The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Burlington

Don’t swim here. Coal tar from the early 1900s is in the soil!

Blanchard Beach is a public beach on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. Situated within Oakledge Park, it features a small sandy beach and easy access off of the Island Line Trail. From the beach, you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Facilities in the near by Oakledge Park include restrooms, picnic areas, shaded spots, and a large sundial, making it a perfect destination for locals and visitors alike.

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.

Burlington Union Station, located on Main Street on the Lake Champlain waterfront in Burlington, Vermont. This Beaux Arts-style building was constructed in 1916 and served as a hub for the Rutland Railroad and Central Vermont Railway. It ceased passenger services in 1953 but resumed its role in July 2022 as the northern terminal for Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express, connecting Burlington to New York City. The station features a single side platform serving both Amtrak and Vermont Railway excursion trains. Today it also houses offices and event spaces. Union Station is also known for its distinctive winged monkey statues added in the 1990s.

Ethan Allen Park is an urban park located in Burlington, Vermont. Named after the Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, it covers 60 acres and features a mix of wooded trails, open spaces, and picnic areas. A key attraction within the park is the Ethan Allen Tower, a historic stone observation tower offering panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains.

The Donahue Sea Caves are a unique natural feature located in Burlington on Lake Champlain. These caves were formed by wave erosion during periods of high lake levels, carving out these geological formations into the limestone cliffs. Accessible only during the winter when the lake freezes, the caves are a popular spot for adventurous visitors who want to explore their icy interior and enjoy a glimpse of the region’s natural history.

Rock Point, a 94-acre natural area in Burlington, Vermont, is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs along Lake Champlain and rich biodiversity and features a recently restored trail system, including stone staircases, boardwalks, and overlooks, offering visitors opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Notably, Rock Point showcases the Champlain Thrust Fault, a significant geological feature displaying 400-million-year-old bedrock formations. Public access is permitted with a free trail pass, and visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines to protect the area's sensitive ecological zones. Due to limited on-site parking, it's recommended to park at nearby locations like Leddy Park and access the trails via the Burlington Bike Path.

Lake Champlain is a natural freshwater lake spanning the U.S. states of New York and Vermont and extending into Quebec, Canada. Known as "The Sixth Great Lake" for its connections to the St. Lawrence Seaway and Hudson River, it features scenic, undeveloped coastlines, islands like Grand Isle and North Hero, and Adirondack Park recreational facilities. Known for its ecological diversity and recreational opportunities, Lake Champlain is a significant waterway and cultural landmark in the region. This spot in Red Rocks Park offers fantastic views over the water near downtown Burlington.