Explore The Trails
🥾 Hiking Trails in Arlington, Vermont
The Arlington area offers an exceptional range of hiking options—from peaceful woodland walks to challenging mountain treks—all set within the stunning Southern Vermont landscape. Here’s a curated list of nearby trails and landmarks to explore:
🌲 West Mountain Inn Trails – Arlington, VT
Distance: Varies (175 acres of trails)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Explore well-marked woodland trails with scenic viewpoints. After your hike, visit the alpacas and the Labyrinth Garden.
Trail Map: West Mountain Inn Hiking Trailswestmountaininn.com+8AllTrails.com+8AllTrails.com+8westmountaininn.com+2westmountaininn.com+2westmountaininn.com+2
🪨 Cedar Rock – Arlington, VT
Distance: Approximately 45 minutes up and 45 minutes back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: A short hike offering rewarding views.
Trail Info: Accessible via West Mountain Inn TrailsAllTrails.com
🏔️ Flag Rock – Arlington, VT
Distance: Approximately 4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Breathtaking panoramic views. Bring food, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots. Some areas are steep and slippery.
Trail Info: Accessible via West Mountain Inn TrailsHome+3AllTrails.com+3Vermont.com+3
🌲 Arlington Recreation Park Trails
Type: Easy walking trails
Good for: Families, casual walkers
Trail Map: AllTrails – Arlington Recreation Park
💧 Keelan River Trail (West Arlington, VT)
Distance: ~Less than half a mile
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Beautiful river path along the Battenkill River with benches, bridges and nice sitting areas.
Trail Map: N/A
🗺️ Topographic Maps and Resources
USGS Arlington Topographic Map: YellowMaps – Arlington Quad
Green Mountain National Forest Interactive Map: Hikepack – Green Mountain NF
AllTrails Overview of Southern Vermont Hikes: AllTrails – Southern Vermont
Hiking Trails In The Area
Here’s an updated and comprehensive guide to the best hiking trails in and around Arlington, Vermont—perfect for nature lovers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk through the woods or an adventurous mountain climb, we’ve got you covered.AllTrails.com
🥾 Best Hiking Trails Near Arlington, Vermont
🏞️ Grout Pond – The Kellystand – Stratton, VT
Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Great for paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Trail Map: Grout Pond Trailexpedia+6AllTrails.com+6AllTrails.com+6
🚣 Somerset Reservoir – Stratton, VT
Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
Trail Info: Explore the area for various trails and water access points.
💦 Lye Brook Falls – Manchester, VT
Distance: 2.3 miles to the falls
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: A beautiful waterfall hike with a steady climb. One of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls.
Trail Map: Lye Brook Falls Trailtheomfestival.com+17AllTrails.com+17AllTrails.com+17Merck Forest & Farmland Center+6AllTrails.com+6AllTrails.com+6
🌅 Equinox Pond and Equinox Preserve Trails (Manchester, VT)
Type: Easy to moderate trails
Features: Tranquil pond, forest paths, connection to Mt. Equinox
Highlights: Explore 11 miles of trails around Equinox Pond, suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.
Trail Map: Equinox Preservation Trust – Trail Map
🏔️ Haystack Mountain – Pawlet, VT
Distance: Approximately 4.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Panoramic views from the summit. The last 20 minutes are steep but rewarding.
Trail Map: Haystack Mountain TrailAllTrails.com+1westmountaininn.com+1AllTrails.com
🌳 The Mile-Around Woods – North Bennington, VT
Distance: 1.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A peaceful walk through old timber and a circular carriage road laid out after the Civil War.
Trail Map: The Mile-Around Woods
🌲 Merck Forest Trails – Rupert, VT
Distance: Over 30 miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Highlights: Explore diverse trails through forests, around farms, and along streams, with beautiful views of the Taconic and Adirondack Mountains.
Trail Map: Merck Forest Trail
🏞️ Prospect Rock – Manchester Center, VT
Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: A steep but rewarding hike with views over Manchester Center and the surrounding Green Mountains.
Trail Map: Prospect Rock TrailAllTrails.com
🏔️ Skyline Drive / Mount Equinox Summit Trail (Manchester, VT)
Option 1: Drive the 5.2-mile toll road to the summit
Option 2: Hike via Blue Summit Trail (~6.3 miles round trip, strenuous)
Highlight: Panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range
Trail Info & Driving Route: Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
🧭 Trail Tips & Essentials
Gear Up: Wear sturdy hiking boots, carry trekking poles, and pack a Camelbak or water bottle.
Stay Fueled: Bring snacks to keep your energy up.
Plan Ahead: Check trail maps and conditions before heading out.
Safety First: Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
For more information and additional trails, visit AllTrails.
