The best walks and hikes around Montpelier

Yes, Montpelier is quite dog-friendly. Many parks, including the popular Hubbard Park and North Branch River Park, welcome leashed dogs on their trails. Always check local signage for specific on-leash rules and be prepared to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

For an excellent view without leaving the city, head to the 54-foot stone observation tower in Hubbard Park. For more challenging hikes with panoramic rewards, the summits of nearby peaks like Camel's Hump and Mount Hunger offer spectacular vistas of the Green Mountains, especially during fall.

There are several great options for shorter hikes. The Montpelier to Hubbard Park via State House Trail is a pleasant walk that takes about an hour. For a flat, riverside stroll, the Winooski West Path — Montpelier is another excellent choice, also typically completed in around an hour.

Absolutely. The North Branch River Park loop from Middlesex is a fantastic choice for families, offering a mostly flat path along the river. Additionally, the North Branch Nature Center, adjacent to the park, is highly regarded by families and features accessible trails perfect for young children.

For a more strenuous workout, you'll want to venture just outside the city. The trails to the summit of Camel's Hump, one of Vermont's highest peaks, offer a significant challenge with rewarding views. The hike up Mount Hunger is another local favorite known for its steep sections and fantastic summit panorama.

Hiking is possible year-round, but late spring through fall offers the best conditions. Summer provides lush green scenery, while autumn is spectacular due to the famous Vermont fall foliage. Winter hiking and snowshoeing are also popular, but require appropriate gear for snow and ice. Always check trail conditions before you go, especially during spring thaw.

Many of Montpelier's best trails are accessible directly from the downtown area, making them easy to reach on foot. Trails in Hubbard Park, for instance, begin just behind the state capitol building. For trailheads further afield, you may need to rely on a car or local taxi service as public transport options are limited.

Trails in Hubbard Park and North Branch River Park are generally well-maintained. You'll find a mix of wide, easy paths and more rugged singletrack. The terrain in North Branch is mostly flat along the river, while Hubbard Park features more rolling hills. Both parks can be muddy after rain, and trails may be icy in winter.

Yes, there are several enjoyable loop hikes. The Hubbard Park loop via Pond-Tower Trail is a popular 3.3-mile circuit. For a longer option, the Irish Hill – Montpelier Municipal Forest loop from Berlin offers a roughly 3.6-mile route through woodland.

The trails around Montpelier are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trail networks from the city center and the beautiful woodland scenery. The well-marked paths in parks like Hubbard and North Branch River are frequently mentioned as a major plus.

Yes. Both Hubbard Park and the North Branch Nature Center feature universally accessible trails. These paths are designed to be usable for people of all physical abilities, including those using wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the area's natural beauty.

For Hubbard Park, there are several parking areas located along Parkway Street. The North Branch River Park has a parking lot off of Barre Street, and the adjacent North Branch Nature Center also has parking available for visitors using its trails. For popular out-of-town hikes like Camel's Hump, arrive early as parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends.