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Best running trails in Vermont

Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 15,331 reviews of Vermont trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (21 in Vermont do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.

The 20 below run across 11 cities, 6 of them natural surface, 3 loops, 3 shaded, and 3 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.

#1

Oakledge Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 965 reviews

Burlington, VT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Located on Lake Champlain, this park has a rocky swimming beach, sports facilities & a playground.

#2

Red Rocks Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 715 reviews

South Burlington, VT

Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

Green spot with a public beach & trails for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing & cross-country skiing.

#3

Mt Ascutney State Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 545 reviews

Windsor, VT

1 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Park where steep trails through hardwood forests lead to panoramic views from Mt. Ascutney's summit.

#4

Maple Street Park and Pool

4.6 ★★★★★ 534 reviews

Essex Junction, VT

Lit

Playground, plus a kid-friendly pool and skate park in a sprawling recreational space.

#5

Causeway Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 489 reviews

Colchester, VT

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Causeway extending into Lake Champlain noted for its biking, walking and running trails as well as views of the mountains, lake and surroundings.

#6

Living Memorial Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 417 reviews

Brattleboro, VT

ScenicDog-friendly

Recreational destination with playgrounds, pools and hiking trails, plus a dog park.

#7

Airport Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 351 reviews

Colchester, VT

Scenic

Popular recreation area featuring picnic tables, playgrounds, and trails. Bike trail.

#8

Mills Riverside Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 263 reviews

Jericho, VT

ScenicDog-friendly

Outdoor space featuring picnic tables, trails for hiking and sledding and off-leash areas for dogs.

#9

The Salmon Hole on the Winooski River

4.4 ★★★★☆ 228 reviews

Burlington, VT

Scenic

Picturesque waterfront park featuring fishing, swimming and a riverside trail.

#10

Centennial Woods Natural Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 160 reviews

Burlington, VT

ScenicDog-friendly

65-acre nature preserve with forests & streams, plus hiking trails & rustic boardwalks.

#11

The Mile-Around Woods

4.8 ★★★★★ 143 reviews

North Bennington, VT

LoopScenicDog-friendly

Hikes through pastures and woods for people and dogs with views of the countryside.

#12

Sucker Brook Hollow Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 130 reviews

Williston, VT

2 miNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Marked trail for hikers to reach a lookout with bench seating and valley views.

#13

Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 91 reviews

St Albans City, VT

26.4 miLoopScenic
#14

Sunny Hollow Trails

4.7 ★★★★★ 76 reviews

Colchester, VT

Dog-friendly
#15

White Rocks

4.6 ★★★★★ 71 reviews

Bennington, VT

Natural surfaceScenic

Kid-friendly hiking area featuring climbing opportunities and serene views.

#16

Pearl Street Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

Essex Junction, VT

PavedShaded

Small park with a 9-hole disc golf course, a playground, swings, and a basketball court.

#17

Indian Brook Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 45 reviews

Essex Junction, VT

ScenicDog-friendly

Nature area featuring hiking paths, a 740-acre lake and areas for picnics, fishing, swimming and boating.

#18

Farrell Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 49 reviews

South Burlington, VT

Dog-friendly
#19

East Woods Natural Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Burlington, VT

LoopScenicDog-friendly
#20

Wheeler Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

South Burlington, VT

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Where these trails are

The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.

All 85 trails in Vermont → Best trails in other states →