Ethan Allen Park

The Ethan Allen Bike Path, Loop, and Ridge Trail offers a delightful and varied hiking experience within Burlington's historic Ethan Allen Park. You'll traverse a mix of paved sections, packed earth, gravel, and boardwalks, all beneath a dense tree canopy that provides shade and a refreshing escape. The highlight of this easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) route is undoubtedly the panoramic views from the Ethan Allen Tower and the Pinnacle, where you can gaze out over Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Green Mountains.

This trail is a great option for a quick outing, taking approximately 59 minutes to complete with a gentle 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain. The Ethan Allen Tower, a key viewpoint, is open seasonally, typically on weekends from Mother's Day to Indigenous People's Day, and weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Consider visiting during these times to fully experience the tower's vistas, and be aware that some sections of the trail can be wet.

Ethan Allen Park itself holds significant historical value as one of the country's first public forest parks, once owned by Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen. Beyond its historical roots, the park serves as an important connection point within the Burlington Wildways Trail system, linking to other green spaces and the 127 Bike Path. This makes it a central hub for exploring the natural beauty of the New North End and the Burlington Intervale.

The Ethan Allen Park & Donahue Sea Caves loop offers a delightful escape into nature, combining woodland trails with unique geological formations and stunning vistas. You'll wander through diverse Vermont ecosystems, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from the Ethan Allen Tower, and discover the ancient limestone Donahue Sea Caves. This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) hike, with a modest 113 feet (34 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 32 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely outing.

Planning your visit to this Burlington gem is relatively simple, though seasonal considerations are key for the Donahue Sea Caves. While the park trails are always open, the sea caves themselves are best explored by canoe or kayak in warmer months, or safely on ice skates when the pond freezes in winter. Parking is readily available at Ethan Allen Park, so you can easily access the trailhead. To make the most of your time and avoid peak crowds, consider starting your hike earlier in the day.

This trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Donahue Sea Caves were carved by the ancient Champlain Sea over 10,000 years ago, offering a glimpse into the region's geological past. Ethan Allen Park itself is one of the oldest urban forest parks in the U.S., named after the Revolutionary War hero. The marshland near the caves is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, where you might even catch sight of blue herons or egrets.