Centennial Woods Natural Area - Image 1
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Centennial Woods Natural Area

4.5
·156 reviews·Burlington, United States

A serene 65-acre natural area in Burlington, VT, featuring winding forest trails, rustic boardwalks, and peaceful streams.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy solitude

CrowdLow
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Centennial Woods Natural Area - Image 1

Centennial Woods Natural Area

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy solitude

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene 65-acre natural area in Burlington, VT, featuring winding forest trails, rustic boardwalks, and peaceful streams.

4.5
(156 reviews)

"Neat little gem in the heart of Burlington that I otherwise would not have even known existed."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends along! Centennial Woods is a great spot for dog walks with varied terrain and scenic views.

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Some trails can be steep or a bit overgrown. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for a better hiking experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rustic Boardwalks

Rustic Boardwalks

Throughout the woods

Wander through serene forests on charming wooden pathways, offering a unique perspective of the natural landscape.

Forest Trails

Forest Trails

Various trailheads

Explore a network of winding paths through mature forests, perfect for a peaceful nature walk or a more vigorous hike.

Stream Crossings

Stream Crossings

Along the trails

Discover gentle streams and small waterways that add to the tranquil ambiance of this natural preserve.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover a Hidden Gem

Centennial Woods is a surprisingly expansive natural area tucked within Burlington. Many locals and visitors alike are unaware of its existence, making it a peaceful escape. Plan for a few hours to explore its diverse trails and rustic boardwalks.

Trail Navigation Tips

While the trails offer a good network for exploration, they can be winding and some areas might be a bit overgrown. It's wise to keep track of your path, especially if you plan on a longer trek. The quiet atmosphere means you'll often have the woods to yourself.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy solitude
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tiny cabin update! Reclaimed siding is from #CentennialWoods ♻️ #CottageCore, but make it modern 🌲 #tinyhome #cabincore #renovation #cabinlife
@ksenia.avdulove
52.7K likes • 643.8K views

🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends along! Centennial Woods is a great spot for dog walks with varied terrain and scenic views. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Some trails can be steep or a bit overgrown. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for a better hiking experience. Reddit

Visit Chittenden County's WILDEST place, Centennial Woods! Ben Willis and Lori Anderson of @uvmnaturalareas traverse the trails, tree stands and bridges of this one of a kind natural area. This is the second in our on-going series about @universityofvermont's natual areas -- celebrating 50 years! Now get yer boots or yer go-fasters and take a hike! #Vermont #vermont #vermonting #vermontlife #vermo...
acrossthefence55
17 likes • 265 views
Literally surrounded by Hermit Thrushes while hiking the Centennial Woods Natural Área in Burlington, VT. I forgot how cool their sounds are 🎶 #Hiking #hike #hikemore #hikeyourownhike #hikevibes #hikevermont #nature #naturelovers #naturegeography #wildlife #wildlifeofinstagram #hermitthrush #hermitthrushes #thrushes #bird #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdstagram #birdwatching #birdcallsblog #birdlov...
jamesfalletti
59 likes • 432 views

🗺️ Trail Awareness

The trails are winding and can be confusing. Keep an eye on your surroundings to easily find your way back. Reddit

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

This spot is a hidden gem with few visitors, offering a peaceful escape right in Burlington. Reddit

reddit.com

Centennial Woods is Loaded with Poison Ivy

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Pet-Friendly Trails

Bring your furry friends along! Centennial Woods is a great spot for dog walks with varied terrain and scenic views. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Some trails can be steep or a bit overgrown. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for a better hiking experience. Reddit

🗺️ Trail Awareness

The trails are winding and can be confusing. Keep an eye on your surroundings to easily find your way back. Reddit

🤫 Embrace the Quiet

This spot is a hidden gem with few visitors, offering a peaceful escape right in Burlington. Reddit

📸 Nature Photography

Capture the beauty of the woods, from towering trees to the sounds of local birds like the Hermit Thrush. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(156 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Centennial Woods is a well-loved, quiet natural area in Burlington, praised for its peaceful atmosphere and diverse trails. Visitors appreciate its hidden gem status and the opportunity for a serene walk. Some note that trails can be overgrown and navigation requires attention, but overall, it's considered a beautiful escape.

"Neat little gem in the heart of Burlington that I otherwise would not have even known existed, if it were not for a friend that mentioned something about it the other day. I had no idea where to park my car, but my son and I hopped on the trail and trekked through the woods for about two hours looking all around. Pretty cool trail system lots of turns and different paths to choose.
I feel like this is something that a lot of people I've talked to don't even know exist oh, but then I mentioned it to another friend whose only lived here for a couple years and they know exactly what I'm talking about and where it is.
I've been here for almost 20 years and had no clue how silly but pretty cool."

F. G.

"Got in town for a work trip and wanted to stretch my legs. This is a beautiful woods and a great example of what rural Vermont is all about. Enormous maple trees and beautiful foliage. Highly recommend."

Todd Mitchell

"Beautiful, quiet place right in Burlington. Easily walk for 30 minutes or 2 hours. Some steep climbs to get the heart pumping, boardwalks, fairly well maintained paths. Some parts a bit overgrown. Nice to walk because there are not many people who go here."

Molly Maroney

What People Like

Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Hidden gem in Burlington
Varied trail system

What People Dislike

Overgrown trail sections
Confusing trail network

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Centennial Woods Natural Area is situated in Burlington, Vermont. While it's a 65-acre preserve, it's often described as a hidden gem, meaning parking and specific access points might not be immediately obvious. It's recommended to look for trailheads that lead into the wooded area. Reddit

Information on dedicated parking can be scarce, and some visitors have noted uncertainty about where to park. It's advisable to research local access points or be prepared for a short walk from nearby residential areas if official parking is limited. Reddit

Public transport options to Centennial Woods can be limited due to its somewhat secluded nature within the city. Checking local Burlington transit routes for stops near the preserve's perimeter would be the best approach. Reddit

Yes, the trails wind throughout the area, suggesting multiple access points. Visitors have mentioned finding different paths and turns, indicating a network of trails rather than a single main entrance. Reddit

Look for openings in the trees or established paths that lead into the wooded areas. Some visitors have found it helpful to ask locals or use online maps that show trail networks within the preserve. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Centennial Woods Natural Area is a public preserve and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free natural space for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

As a natural area, Centennial Woods is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official posted hours, but it's best to visit during safe daylight times. Reddit

There is no admission fee to explore Centennial Woods. It's a public natural area maintained for the community. Reddit

Yes, Centennial Woods can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different experience, from spring greenery to autumn foliage. Reddit

General park rules apply, such as staying on trails and respecting the natural environment. It's a place for quiet enjoyment of nature. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Centennial Woods features a network of winding forest trails and rustic boardwalks. Some sections can be steep, offering a bit of a workout, while others are more gentle. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great spot for hiking, offering trails that can accommodate short strolls or longer explorations of up to two hours. The varied terrain makes it interesting. Reddit

Yes, Centennial Woods is a pet-friendly area, making it a popular choice for dog walkers looking for scenic trails. Reddit

Centennial Woods is known for being a quiet place with relatively few visitors, especially on weekdays. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude. Reddit

You might encounter various bird species, including the Hermit Thrush, known for its distinctive song. The preserve's forests and streams support local wildlife. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The rustic boardwalks winding through the forest, the mature maple trees, and the gentle streams offer picturesque scenes. The changing foliage in autumn is particularly stunning. Instagram

Yes, it's an excellent location for nature photography, with diverse flora, potential wildlife sightings like birds, and the serene atmosphere of the woods. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage in natural areas can vary. It's best to check local ordinances or contact the managing authority for Centennial Woods before flying a drone. Instagram

The unique reclaimed siding of a tiny cabin, mentioned in a TikTok, could be an interesting subject for photographers interested in rustic or cottagecore aesthetics. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Centennial Woods offers a gentle introduction to nature for families. The winding trails and boardwalks provide an engaging environment for children to explore. While some paths can be a bit overgrown, the overall experience is safe and enjoyable for a family outing. Remember to bring snacks and water, and keep an eye on little ones as they navigate the varied terrain. Reddit

It's a great place for a short, educational walk where kids can discover different plants, listen to bird songs, and enjoy the feeling of being in a forest. The quiet atmosphere means you won't be battling crowds, allowing for a more relaxed family experience. Consider making it a treasure hunt for interesting leaves or rocks to keep them entertained. Reddit

🐾 Dog Owners

Centennial Woods is a fantastic destination for dog owners looking for a scenic and relatively uncrowded place to walk their pets. The varied trails offer enough interest to keep your canine companion engaged, and the natural setting is perfect for a good sniff and exploration. Reddit

Ensure your dog is on a leash, as is standard practice in natural areas, and be prepared for some of the trails to be a bit uneven or overgrown. The peaceful environment means your dog can enjoy the walk without excessive distractions from other people or animals. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solitude Seekers

If you're looking for a peaceful escape, Centennial Woods is your spot. It's frequently described as a hidden gem with very few visitors, especially during weekdays. This allows for a truly tranquil experience, where you can immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and enjoy the quiet beauty of the woods. Reddit

The winding trails offer a sense of discovery, and the lack of crowds means you can often have sections of the park entirely to yourself. It's the perfect place for a contemplative walk, meditation, or simply to disconnect and recharge in a natural setting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails of Centennial Woods

Centennial Woods Natural Area boasts a network of trails that cater to various walking preferences. Visitors can expect a mix of well-maintained paths and some areas that might be a bit overgrown, adding to the natural feel. The trails wind through mature forests, featuring large maple trees that are particularly striking in autumn. Many paths are relatively flat, but some sections include steeper climbs, offering a good opportunity to get the heart pumping. Reddit

The presence of rustic boardwalks is a distinctive feature, allowing visitors to traverse marshy or wet areas while minimizing impact on the environment. These boardwalks add a charming, almost whimsical element to the hiking experience. The streams and small waterways encountered along the trails contribute to the tranquil and serene atmosphere of the preserve. TikTok

For those looking for a longer exploration, the trail system allows for walks of up to two hours. However, due to the winding nature of the paths, it's advisable to keep track of your route to ensure you can easily find your way back. The relative lack of crowds means you can often enjoy the sounds of nature, including bird songs, in peace. Reddit

A Haven for Wildlife and Nature Enthusiasts

Centennial Woods is a vital green space within Burlington, offering a sanctuary for local flora and fauna. The 65-acre preserve is characterized by its dense forests, providing habitat for various species. Birdwatchers, in particular, might be delighted by the presence of birds like the Hermit Thrush, whose unique calls can often be heard echoing through the trees. Instagram

The natural streams and wooded areas create a diverse ecosystem that supports a range of wildlife. While not a large wilderness area, it provides a valuable pocket of nature for urban dwellers and visitors. The mature trees, including large maples, are a testament to the preserve's established natural state and contribute significantly to its scenic beauty, especially during the fall foliage season. Reddit

This natural area serves as an excellent example of rural Vermont's natural beauty, even within city limits. It's a place where one can appreciate the simple, quiet beauty of the woods, observe natural processes, and enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Reddit

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