these easy and enjoyable hikes in Vermont, take a look at this article here of 9 wonderful short and sweet hikes in Vermont with a beautiful end view to top off the journey. All the hikes on this list are great for the whole family. Happy hiking!

Which state parks should I visit in Vermont?

This really depends on what you are looking for in a state park. Some are better for longer stays and camping, others are better for short day trips, and others still are best during one season and perhaps not for another. However, here are our picks for the best overall state parks in Vermont to visit this summer. 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 state parks. Whether you're looking to go hiking, swimming, mountain biking, or just relaxing, all these state parks have something for every adventurer, beach goer, and hiker.

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Featured Addresses
Thundering Brook Falls Trail, 2295 River Rd Fork, Killington, VT 05751, USA
Fort Dummer State Park, 517 Old Guilford Rd, Guilford, VT 05301, USA
500 Colchester Point Rd, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
2714 Hathaway Point Rd, St Albans Bay, VT 05481, USA
Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Woodford State Park, 142 State Park Rd, Woodford, VT 05201, USA
Bingham Falls, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Equinox Pond, Manchester, VT 05255, USA