Five Lesser-Known Day Hikes Near Burlington
03/21/2025 09:04AM ● By LIZA CANNON FROM OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE
Liza Cannon of Outdoor Gear
Exchange.In the months between March and June, Vermont experiences a “fifth” season— Mud Season. During this time, it is extremely tempting to get out and hike as far and as high as you can. However, proper etiquette and ethics dictate moderation for the sake of the trails and the local ecosystem. If folks hike on snowy, muddy, flooded trails, that terrain is then destroyed for the next users and erosion degrades the health of the surrounding soil and forest.
Instead, practice patience and try these low-elevation hiking trails. They are a great alternative to the higher-elevation hikes, which can be muddy and tricky to navigate until the weather warms up. Plus, it’s easier to travel over drier trails than the slippery, rocky, icy terrain that lingers in the mountains.
1. ROCK POINT & ARMS FOREST, BURLINGTON
The Rock Point & Arms Forest trail takes you through a peaceful forest and along a scenic cliffside ridge with amazing views.
In Burlington’s North End, Rock Point offers a peaceful forest with a web of up to 7 miles of trails connecting to Lake Champlain’s shores. A 1.7-mile loop from the Rock Point trailhead takes you along a scenic cliffside ridge with amazing views. You can also access these trails using the stone steps off the Burlington Bike Path, just a short bike ride north of Downtown. It’s a wonderful spot for a romantic picnic, birdwatching, or even a secluded swim. Keep an eye out for spring wildflowers, like the delicate and rare yellow lady’s slipper (pictured above left).
2. EAGLE MOUNTAIN, MILTON
This quiet spot is perfect for a quick getaway. The Eagle Mountain Natural Area covers 250 acres of protected sugar maple forest, hayfields, and rocky outcrops. You can explore it in about 40 minutes to an hour. Spring is especially lovely here for wildflower enthusiasts, with species like dutchman’s breeches, trilliums, bunchberry, and wood violets in bloom. The 1.4-mile out-and-back trail leads to the Hoyt Lookout, offering beautiful views of the Lake Champlain Islands.
3. RAVEN’S RIDGE, MONKTON
A short drive from Burlington, Raven’s Ridge offers a 2.6-mile loop with 488 feet of eleva- tion gain. Popular with birders, wildflower lovers, and geologists, the trail takes you through forests, bogs, and rocky outcrops with incredible views of the Champlain Valley. While the trail can be a bit hilly and rocky, the reward at the top is worth it. Note: Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
4. COLCHESTER WOODS, COLCHESTER
Colchester Woods trails wind through riparian zones along the Winooski River, home to wildflowers, beavers, osprey, and woodpeckers.
Colchester Woods has over 15 interconnected trails that span about 12 miles, making it an excellent spot to explore for a few days. The trails wind through riparian zones along the Winooski River, home to wildflowers, beavers, osprey, and woodpeckers. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or biking, the classic backwoods feel makes it a favorite for many outdoor enthusiasts.
5. PEASE MOUNTAIN, CHARLOTTE
Pease Mountain trails are a great spot for foraging mushrooms, wildflower viewing, birdwatching, or just a quiet walk.
Pease Mountain offers a beautiful 3.2-mile loop with 695 feet of
elevation gain. The trails here can be muddy in the spring, but it’s worth
it for the peaceful woods and incredible views of the Green Mountains
and Lake Champlain from the summit. This is a great spot for foraging
mushrooms, wildflower viewing, birdwatching, or just a quiet walk.
Park at the west end of the Charlotte Elementary School parking lot and walk up along the skating rink area up to a large informational sign marking the new trailhead.
