The best walks and hikes around Burlington

Burlington offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 50 routes available. These range from easy strolls along the waterfront to more moderate excursions through local parks.

For an easy and relatively short hike, consider the Red Rocks Park loop to Lake Champlain. This 2.7-mile (4.3 km) path offers scenic views of Lake Champlain and takes just over an hour to complete. Another accessible option is the Burlington loop to Waterfront Park via Burlington Greenway, which is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long.

Many trails in Burlington are suitable for families, especially those along the Burlington Greenway and within local parks. The Red Rocks Park loop is an excellent choice for families due to its easy difficulty and beautiful lakeside scenery. The Ethan Allen Park & Donahue Sea Caves loop also provides an engaging experience for all ages.

Most trails in Burlington's parks and along the Greenway are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. The Ethan Allen Park & Donahue Sea Caves loop is a popular choice for dog walkers, offering varied terrain and natural beauty. Always check local park regulations for specific rules regarding pets.

Burlington's trails often feature stunning views of Lake Champlain and its surrounding natural beauty. You can expect to see landmarks like the Waterfront Park, the Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section, and unique geological features like the Granite Steps. Many routes, such as the Rock Point loop via Burlington Greenway, offer a mix of urban waterfronts and natural parkland.

Yes, Burlington has several excellent circular routes. The Red Rocks Park loop to Lake Champlain is a popular easy circular trail. For a longer option, the Downtown Burlington to Rock Point loop via Burlington Greenway offers a substantial 7.4-mile (12.0 km) loop through diverse scenery.

The best time for hiking in Burlington is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear. Fall offers spectacular foliage views, especially in wooded areas. While winter hiking is possible, some trails may be icy or covered in snow, requiring appropriate gear.

Parking availability varies by trail. Many city parks and trailheads, such as those for Red Rocks Park and Ethan Allen Park, offer dedicated parking lots. For trails along the Burlington Greenway, you can often find parking in nearby public lots or on-street parking in designated areas. It's advisable to check specific trailhead information before you go.

Yes, many of Burlington's trails, especially those within the city and along the Burlington Greenway, are accessible via public transport. The local bus system (Green Mountain Transit) serves various parts of the city, with stops often located near trail access points. Planning your route with public transport maps can help you reach your desired trailhead.

The hiking trails in Burlington are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning Lake Champlain views, and the accessibility of the trails within and near the city. Many appreciate the variety of options, from leisurely strolls to more active excursions.

While many of Burlington's trails are easy to moderate, some routes offer longer distances or more varied terrain. For example, the Downtown Burlington to Rock Point loop via Burlington Greenway is a moderate 7.4-mile (12.0 km) hike that provides a good workout with diverse scenery. For more challenging terrain, you might need to venture slightly further outside the immediate city limits, though this guide focuses on routes directly in Burlington.