Centennial Woods Natural Area
A serene 65-acre natural area in Burlington, VT, featuring winding forest trails, rustic boardwalks, and peaceful streams.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Enjoy solitude
Centennial Woods Natural Area
Best Time
Enjoy solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 65-acre natural area in Burlington, VT, featuring winding forest trails, rustic boardwalks, and peaceful streams.
"Neat little gem in the heart of Burlington that I otherwise would not have even known existed."
🐾 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rustic Boardwalks
Throughout the woods
Wander through serene forests on charming wooden pathways, offering a unique perspective of the natural landscape.
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
Along the trails
Discover gentle streams and small waterways that add to the tranquil ambiance of this natural preserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover a Hidden Gem
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 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.
🗺️ Trail Awareness
The trails are winding and can be confusing. Keep an eye on your surroundings to easily find your way back.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This spot is a hidden gem with few visitors, offering a peaceful escape right in Burlington.
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.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Some trails can be steep or a bit overgrown. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for a better hiking experience.
🗺️ Trail Awareness
The trails are winding and can be confusing. Keep an eye on your surroundings to easily find your way back.
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This spot is a hidden gem with few visitors, offering a peaceful escape right in Burlington.
📸 Nature Photography
Capture the beauty of the woods, from towering trees to the sounds of local birds like the Hermit Thrush.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
There is no admission fee to explore Centennial Woods. It's a public natural area maintained for the community.
Yes, Centennial Woods can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different experience, from spring greenery to autumn foliage.
General park rules apply, such as staying on trails and respecting the natural environment. It's a place for quiet enjoyment of nature.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
Yes, Centennial Woods is a pet-friendly area, making it a popular choice for dog walkers looking for scenic trails.
Centennial Woods is known for being a quiet place with relatively few visitors, especially on weekdays. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude.
You might encounter various bird species, including the Hermit Thrush, known for its distinctive song. The preserve's forests and streams support local wildlife.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, it's an excellent location for nature photography, with diverse flora, potential wildlife sightings like birds, and the serene atmosphere of the woods.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🐾 Dog Owners
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.
🚶♀️ Solitude Seekers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Centennial Woods
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.
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.
A Haven for Wildlife and Nature Enthusiasts
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.
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.
Social
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