1.
Waterfront Park – Burlington Greenway loop from Burlington High School
8.11km
02:09
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best hikes from bus stations around Lake Champlain
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 11, 2026
If you’ve ever tried planning hiking around Lake Champlain, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so much shoreline and so many trails, it’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the good stuff, the views that make your legs happy, without all the guesswork.
That’s where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, walked, and reviewed these routes, so we’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best hikes accessible by public transport. This guide isn't just a list; it’s your shortcut to experiencing the real character of Lake Champlain, where the Adirondack Mountains meet Vermont’s Green Mountains. Expect a diverse landscape of extensive shorelines, rolling hills, and varied woodlands, with trails ranging from easy strolls to moderate treks.
If you only do one, we’d point you to the Waterfront Park – Burlington Greenway loop from Burlington High School, a popular 5.0 miles (8.1 km) route that perfectly captures Burlington’s vibrant waterfront. For a slightly easier, yet equally rewarding experience, the Red Rocks Park loop from Lakeside offers scenic views over 4.6 miles (7.5 km) and is a local favorite. With more than 1,400 hikers already exploring Lake Champlain’s varied terrain with komoot, you’re in good company. Let’s get you out there!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterfront Park – Burlington Greenway loop from Burlington High School | 8.11 km | 80 m | Moderate |
| Red Rocks Park loop from Lakeside | 7.73 km | 80 m | Moderate |
| Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop from Lakeside | 10.3 km | 40 m | Moderate |
| Viewpoint loop from Lakeside | 5.69 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Rock Point Conservation Area – Rock Point loop from Burlington High School | 3.18 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Waterfront Park – Colchester/Burlington bridge loop from Burlington High School | 16.8 km | 100 m | Moderate |
| Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop from Lakeside | 10.2 km | 30 m | Moderate |
| Downtown Burlington & Centennial Woods Natural Area loop | 8.95 km | 130 m | Moderate |
| Burlington City Hall – City Hall Park loop from Burlington | 3.78 km | 40 m | Easy |
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2.
Red Rocks Park loop from Lakeside
7.73km
02:03
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop from Lakeside
10.3km
02:38
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Viewpoint loop from Lakeside
5.69km
01:32
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Rock Point Conservation Area – Rock Point loop from Burlington High School
3.18km
00:51
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
6.
Waterfront Park – Colchester/Burlington bridge loop from Burlington High School
16.8km
04:20
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
7.
Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop from Lakeside
10.2km
02:36
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
8.
Downtown Burlington & Centennial Woods Natural Area loop
8.95km
02:27
130m
140m
This Downtown Burlington & Centennial Woods Natural Area loop offers a unique blend of urban exploration and natural serenity, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll start amidst the vibrant streets of Downtown Burlington, perhaps even passing through Church Street, before diving into the diverse ecosystems of Centennial Woods. Expect to wander through mature conifer stands, cross boardwalks over wetlands, and spot beaver dams along the way, all within a 5.6-mile (8.9 km) moderate hike.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with the loop easily accessible from the city center. While the trail is generally easy to moderate, some sections can be hilly, and you should be prepared for muddy conditions, especially if you visit in early spring. The estimated duration for this hike is around 2 hours and 26 minutes, making it a manageable half-day adventure.
Centennial Woods Natural Area is a true hidden gem, serving as a vital wildlife corridor and a living laboratory for UVM students. Despite its urban location, it provides a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, attracting 152 recorded bird species. This trail is an excellent choice if you're looking for a family-friendly hike or a quiet escape into nature without venturing far from Burlington's amenities.
View route
9.
Burlington City Hall – City Hall Park loop from Burlington
3.78km
01:01
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
maniboyflex
June 10, 2025, Burlington Greenway
The Burlington Greenway is an 8-mile paved path that hugs the Lake Champlain shoreline, offering stunning water and mountain views. It links downtown Burlington with parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. Don’t miss the northern stretch along the causeway and the seasonal bike ferry to the Champlain Islands. This section includes a boardwalk with signs advising cyclists not to ride, due to the narrow space and high pedestrian traffic.
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mtm05005
May 20, 2025, Burlington Greenway
The Burlington Greenway is a great multiuse trail that runs next to Lake Champlain. It is full paved and mostly flat. This section runs through Oakledge Park.
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mtm05005
May 20, 2025, City Hall Park
City Hall Park an urban park downtown Burlington. It is a great place for a break during a walk through the city.
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Lisa
January 24, 2025, Burlington Greenway (Lake Champlain Bike Path)
This 8-mile paved trail is one of the nicest cycleways in the city, knitting together neighborhoods, shops, restaurants and parks, with great views of Lake Champlain, too.
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Jamie S.
December 20, 2024, Blanchard Beach
Blanchard Beach is a public beach on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. Situated within Oakledge Park, it features a small sandy beach and easy access off of the Island Line Trail. From the beach, you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Facilities in the near by Oakledge Park include restrooms, picnic areas, shaded spots, and a large sundial, making it a perfect destination for locals and visitors alike.
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Jamie S.
December 20, 2024, Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, is a scenic public park on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and access to the Burlington Bike Path, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and picnicking. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
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Jamie S.
December 20, 2024, Burlington City Hall
Burlington City Hall is located at 149 Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont. It is a prominent civic building and an architectural landmark. Constructed in 1928 in the Neoclassical style, it features a grand façade with columns, reflecting its importance as the administrative center of the city. The building houses key municipal offices, including the Mayor's Office and the City Clerk’s Office, and serves as a venue for city council meetings and public events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available around Lake Champlain?
There are over 15 bus-accessible hiking trails around Lake Champlain featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy strolls to moderate treks, all conveniently reachable by public transport.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails?
The Lake Champlain region is beautiful year-round. Spring offers wildflowers and lush greenery, while summer provides warm weather for lakeside views. Autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall foliage. Even winter offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing or quiet walks, though some services might be reduced.
Are there easy bus-accessible hikes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, many bus-accessible trails around Lake Champlain are perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Red Rocks Park loop from Lakeside is an easy option, offering scenic views without significant elevation gain. The region also features well-maintained paths at places like Niquette Bay State Park, known for its extensive trail network and rare natural sand beach.
Can I find challenging bus-accessible trails in the Lake Champlain area?
While many bus-accessible routes are moderate, the region offers opportunities for more challenging experiences. The Waterfront Park – Burlington Greenway loop from Burlington High School, for instance, is a moderate hike that covers over 8 km. For those seeking more strenuous options, some sections of the broader Champlain Area Trails (CATS) system, while not all directly bus-accessible, can be reached with a short walk from certain bus stops and offer varied terrain.
Are there any circular routes starting from bus stations?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same bus-accessible point. The Red Rocks Park loop from Lakeside and the Viewpoint loop from Lakeside are excellent examples of circular hikes that bring you back to your starting point.
Are dogs allowed on the bus-accessible hiking trails?
Many trails in the Lake Champlain region are dog-friendly, but policies can vary by park or specific trail. It's always best to check local regulations for the specific trail you plan to hike. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most state parks and natural areas. Always remember to pack out waste and ensure your dog is under control.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on these trails?
The bus-accessible trails around Lake Champlain offer diverse and stunning views. You can expect panoramic vistas of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains. Many routes wind along the shoreline, through diverse forests, and past open meadows. Trails like the Viewpoint loop from Lakeside are specifically designed to showcase these scenic overlooks.
Are there any interesting natural or historical landmarks along these routes?
Absolutely! The Lake Champlain area is rich in both natural beauty and history. Along your hikes, you might encounter highlights such as the Granite Steps or the Colchester/Burlington bridge. The region also boasts unique geological formations like the 480 million-year-old fossils at Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve (accessible via bus to Isle La Motte) and historic sites related to the Revolutionary War.
Are there any trails that feature water features like waterfalls or lakes?
Yes, the region is defined by Lake Champlain itself, and many trails offer stunning lake views and access to shorelines. While specific waterfalls might require a short detour from direct bus routes, the Burlington Greenway – Waterfront Park loop from Lakeside provides extensive views of the lake and its waterfront. You can also find highlights like Blanchard Beach and Texaco Beach along some routes.
Are there places to eat or grab a coffee near the bus-accessible trailheads?
Many of the bus-accessible trailheads, especially those in or near Burlington, are conveniently located close to urban amenities. After your hike, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and shops within walking distance of bus stops, particularly around areas like Waterfront Park.
What do other hikers say about the bus-accessible trails around Lake Champlain?
The bus-accessible trails around Lake Champlain are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility, the stunning lake views, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Can I combine hiking with other activities like cycling on these bus-accessible routes?
Absolutely! The Lake Champlain region is very multi-modal friendly. The Burlington Greenway – North Beach Section, for instance, is a popular path that can be hiked or cycled, offering beautiful lake views. The famous Island Line Trail, which includes the unique Colchester Causeway, is also accessible by bus and perfect for combining hiking with a bike ride.
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