Things to Do at Hubbard Park
Complete Guide to Hubbard Park in Montpelier
About Hubbard Park
What to See & Do
Hubbard Park Tower
The park's signature 54-foot stone observation tower offers genuinely impressive views across the Winooski River Valley and surrounding mountains. The climb up the spiral staircase is worth it, though it might leave you slightly winded.
Hiking Trail Network
Multiple interconnected trails wind through the park, ranging from easy walks to more challenging climbs. The North Branch Nature Trail is particularly nice for a leisurely stroll, while the steeper routes reward you with better views.
Picnic Areas and Pavilion
Several well-positioned picnic spots scattered throughout the park, including a covered pavilion that's popular for family gatherings. The spots near the tower tend to have the best combination of views and accessibility.
Cross-Country Ski Trails
In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing destination with groomed trails. It's actually one of Montpelier's better winter recreation spots, assuming you're into that sort of thing.
Wildlife Viewing
The park's mix of forest and meadow habitats attracts a decent variety of birds and small mammals. Early morning visits tend to be most rewarding for wildlife spotting, particularly during migration seasons.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open daily from dawn to dusk year-round. The observation tower is typically accessible during daylight hours, weather permitting.
Tickets & Pricing
Free admission and parking. No reservations required, though the pavilion can be reserved for events through the city.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable hiking conditions. Fall foliage season (late September to mid-October) is particularly spectacular from the tower, though expect more crowds.
Suggested Duration
Plan on 1-3 hours depending on how much hiking you want to do. A quick tower visit might take 30 minutes, while exploring the full trail network could easily fill half a day.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
The gold-domed capitol building offers free tours and sits right in downtown Montpelier, about 10 minutes from the park. Worth seeing if you're interested in Vermont's political history.
Saturday morning market in downtown featuring local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. It's got that authentic small-town market feel that actually lives up to the hype.
Community theater in nearby Montpelier that puts on surprisingly professional productions. Check their schedule if you're planning an evening in town.
About 20 minutes north in Waterbury, this working cider mill offers fresh cider donuts and the chance to watch cider being made. Tourist-y but genuinely good.
This Barre cemetery features elaborate granite sculptures and monuments crafted by local stoneworkers. Sounds morbid but it's actually quite fascinating from an artistic perspective.