The best running trails in Chittenden County

This Burlington jogging route offers a delightful blend of wooded parkland and expansive lake views. Starting in Ethan Allen Park, you'll navigate well-maintained dirt trails and paved paths, enjoying the shade and gentle hills before emerging onto the flat, scenic Burlington Greenway. The route's highlight, the Granite Steps, provides a perfect spot to pause and take in the stunning vistas across Lake Champlain towards the Adirondack Mountains.

Plan your visit by heading to Ethan Allen Park, where parking is typically available. This moderate 6.8-mile (10.9 km) loop, with its modest 197 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 9 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick yet rewarding outing. It's suitable for most fitness levels, offering a varied experience without being overly strenuous.

What makes this route stand out is its seamless transition from the historic urban forest of Ethan Allen Park to the vibrant waterfront. The Burlington Greenway, part of the longer Island Line Trail, connects you to the heart of Burlington's lakeside activity, offering a "happy, friendly atmosphere" and numerous "Waterfront Pause Places" to enjoy the majestic views. It's a fantastic way to experience Burlington's natural beauty and urban charm.

The Waterfront Park – Burlington Greenway loop offers a refreshing jogging experience along the shores of Lake Champlain, providing constant, expansive views of the water and the distant Adirondack Mountains. You'll mostly follow a smooth, paved multi-use path, but the northern section, particularly the Colchester Causeway, transitions to a compacted stone surface, creating a unique feeling of running right over the lake. This route is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Burlington's natural beauty without a strenuous climb.

This moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) loop involves a minimal 133 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable for most joggers in about 53 minutes. You'll find convenient amenities like public restrooms and water fountains along the way. The trail is accessible throughout the year; even in winter, sections are plowed, allowing for continued use, sometimes with one side dedicated to skiing or snowshoeing.

This particular loop is an 8-mile segment of the larger Island Line Trail, often celebrated as Burlington's signature running spot. Its unique marble causeway extending over Lake Champlain is a standout feature, offering a truly memorable experience. The trail also holds historical significance, having once been part of the Central Vermont Railway, adding a layer of heritage to your scenic jog.

The Burlington Greenway – Burlington Greenway loop from Lakeside offers a fantastic jogging experience, letting you glide along the waterfront of Lake Champlain with constant views of the Adirondack Mountains. This route is mostly flat and paved, transitioning to crushed stone on the iconic Lake Champlain Causeway, giving you the unique feeling of running over water. It's a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) loop with a minimal 91 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 52 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a scenic and accessible run.

This multi-use path is incredibly accessible, with numerous entry points connecting various parks and neighborhoods throughout Burlington. You'll find amenities like restrooms along the way, and it's both handicap accessible and pet-friendly for leashed dogs. The trail is popular year-round, even plowed in winter, so you can enjoy its beauty in any season.

What truly sets this trail apart is the spectacular Lake Champlain Causeway, a marble path extending three miles into the lake, offering panoramic views. During the warmer months, a seasonal bike ferry connects a gap in the causeway, allowing for extended exploration. The Greenway also features fitness stations along its length, providing opportunities to incorporate strength training into your run, solidifying its role as a central recreational artery for the city.