Best attractions and places to see in Chittenden County, Vermont, blend natural beauty with historical significance and cultural experiences. As the most populous county in the state, it features diverse sites, including the expansive Lake Champlain and Vermont's tallest peak, Mount Mansfield. The region offers a mix of outdoor activities, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural hubs, making it a compelling destination for exploration.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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The Island Line Bike Ferry at Colchester Causeway www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry During Summer service, Bike Ferry Hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Fri & 10am-6pm Sat & Sun. The Bike Ferry runs continuously throughout the day. Reservations are not required, and the boat runs by passenger's donations (cash or Venmo). The 2025 Bike Ferry season begins Memorial Day weekend, Friday May 23 - Monday May 26. Spring service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday June 15th. Summer daily (7 days a week) service begins Monday June 16th and ends on Labor Day September 1st. Fall weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays begins Sept 5th. Last day of 2025 service is Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday October 13th.
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From this section of the Burlington Greenway you can enjoy views of the North Beach, right off the path. If you want to stop for a break, it's a good spot for a swim or picnic. It has a sandy shoreline, restrooms, and a snack bar in summer. It can get crowded on weekends, but the lake views make it a worthwhile stop.
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The Cross Vermont Trail is a multi-use path that spans the state, connecting communities, crossing rivers, and passing through forests and open fields. It features a mix of gravel and paved sections, making it ideal for bike touring and exploring Vermont’s scenic landscapes. You can start in Burlington and choose your own final destination.
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Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, is a scenic public park on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and access to the Burlington Bike Path, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and picnicking. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
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The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path is a jewel of our parks system and popular attraction all year round. Featuring eight miles of paved path, with aggregate shoulders for runners and walkers. Situated on the Lake Champlain shoreline, the path starts south of Oakledge park and runs north to the Winooski River. Along the way, the Greenway connects many major parks and facilities with residential neighborhoods and downtown Burlington commercial districts. The path is part of the Island Line Trail. The northern end of the Greenway features a few miles of packed gravel on a narrow causeway over western Lake Champlain, making for a spectacular view. Take the seasonal Bike Ferry to continue riding into the Champlain Islands. If you’re planning a bike trip, be sure to check out the helpful information on Local Motion’s website Restrooms (seasonal) are available at several points along the path: List of Public Restrooms Want to ride the path, but don’t have a bike? Check out these places for bike rentals. Be aware of ongoing construction on the Greenway, including engineering upgrades, updates for increased capacity, new “pause places”, and connections with recreation facilities. View the interactive map At certain times, the section of Path in Waterfront Park may be closed during events. Please read our official Path Closure Policy. Make sure to follow our guidelines for safe use:
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Hiking Vermont Trails above 2500 feet is strongly discouraged until Memorial Day weekend because of erosionall damage Contact the Green Mountain Club at 802-244-7037 or email gmc@greenmountainclub.org or their website greenmountainclub.org
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The Colchester Causeway is a popular, incredibly unique recreational trail located in Burlington, Vermont. It extends from the mainland to South Hero Island in Lake Champlain. The causeway is a narrow strip of land that was once used by the Rutland Railroad as a rail line connecting Burlington to the Champlain Islands. However, the rail line was abandoned in the 1960s, and the causeway was converted into a trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The causeway offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the highlights of the Colchester Causeway is the scenic bike ferry that operates during the warmer months (check the schedule here https://www.localmotion.org/bike_ferry). The ferry shuttles cyclists across a 200-foot gap in the causeway, allowing them to continue their journey uninterrupted. This unique feature adds to the charm of the trail and provides a memorable experience for visitors.
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Chittenden County is rich in natural beauty, centered around the majestic Lake Champlain, which offers opportunities for cycling, walking, swimming, and birdwatching. You can also explore Mount Mansfield Summit, Vermont's tallest mountain, or visit Cantilever Rock, a unique natural monument accessible via the Sunset Ridge Trail.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Mount Mansfield Summit, where on clear days you can see across Vermont and even to the Presidentials in New Hampshire. Mount Philo State Park also provides stunning vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Additionally, the Sunset Ridge Trail on Mt. Mansfield offers phenomenal views of the Champlain Valley.
Yes, Chittenden County offers a variety of hiking trails. The Sunset Ridge Trail on Mt. Mansfield is highly scenic. For more options, you can explore the many trails in the region, including those around Mount Mansfield and Mount Philo State Park. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the Running Trails in Chittenden County guide, which includes routes like the Granite Steps – Waterfront Park loop.
Chittenden County has several significant historical sites. Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark known for its architecture and preserved landscapes. You can also visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum to learn about one of Vermont's founding fathers, or see the unique architecture of the Round Church in Richmond, another National Historic Landmark.
Many attractions in Chittenden County are family-friendly. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section is perfect for a break, swim, or picnic with its sandy shoreline and snack bar. The Colchester/Burlington bridge area offers a peaceful spot with a kayak drop and fishing area. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is also a popular attraction dedicated to the ecology of the lake.
Chittenden County is excellent for cycling. The Colchester Causeway is a unique recreational trail over Lake Champlain, featuring a seasonal bike ferry. The Burlington Greenway (also known as the Island Line Trail) offers scenic views along Lake Champlain. For more cycling routes, refer to the Cycling in Chittenden County guide, which includes routes like the Cross Vermont Trail.
Yes, Chittenden County boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Church Street Marketplace in downtown Burlington is a pedestrian zone with shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. The Shelburne Museum is an outdoor art and design museum with a vast collection across many buildings. You can also catch live performances at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts or explore contemporary exhibits at the Burlington City Arts Center.
Lake Champlain is ideal for various water-based activities. You can enjoy swimming at spots like North Beach, which is accessible via the Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section, or at Red Rocks Park. The lake also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking (with access points like near the Colchester/Burlington bridge), and birdwatching.
The warmer months, from late spring through early fall, are generally best for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports on Lake Champlain. The seasonal bike ferry on the Colchester Causeway operates during these months. Fall also offers spectacular foliage for scenic drives and hikes. For winter sports, Bolton Valley and Cochran's Ski Area are open during the colder months.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning lake views, especially from spots like the Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section and Waterfront Park. The peaceful atmosphere of areas like the Colchester/Burlington bridge and the rewarding panoramic vistas from Mount Mansfield Summit are also highly appreciated. The blend of natural beauty and accessible recreational trails makes the region a favorite.
The Colchester Causeway is known for being relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels, including those using wheelchairs. Sections of the Burlington Greenway also offer paved paths along the Lake Champlain shoreline, providing accessible options for enjoying the outdoors.
Chittenden County offers several mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails around areas like Saxon Hill and Essex Junction Village Forest. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, consult the MTB Trails in Chittenden County guide, which features routes such as the Saxon Hill loop and the Chamberlain Hill – Cross Vermont Trail loop.


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