The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Orleans County
4.8
(42)
1,174
hikers
8
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Orleans County, located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, traverse a landscape characterized by prominent peaks, large glacial lakes, and dense forests. The region offers a diverse array of terrain, from lakeside paths to more challenging summit ascents. Hikers can explore trails winding through state forests, offering routes to various viewpoints and showcasing the area's natural beauty.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Orleans County
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is View from Mount Pisgah…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
1
hikers
11.3km
02:54
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
182
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(4)
141
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
16
hikers
11.2km
03:42
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Orleans County
Other adventures in Orleans County
Tips from the Community
Tomifobia Nature Trail is a 19-kilometre rail trail in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec that follows the former route of a Canadian Pacific railway from Ayer’s Cliff to Stanstead. The gravel-surfaced trail is open to cyclists, hikers, and cross-country skiers year-round, and is privately owned and maintained by the Sentiers Massawippi nonprofit organization. The trail passes through a beautiful wildlife-rich landscape, so you’re likely to see plenty of herons, beavers, deer, and turtles along the way.
0
0
The Roue de la médecine (Medicine Wheel) is a monument along the Tomifobia Nature Trail made up of a circle of four stones, each oriented to a cardinal point and engraved with one of four animals: a moose, a coyote, an eagle, and a bear, with a short text explaining each animal’s symbolic significance in Indigenous beliefs around Unity and Healing. Designed by Metis Algonquin-Anishnabe Elder Paul-Conrad Carignan, it’s dedicated to the spiritual and healing teachings of the Medicine Wheel and its four directions.
0
0
The Tomifobia River is beautiful and flows just under 11 kilometres through Quebec's Eastern Townships, through a largely protected Green Zone, before draining into Lake Massawippi and ultimately into the Saint Lawrence. Its Algonquian name reflects its history as a travel route for Abenaki peoples, and its valley was later settled by United Empire Loyalists, leading to the development of mill villages along its banks in the early 19th century. Today it's an important ecological corridor, home to trout, Atlantic salmon, the endangered wood turtle, bald eagles, and river otters, and is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching.
0
0
A famous clothing-optional beach off crystal-clear Lake Willoughby; it's only a bit secluded from the busier trail outlets.
0
0
A great lookout point, just a bit northwest of Mount Pisgah's summit. This is a great spot for photos of Lake Willoughby.
0
0
Pulpit Rock is perfectly situated to take advantage of a gap in the trees. That's Lake Willoughby down below.
0
0
The Vermont Route 5a runs along the western shore of Lake Willoughby. It is likened to a Norwegian fjord with its high sided mountains that rise directly out of the water and is a favorite beauty spot for many locals. You can swim in the chilly, clear water at either end at either North or South Beach.
0
0
You don't have to venture far from the road to appreciate the water cascading down the Peter Gilman Waterfall. The river tumbles out of the woods and passes underneath the road before gushing out into Lake Willoughby.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Orleans County?
Orleans County offers a selection of 7 family-friendly hiking trails. These include 3 easy routes perfect for younger children or leisurely strolls, and 4 moderate trails for families looking for a bit more adventure.
What natural features and landmarks can we expect to see on family-friendly hikes in Orleans County?
Orleans County is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to encounter stunning glacial lakes like Lake Willoughby, which is flanked by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. Many trails offer panoramic views from summits such as Bald Mountain. Keep an eye out for unique features like the Boardwalk Between Ponds on Mount Pisgah South Trail and the scenic Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive. There's also the charming Peter Gilman Waterfall to discover.
Are there any easy, short loop hikes suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for families seeking an easy and relatively short loop, consider the South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Southwest Cove Beach loop from Mount Pisgah. This easy route covers approximately 3.5 km and offers a pleasant walk along the lake, perfect for little legs.
What kind of terrain and elevation gain should we expect on family-friendly trails in Orleans County?
The family-friendly trails in Orleans County offer a mix of terrain. Easy routes typically feature gentle paths with minimal elevation gain, often along lake shores or through woodlands. Moderate trails, such as those around Mount Pisgah, can involve steady climbs and more rugged paths, with elevation gains ranging from 400 to 500 meters. These provide rewarding views but require a bit more effort.
Are there any trails that offer great views of Lake Willoughby?
Absolutely! Many trails provide spectacular views of Lake Willoughby. For a moderate challenge with incredible vistas, the View from Mount Pisgah – View of Lake Willoughby loop from Mount Hor Trail Access Parking is an excellent choice. It offers stunning perspectives of the lake and surrounding mountains, particularly from Pulpit Rock on Mount Pisgah.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails in Orleans County?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Orleans County, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the views of Lake Willoughby, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful, immersive experience within the dense forests. The variety of trails, from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, is also a common highlight.
Are there any trails that are less crowded for a more peaceful family outing?
While popular spots like Mount Pisgah can see more visitors, exploring areas like the Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area can offer a more secluded experience. For a less-trafficked route with beautiful scenery, consider the View from Mount Pisgah – View of Lake Willoughby loop from Newark Pond Natural Area, which provides a longer, more immersive journey through the landscape.
Can we find any trails that pass by lakes or offer opportunities for lakeside activities?
Many trails in Orleans County are centered around its beautiful lakes. Besides Lake Willoughby, you can find routes near Long Pond. The easy South Beach, Lake Willoughby – Southwest Cove Beach loop is perfect for enjoying the lakeside environment and even offers access to South Beach, Lake Willoughby.
What is the best season to visit Orleans County for family hiking?
Orleans County offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round, but the best seasons for family hiking are typically late spring, summer, and fall. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer provides warm weather perfect for lakeside activities. Fall is particularly spectacular with vibrant foliage, making it a popular time for scenic walks. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.
Are there any trails that lead to a summit with panoramic views?
Yes, Orleans County offers several trails that lead to summits with expansive views. While not directly part of the family-friendly routes listed, the region is known for peaks like Bald Mountain and Jay Peak, which offer rewarding panoramic vistas. For a family-friendly route that still provides impressive views, the moderate trails around Mount Pisgah, such as the View of Lake Willoughby – View from Mount Pisgah loop from Lake Willoughby, offer stunning overlooks of the surrounding landscape and Lake Willoughby.
Most popular routes in Orleans County
Most popular attractions in Orleans County
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more Hikes throughout Orleans County below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
