Category Archives: Front Porch Forum

Favorite Hikes, according to FPF Members

It’s National Hiking Day. Vermonters often offer up suggestions in their Forums about the best trails.

“For kids, Sunset Rock from the top of Lincoln Gap is a little over a two-mile round trip. Fairly steep for the first quarter mile but then eases up considerably. A couple of place where you’ll need to scramble up rocks, but young kids should be able to handle it. And the reward is a spectacular view of the Champlain Valley.”
• Peter, Mad River Valley Forum

“Just hiked part of the Pitch Pine Trail. Amazing…very hike-able. Colors are gorgeous. What a find…will be an excellent place for snow shoe-ing…thanks for the tip!!! SOME HUMONGOUS TREES.”
• Maura, Salisbury Forum

“Just wanted to say how nice it was when hiking the Catamount trail thru Chase Brook back along German Flats towards SB south – I forgot to take a picture to include but the beautiful artwork by a local student(s) (I believe) and the story that went with it were very pleasant, and I just wanted to let the people know who put that together how much I enjoyed it. Walked it with my son’s family and our 20 month old granddaughter, and while she didn’t get the whole story she did see the artwork and helped capture her imagination. Nice job and appreciate the effort! If it’s still there it would be a nice thing to enjoy if you get a chance to hike it.”
• David, Fayston Forum

“The Colchester Causeway, a crushed gravel rail trail, separates Lake Champlain and Malletts Bay, following the railbed of the old Island Line Railway. From Causeway Park in Colchester, it’s a little over 6-miles round trip out to The Cut and back. The trail features sweeping views of the Adirondacks to the west, and Mount Mansfield, Bolton, Camels Hump, and Mounts Abe and Ellen to the east. This trail is also accessible and bikeable, so it has many recreation options!

Mt. Philo, Vermont’s first state park, is a great warm-up to hiking season. Located in Charlotte, hikers can hike up the paved auto road for beautiful views of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s farmland, and the Adirondack Mountains. The summit includes several scenic overlooks with benches and picnic tables to enjoy a snack and a view. The hike is a little over 2 miles round trip and provides elevation for an excellent training hike.”
• Dwight, Cornwall Forum

In response to a request for a wheelchair accessible trail:

“There is a new interpretive trail at the Dead Creek Visitor’s Center in Addison. It isn’t long, but it’s very flat with a new surface that I’m sure is suitable for a wheelchair. The rain has really made the flowers pop.”
• Rick, Hinesburg Forum

“Try the Nature Conservancy’s Raven Ridge Preserve in Monkton/Charlotte/Hinesburg. From the trailhead parking area on Rotax Road in Monkton there is a lovely accessible boardwalk across a wetland. Once you’re in the woods, the path turns to packed gravel but it is level and leads to an overlook over a small beaver pond. Perhaps 1/2 mile in total length.”
• Lenore, Hinesburg Forum

“This is for runners. Okay maybe bikers and walkers too.
This is the most beautiful ~10 miler you will ever run. The gorgeous Lincoln Loop:
Start at the town center, up Quaker, left on Isham Hollow, left on Colby hill, left onto Atkins, cross the river and up York, follow to West Hill, follow to Browns and left and down back to village.
Gorgeous view 1: Quaker at Isham, east and south.
Gorgeous view 2: Colby Hill, east and south.
Delightful downhill through the woods: Colby to Atkins
Classic Vermont Farm picture: Atkins Road”
• Van, Lincoln Forum

Thanks to the many organizations and volunteers who help to maintain these outdoor treasures!

Search your Forum Archives with the term “Hike” or “Trail” and see what outdoor adventure you might find in your own area!

Ask about or make suggestions for your favorite hikes on your local Forum!