Even in the northeast, summer can be sweltering. For residents of the Green Mountain State looking to beat the heat, there’s nothing better than…a nice long hike? Sure, strapping on your hiking boots might not seem so inviting compared to hanging out by the air conditioning, but is anything more cooling than a fresh breeze by the water? Vermont might not have a sea coast, but it’s full of waterfront river and lake trails that make for the perfect reinvigorating summer getaway. Here are five of the most refreshing waterfront trails in Vermont that you’ll want to take this summer.
- Lye Brook Falls Trail (Manchester)
Markfromthe414/TripAdvisor This 4.8-mile loop trail near Manchester Center is one of the most popular hikes in the states, taking you through beautiful forest terrain. Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
It ends with a stunning look at Lyle Brook Falls, at 125 feet one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire state.
Management/TripAdvisor
- Kettle Pond Trail (Marshfield)
A Pyott/AllTrails Located in Kettle Pond State Park, this relaxing 3.2-mile loop trail is ideal during fall foliage season. Kettle Pond State Park, 4239 VT-232, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Kettle Pond has a long coastline with plenty of relaxing places to kick back, cool your feet in the water, and have some lunch.
Kirstie Grant/AllTrails
- Burns Trail and Ledges Trail (Colchester)
Scott Baker/AllTrails This massive network of trails in Niquette Bay State Park is ideal for exploring, with surprises around every corner. Niquette Bay State Park, 274 Raymond Rd, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
You’ll find access to many small beaches along the way of this 5.3-mile loop trail, perfect for relaxing and taking in the cool breeze.
Becklee Debnam/AllTrails
- Island Line Rail Trail (Burlington)
Narine Hall/AllTrails This 14.5-mile trail along the Burlington waterfront is popular with bicyclists and hikers. Island Line Rail Trail, Island Line Trail, Colchester, VT, USA
Along the way, you’ll find the longest beach in Vermont, a popular recreation spot during the summer.
Pedro Alvarez/AllTrails
- Silver Lake Trail (Salisbury)
Andrew Nilssen/AllTrails This 5.3-mile trail located inside the Silver Lake Campground is a moderately challenging route filled with streams, hills, and natural beauty. Silver Lake campground, Silver Lake Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA
The titular Silver Lake is one of the most beautiful water spots in Vermont, with stunning views of the forest.
Megi Nevins/AllTrails
Have you been to any of these natural getaways? What’s your favorite waterfront trail in Vermont? Let us know in the comments section. If you’re looking for another Vermont activity this summer, check out this relaxing wine and waterfalls road trip.
Markfromthe414/TripAdvisor
This 4.8-mile loop trail near Manchester Center is one of the most popular hikes in the states, taking you through beautiful forest terrain.
Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
A Pyott/AllTrails
Located in Kettle Pond State Park, this relaxing 3.2-mile loop trail is ideal during fall foliage season.
Kettle Pond State Park, 4239 VT-232, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Kirstie Grant/AllTrails
Scott Baker/AllTrails
This massive network of trails in Niquette Bay State Park is ideal for exploring, with surprises around every corner.
Niquette Bay State Park, 274 Raymond Rd, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
Becklee Debnam/AllTrails
Narine Hall/AllTrails
This 14.5-mile trail along the Burlington waterfront is popular with bicyclists and hikers.
Island Line Rail Trail, Island Line Trail, Colchester, VT, USA
Pedro Alvarez/AllTrails
Andrew Nilssen/AllTrails
This 5.3-mile trail located inside the Silver Lake Campground is a moderately challenging route filled with streams, hills, and natural beauty.
Silver Lake campground, Silver Lake Rd, Salisbury, VT 05769, USA
Megi Nevins/AllTrails
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Address: Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester, VT 05255, USAAddress: Kettle Pond State Park, 4239 VT-232, Groton, VT 05046, USAAddress: Niquette Bay State Park, 274 Raymond Rd, Colchester, VT 05446, USAAddress: Island Line Rail Trail, Island Line Trail, Colchester, VT, USAAddress: Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, Hancock, VT 05748, USA
