Ethan Allen Park

The Ethan Allen Bike Path, Loop, and Ridge Trail offers a delightful mix of woodland paths and open spaces, leading to stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. You'll find yourself on a combination of paved and dirt trails, including old carriage roads, as you ascend gently to viewpoints like the historic Ethan Allen Tower or The Pinnacle. This easy hiking route covers 2.4 miles (3.8 km) with a manageable 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 59 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Ethan Allen Park trails are easily accessible within Burlington. There is dedicated Ethan Allen Park hiking parking available, making it convenient for those arriving by car. The park's connectivity to the 127 Bike Path and Burlington Wildways Trail also provides options for longer adventures, but for this loop, you can simply enjoy a peaceful hour or so in nature.

This park holds historical significance as one of the first public forest parks in the United States, with ties to Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen and its past as Abenaki homeland. Despite its urban location, it serves as a vital wooded refuge, blending natural beauty with historical context. It's a family-friendly hike that offers a quick, rewarding escape into Vermont's natural landscape.

This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) loop offers a delightful blend of history, panoramic views, and unique geological formations, all within a comfortable 1 hour and 32 minutes of hiking. You'll wander through the deep shaded woods of Ethan Allen Park on a mix of paved and dirt trails, some following old carriage roads, before reaching the historic Ethan Allen Tower with its sweeping vistas of Lake Champlain and distant mountains. The route then leads you to the fascinating Donahue Sea Caves, carved into limestone cliffs.

Planning your visit is simple, with parking available at Ethan Allen Park. The route connects the park to the sea caves area via the 127 Bike Path. For the best views from the Ethan Allen Tower, aim to hike between Mother's Day and Labor Day when it's open. If you're keen to explore the Donahue Sea Caves from the inside, consider a winter visit when the pond freezes over, making them accessible as "ice caves."

This trail stands out for its connection to one of the country's first public forest parks and its unique geological features. The Donahue Sea Caves, formed by ancient wave erosion, offer a glimpse into the region's past, especially striking in winter. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a high-reward, low-effort hike that combines natural beauty with a touch of local history, making it one of the best hiking trails near Burlington.