Hiking in the Greater Brattleboro Area

COVID-19 update:  If you’re planning a hike, please follow these health and safety guidelines:  If you’re sick please stay home; wear a mask to protect your fellow hikers, and practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart.  Thank you!  Enjoy the trails!

Retreat Trails

Brattleboro, VT
For more information and maps:  Retreat Trails

A network of nature trails, footpaths, and carriage roads originally constructed on Brattleboro Retreat land in the 1800s to provide its patients with opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and recreation with a variety of unique areas and connecting trails.  Walkers, hikers, bikers, equestrians, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers can enjoy these trails.  Pets are welcome on leashes; owners must clean up after them.

West River Trail

Brattleboro, VT
For more information and maps:  West River Trail

The 16-mile West River Trail appeals to a wide range of trail users.  The rail-trail has a nearly level surface, ideal for walkers, cyclists and equestrians, while a rugged section satisfies avid hikers. The West River Railroad once traveled this corridor, linking the industrial communities of Brattleboro and Londonderry.

Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center

Brattleboro, VT
For more information and maps:  BEEC

BEEC has 2 miles of trails that are open for walking from dawn until dusk.  BEEC also has interpretive trail guides to make your walk informative. Trails feature some very large old sugar maples, an abundance of spring ephemeral wildflowers, and the sweeping view from Heifer Hill.  Dogs on leashes are welcome; please clean up after your dog to keep the land welcoming for everyone.

Sweet Pond State Park

Guilford, VT
For more information and maps:  Sweet Pond State Park

Sweet Pond State Park is open for day visits.  It is unstaffed, and there are no developed facilities.  Camping is not permitted.

 

Mt. Wantastiquet Trail

Chesterfield, NH
For more information and maps:  Mt. Wantastiquet Trail

The 513-acre Madame Sherri Forest on the eastern slope of Mount Wantastiquet abuts the larger, 847-acre Wantastiquet State Forest.  Trails are linked to the larger Wantastiquet Monadnock Greenway Trail, stretching from the Connecticut River east to Mount Monadnock.

Molly Stark State Park

Marlboro, VT
For more information and maps:  Molly Stark State Park

This state park, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps project, offers 23 campsites, 11 lean-to shelters, pavilion, picnic facilities, firewood and ice sales, and restrooms/showers.


Putney Mountain/Pinnacle

Putney, VT
For more information and maps:  Putney Mountain Association

HIkes from Putney Mountain include a trail to the Pinnacle, a scenic peak in Westminster and a self-guided tour on a nature trail.

 


Appalachian Trail

For more information and maps:  Appalachian Trail

Turn right and you can walk to Georgia; turn left and you can walk to Maine.  This storied, 2,200-mile trail offers hiking through varied terrain, shelters for overnight stays, scenic views and, of course, numerous shorter sections for more casual enthusiasts.

 

More hiking trails in Vermont

Windham County:  For more information on hiking trails in Windham County, including the Trailfinder, click here to visit the Windham Regional Commission’s website.

 

State of Vermont:  For information on more hiking trails in the State of
Vermont click here to visit the Department of Forest, Parks & Recreation website.