Easy hikes and walks around Burlington
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Easy hiking trails around Burlington offer diverse landscapes, from the shores of Lake Champlain to urban greenways and wooded parklands. The region is characterized by its proximity to Lake Champlain, providing waterfront paths, and views of the Adirondack Mountains. Burlington's terrain includes floodplain forests, wetlands, and rolling fields, with gentle elevation changes suitable for easy walks.
Best easy hiking trails around Burlington
- The most popular easy hiking route is Grindstone Marshes Trail, a 1.8 miles (2.8 km) trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. This route features minimal elevation gain through marshland scenery.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Fisher's Pond loop, an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) path. This trail offers a tranquil walk around a pond, suitable for a short outing.
- Local hikers also love the View of Greater Toronto Area loop from Mount Nemo, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Burlington is defined by lakeside paths, urban greenways, and wooded parklands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on accessible and gentle routes.
- The routes in Burlington are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. More than 1,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Burlington's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
5.0
(1)
17
hikers
5.62km
01:33
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
2.64km
00:43
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
5.48km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
2.85km
00:45
20m
20m
Hike the easy 1.8-mile Grindstone Marshes Trail in Burlington, featuring boardwalks, wildlife, and marsh views.
3
hikers
2.37km
00:37
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
South Bridle Trail curves around the southern edge of the Grindstone Marshes, and is an easy route with peaceful wetland scenery and two lookout points over the marsh. Compared with the more elevated North Bridle Trail, this section stays lower and feels more open in places, making it a good spot for birdwatching and views across the water.
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North Bridle Trail follows the northern side of the Bridle Loop in the Royal Botanical Gardens trail system, crossing a boardwalk over Grindstone Creek and marsh habitat before climbing gently along the upper valley edge. The route combines wetland views with a slightly more elevated feel, with short, rooty sections and overlooks of the beautiful surrounding valley. Often paired with the South Bridle Trail to form a loop, it offers a great mix of marsh scenery and wooded hillside walking.
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Creek Side Walk follows Grindstone Creek through the woods, and though it sits in an urban area, walking here feels like a natural escape. There are small bridges, a small set of stairs, and peaceful views of the flowing creek at almost all times.
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Hidden Valley Park is a public park open every day from 7am to 7pm. Here there are multiple parking areas, picnic tables, bathrooms, and lots of space to play baseball on diamonds or in the woods around Grindstone Creek.
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You get a nice mix of singletrack and doubletrack on the way between Guelph Line and Fisher's Pond. There is parking alongside the road at Guelph Line, and you climb up and over a wooden fence via short ladder steps to get to the trail.
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The Iroquoia Section of the Bruce Trail stretches nearly 122 kilometers and is one of the trail’s nine sections. This portion of the Bruce Trail passes through a mix of forests, rocky escarpment cliffs, and scenic lookouts overlooking the surrounding countryside and Lake Ontario. With its varied landscapes and accessible trailheads, the Iroquoia Section is one of the most popular stretches of the Bruce Trail for day hikes.
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Fisher’s Pond is a small, quiet natural area tucked into a residential neighborhood. The pond is surrounded by wetlands and trees, creating a peaceful spot that attracts birds, turtles, and other wildlife. A short network of natural trails loops around the pond, making it a nice place for a relaxed walk or a bit of birdwatching. In a few areas, boardwalks help you cross the wetter sections of the trail.
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Hendrie Valley Sanctuary, part of the Royal Botanical Gardens, is a beautiful 100-hectare protected area centred around an expansive river-mouth marsh complex, forested slopes, and four creeks, including Grindstone Creek, forming one of the most ecologically significant wetland corridors on Lake Ontario. Boardwalks and trails follow the creek through marsh pools, wooded slopes, and oxbows, with plenty of chances to spot herons, turtles, and warblers. There is a lovely 4.5-kilometre trail network with several easy access points, making it an excellent place for a leisurely walk, with plenty of wildlife to see along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Burlington?
Burlington offers a good selection of easy hiking trails. You can find over 20 easy routes, part of a larger network of 33 trails, perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Are there any easy loop trails in Burlington?
Yes, Burlington features several easy loop trails. A popular choice is the Fisher's Pond loop, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and offers a tranquil walk. Another option is the View of Greater Toronto Area loop from Mount Nemo, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail through varied terrain.
Which easy trails are suitable for families with children?
Many easy trails in Burlington are family-friendly. The Grindstone Marshes Trail is a great option, being 1.8 miles (2.8 km) with minimal elevation gain, ideal for all ages. Additionally, the Eagle Mountain Natural Area, about 30 minutes from downtown, offers family-friendly trails with expansive views.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Burlington?
Yes, many areas around Burlington are dog-friendly. Niquette Bay State Park is known for its trails along Lake Champlain that welcome dogs. Always check specific park regulations or trail signage for the most current information on pet policies.
What kind of views can I expect on easy hikes around Burlington?
Easy hikes in Burlington offer diverse and stunning views. You can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lake Champlain, often with the Adirondack Mountains in the distance, especially from spots like Oakledge Park, Red Rocks Park, and Ethan Allen Park. Trails along the Winooski River provide serene riverine landscapes and views of floodplain forests.
Are there any easy trails with waterfalls nearby?
While Burlington's immediate easy trails focus on lake and river views, you can find waterfalls a short drive away. Highlights like Hilton Falls and Webster's Falls are notable natural monuments in the broader region that offer beautiful waterfall experiences.
What are some good easy trails for spotting wildlife?
For wildlife spotting, consider trails along the Winooski River, such as those in The Intervale and Ethan Allen Homestead areas. These paths wind through agricultural fields, floodplain forests, and wetlands, providing opportunities to see various birds and other local fauna. The Grindstone Marshes Trail also offers marshland scenery where you might encounter different species.
When is the best time of year for easy hikes in Burlington?
Burlington offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Fall is particularly popular for vibrant foliage. Even in winter, some trails are suitable for easy walks, especially those that are well-maintained or offer clear paths.
Are there easy hikes accessible by public transport in Burlington?
Burlington has a strong commitment to outdoor recreation, and many urban greenways and park trails are accessible within or close to the city center, making them reachable by public transport or a short walk. The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) is an excellent example, connecting various parks and beaches along Lake Champlain.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Burlington?
The easy trails around Burlington are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths to urban greenways and wooded parklands, and appreciate the accessibility and gentle nature of the routes.
Are there any easy trails that offer views of Lake Champlain?
Absolutely. Many easy trails in Burlington provide stunning views of Lake Champlain. Oakledge Park, Red Rocks Park, and Rock Point all feature trails along the rocky shores or waterfront, offering picturesque lake vistas and often spectacular sunsets. Niquette Bay State Park also has trails with beautiful lake and mountain views.
Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in Burlington?
Most major parks and trailheads in and around Burlington, such as Oakledge Park, Red Rocks Park, and Ethan Allen Park, offer designated parking areas. For trails further afield like Mount Philo State Park or Eagle Mountain Natural Area, parking lots are typically available at the trail entrances.
Are there any easy hikes that lead to interesting landmarks or points of interest?
Yes, several easy hikes can lead you to notable points. Ethan Allen Park offers a short hike to the iconic Ethan Allen Tower, providing panoramic views. Rock Point combines hiking trails with historical landmarks, including the historic Rock Point Church. Additionally, the Burlington Greenway connects to various parks and beaches, each with its own unique features.
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