Swanton is a region in northwestern Vermont, characterized by its diverse landscapes that cater to outdoor activities. It borders Lake Champlain to the west and the foothills of the Green Mountains to the east, with the scenic Missisquoi River flowing through its heart. This varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The area features a mix of relatively flat expanses near the lake and more challenging elevations towards the mountains.
18
Routes
4
(2)
Average rating
96
People visited

1.56km
00:27
50m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
17
hikers
12.2km
03:23
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
hikers
6.98km
01:59
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

10
riders
16.0km
01:37
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
35.8km
02:18
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
35.1km
02:21
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5
riders
49.2km
02:27
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
31.9km
01:34
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
45.7km
02:28
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
29.2km
01:32
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Swanton provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features varied terrain, from flat lakeside paths to more challenging routes in the Green Mountains foothills. More than 165 visitors have shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.33 out of 5 stars for routes in the area.
Hiking in Swanton includes scenic rail trails and paths in the Green Mountains foothills. The Swanton Recreation Path offers a 1-mile (1.6 km) walk, connecting to the larger Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Swanton guide.
Yes, Swanton offers several easy hiking options suitable for beginners and casual walkers. The Swanton Recreation Path is a 1-mile (1.6 km) paved trail that crosses the Missisquoi River. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail also provides relatively flat sections ideal for easy walks. Consult the Easy hikes around Swanton guide for specific routes.
Swanton is a hub for cycling, featuring extensive rail trails and road cycling routes. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail offer long-distance touring opportunities. Road cyclists can find routes ranging from flat lakeside paths to more demanding ascents towards the eastern foothills. Detailed options are available in the Cycling around Swanton guide.
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is a major scenic pathway that connects Swanton to St. Johnsbury, offering approximately 96 miles (154 km) for walking, bicycling, and snowmobiling. The Swanton Recreation Path serves as the initial section of the LVRT. It provides relatively flat terrain suitable for various outdoor activities.
Information regarding specific dog policies for all trails in Swanton is not universally available. Generally, dogs are permitted on many rail trails, but leash laws and waste removal requirements typically apply. Visitors should check local regulations for specific trail sections or protected areas like the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge.
Swanton is characterized by Lake Champlain to the west and the Missisquoi River, which flows through the town and into the lake. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is located where the river meets Lake Champlain. Swanton Beach offers public access to Lake Champlain, including a picnic area and boat ramp.
Yes, Swanton offers family-friendly options, particularly along its rail trails. The Swanton Recreation Path is a paved, 1-mile (1.6 km) route suitable for all ages. Sections of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail also provide flat, accessible terrain for family walks and bike rides.
Komoot offers several guides for outdoor activities in Swanton. These include Hiking around Swanton, Easy hikes around Swanton, Cycling around Swanton, and Road Cycling Routes around Swanton.
The official website for the Town of Swanton, Vermont, is swantonvermont.org. The general contact number for the Town of Swanton is +1-802-868-4421. For information specific to Swanton Village, the website is swanton.net, and the phone number is +1-802-868-3397.
The Swanton Recreation Path is a 1-mile (1.6 km) scenic trail that links the town's restored railroad depot, ballfields, and elementary school. A notable feature is its crossing of the Missisquoi River via a restored 1902 Pennsylvania truss bridge. This path also serves as the initial section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) is another significant rail trail in the region that intersects with the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. It expands the network of accessible pathways for cyclists and hikers. The MVRT offers additional opportunities for long-distance touring and varied outdoor experiences.

