The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Middlebury
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Family friendly hiking trails around Middlebury are found in a region characterized by its diverse natural features, nestled between the Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains. The landscape includes scenic waterways like Otter Creek, which flows through the town, and offers panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the distant Adirondack Mountains. Trails often traverse forests, open fields, and lead to natural attractions such as the Middlebury Falls. The area provides a variety of terrain suitable for different hiking abilities, from…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
792m
00:13
10m
10m
Enjoy an easy 0.5-mile walk through downtown Middlebury, featuring views of Otter Creek and the historic Middlebury Falls.
4
hikers
5.43km
01:27
60m
60m
Hike the easy 3.4-mile Trail Around Middlebury: Otter Creek Gorge loop, featuring stunning gorge views and a hidden waterfall.
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1
hikers
27.4km
07:23
350m
350m
Hike the 17.0 miles (27.4 km) Trail Around Middlebury, a difficult loop offering diverse scenery and 1143 feet (348 metres) of elevation gai
16.0km
04:24
260m
260m
Hike the moderate 10.0-mile Trail Around Middlebury, gaining 845 feet in elevation through diverse landscapes and past Middlebury Falls.
3.75km
00:59
30m
30m
This easy 2.3-mile hike through Battell and Means Woods in Middlebury, Vermont, offers a peaceful loop through old hardwood forests.
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Tips from the Community
Middlebury Falls is a unique 20 foot waterfall on Otter Creek right in the center of this picturesque New England town. You get great views of the falls from this spot on a bridge on Main Street. You can also see the ruins of the old Powder House to the lefthand side of the falls. While they are beautiful all year round, Middlebury Falls are particularly interesting in the winter when they partially freeze over.
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Outside of the Middlebury College Alumni Stadium and Youngman Field is a striking sculpture of its mascot: a Panther. Perched on top of a boulder, this large bronze statue is a fun landmark on the south end of the Middlebury campus.
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The Trail Around Middlebury traverses around the entire town of Middlebury, Vermont in an 18 mile loop. This particular segment of trail is located within the Battell Woods Natural Area on the southeastern side of town. This generally flat, accessible trail is enjoyable all year round and is a great place to hike in the woods close to town. Be aware, Battle Woods is also quite popular with mountain bikers, so just keep an ear out as you enjoy this section of trail through the old hardwood forest.
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The Means Woods Loop is a pleasant, easy trail in the Means Woods Natural Area. This peaceful loop is especially beautiful in the autumn as the leaves change; this is a great place to be immersed in the classic New England fall peak foliage! As you hike through the woods be careful of roots, which are slippery when wet and are often covered by leaves.
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The Trail Around Middlebury is a unique, 18 mile loop that, as the name indicates, traverses around the entire town of Middlebury, Vermont. This particular segment of trail on the western side of town is also known as the Jackson Trail and is a part of the North Country National Scenic Trail. As you hike alongside a small creek, you get fantastic views of the town of Middlebury and the foothills of the Green Mountains to the east.
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The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge just north of downtown Middlebury. Also known as the Paper Mill Covered Bridge, this bridge a great example of New England's covered bridges. Built in the mid-19th century, it spans Otter Creek and is a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Covered bridges are an iconic part of New England's landscape and history. They were once a common sight throughout the region, as they provided a way for travelers to cross rivers and streams in all seasons. While many of the original bridges have been lost to natural disasters and modernization, there are still over 100 covered bridges in Vermont today.
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Middlebury College is a small private liberal arts college and was the first college in the state of Vermont. The main quad on campus is beautiful spot, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing, ringed by historic buildings. Be sure to visit the old chapel on the south end of the quad. Please also be respectul of the students and faculty as you stroll through this picturesque campus.
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Middlebury Falls is a unique 20 foot waterfall on Otter Creek right in the center of this picturesque New England town. You get great views of the falls from this spot on a bridge on Main Street. You can also see the ruins of the old Powder House to the lefthand side of the falls. While they are beautiful all year round, Middlebury Falls are particularly interesting in the winter when they partially freeze over.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Middlebury?
There are 14 family-friendly hiking routes around Middlebury featured in this guide, with 12 of them rated as easy. These trails offer a variety of experiences suitable for all ages.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, for a very easy and short option, consider the Downtown Middlebury Walk, which is less than a kilometer long. For a slightly longer, easy loop, the Battell and Means Woods Loop is a great choice, offering a pleasant walk through nature.
What are some scenic highlights or landmarks to look out for on these family hikes?
Many trails offer beautiful views of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains. You can also visit the impressive Middlebury Falls right in town, or explore the historic Pulp Mill Covered Bridge. The Trail Around Middlebury: Otter Creek Gorge section offers stunning views of the gorge itself.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Absolutely! The Battell and Means Woods Loop is an excellent circular option, providing a pleasant and manageable walk for families. Many sections of the larger Trail Around Middlebury can also be enjoyed as shorter loops.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Middlebury?
Middlebury offers great hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer is perfect for combining hikes with visits to nearby lakes like Silver Lake or Lake Dunmore. Even in winter, the partially frozen Middlebury Falls are a unique sight, and some trails are suitable for snowshoeing.
Can we expect to see any wildlife on these trails?
The Middlebury area, nestled between the Champlain Valley and the Green Mountains, is rich in diverse plant and animal life. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot various bird species, deer, and other small mammals, especially in quieter wooded areas like those found on the Battell and Means Woods Loop or along Otter Creek.
Are there any trails that follow a river or have water features?
Yes, Otter Creek flows through Middlebury and is a central natural feature. The Trail Around Middlebury: Otter Creek Gorge specifically follows its banks, offering beautiful views of the water and the gorge. The Middlebury Falls are also a prominent water feature right in town.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Middlebury?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the accessibility of trails for various ages, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially along the Otter Creek sections.
Are there any trails that offer views of the wider region, like the Adirondacks?
Many hikes in the Middlebury area, particularly those with some elevation gain, reward adventurers with panoramic vistas of the Champlain Valley, Lake Champlain, and the majestic Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Snake Mountain, though not featured in this specific family-friendly guide, is well-known for such views.
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Parking availability varies by trailhead. For trails like the Downtown Middlebury Walk, you can typically find public parking within the town. For other routes, specific parking areas are usually indicated near the trailheads. It's always a good idea to check the individual route details on komoot for precise parking information.
Are there any longer, moderate options for families with older children?
For families looking for a longer, more moderate challenge, a significant section of the Trail Around Middlebury offers a 16 km (10 mile) route with moderate difficulty, providing a rewarding day hike experience through varied landscapes.
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