The best walks and hikes in Windsor County

Yes, there are over 50 hiking routes to explore in Windsor County. The trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain ascents, offering plenty of options for all ability levels.

The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of landscapes, from the dramatic Quechee Gorge to the forested slopes of Mount Ascutney, and the well-maintained historic carriage roads.

Absolutely. The Quechee Gorge Trail – Quechee State Park is a great choice for families, offering impressive views of 'Vermont's Little Grand Canyon' on a relatively short walk. Another popular spot for a family walk is Paradise Park, which has beautiful views by the lake.

For a strenuous climb with rewarding views, consider the Mount Ascutney via Windsor Trail. This route involves a significant ascent of over 2,300 feet (700 m) to the summit, where an observation tower provides panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley.

Many trails in Windsor County are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, especially within state parks and national historical parks. It's always best to check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash and you should be prepared to clean up after them.

Yes, you can. The Weathersfield Trail on Mount Ascutney is a popular route that passes by a waterfall. The West Windsor Town Forest also features Cascade Falls, which is a beautiful highlight of the trail system there.

The carriage roads within Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park are exceptional for fall colors. The mix of sugar maples and old-growth hemlocks creates a stunning autumn display. The The Pogue loop via The Carriage Road is a wonderful option to experience the vibrant foliage.

Yes, many of the best routes are loops. For a scenic circular walk near Woodstock, the Mount Tom loop via the Faulkner Trail is an excellent choice that takes you through beautiful forest scenery.

Woodstock is the gateway to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which has over 25 miles of trails. A great hike starting right from the area is the Mount Tom and The Pogue loop, offering lovely views over the town and surrounding landscape.

There are several trailheads for Mount Ascutney, each with its own parking. For the Weathersfield Trail, there is a dedicated lot on Weathersfield Trail road. For the Windsor Trail, you can use the Windsor Trail Parking area on Back Mountain Road. There is also an auto road that takes you to an upper parking lot for a shorter hike to the summit.

Reaching the primary trailheads in Windsor County via public transportation is generally difficult. Most trail access points, especially those in state parks and forests, are best accessed by car. We recommend planning your travel accordingly.

Yes, the Slack Hill Trail – Coolidge State Park is a great option. It's a relatively easy hike with moderate elevation gain that rewards you with beautiful views, making it a good choice if you want a vista without a strenuous mountain ascent.