Brilliant foliage, cool temperatures, and crisp air…fall is a great time to get outside and explore our natural areas. And what could be better than a fall hike with Lake Champlain views! Gather up your friends and family, grab your camera, and head out to these staff-favorite hikes. Happy trails!

1. Eagle Mountain – This family-friendly destination in Milton, VT offers gentle grades, winding paths through hayfields, and an impressive Lake Champlain overlook. Check out the staff-favorite Hoyt Lookout Trail for the best views.
2. Landon Community Trail – Located in South Hero, VT, this trail affords stunning views across the Lake towards the Green Mountains. Combine with a hike down to the Lake at Round Pond State Park and pick up some apples and cider donuts at a nearby orchard after the hike!
3. Upper La Platte River Natural Area – Dazzling fall colors abound along the Upper La Platte in Shelburne, VT. This gentle hike through mowed hay fields and picture-perfect Vermont hardwood forests is sure to please leisurely strollers and aspiring artists.
4. Niquette Bay State Park – This park, which the Lake Champlain Land Trust helped expand in 2000, features a well-developed trail system that takes full advantage of its diverse terrain, passing through rich hardwood forests, deep sandy ravines, and scenic ridgelines.  Although we love the short Allen Trail to the Lake, staff recommends the moderate Muhley Trail for amazing fall overlooks (see view of Mount Mansfield above).
5. Shelburne Farms – Shelburne Farms maintains 10 miles of walking trails open to the public all year long. The Lake Champlain Land Trust holds a conservation easement on critical sections of the property’s Lake Champlain shoreline. For an amazing view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, hike to the top of Lone Tree Hill.

We hope you enjoy hiking these trails. For more fall hiking adventures, visit our Hike and Paddle Page.