Text & Images by Kelsey Matheson
ROCK POINT
Town: Burlington
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 6 minutes
At the far end of North Beach, you’ll find the 1.2-mile trail head for Rock Point. The tip of this trail boasts stunning views of a (mostly) frozen Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on the New York side of the lake.
CENTENNIAL WOODS
Town: Burlington
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 3 minutes
Tucked behind UVM’s campus is the Centennial Woods natural area. This 3.8-mile trail has nice, gentle slopes beneath the trees, as well as a beaver dam to hike to. While it’s a beautiful walk in the summer months, there’s something magical about the Centennial Woods’ trees coated in a fresh blanket of snow.
COLCHESTER POND
Town: Colchester
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 23 minutes
The Colchester Pond Loop is just a short drive from Burlington. This popular 3-mile trail offers a mix of terrain, with the majority being very accommodating to new hikers.
NIQUETTE BAY STATE PARK
Town: Colchester
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 20 minutes
Just 20 minutes North of Burlington, you’ll find Niquette Bay State Park. Choose your own adventure with one of three trails. The Ledges Trail provides slightly rougher terrain with some views of the lake at the top.
SUCKER BROOK HOLLOW
Town: Williston
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 15 minutes
If you’re a view seeker but don’t want to venture too far from Burlington, the Sucker Brook Hollow trail is for you. After crossing over a beautiful foot bridge, the 2.4-mile out and back trail has a steady climb to a viewpoint that overlooks the Adirondacks.
