Ethan Allen Park and Tower
Historic park with a prominent tower offering panoramic views of Lake Champlain and Burlington.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Ethan Allen Park and Tower
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic park with a prominent tower offering panoramic views of Lake Champlain and Burlington.
"The tower at the top of the hill gives a view of all of Burlington and Lake Champlain. It's breathtaking."
🎯 Climb the Tower!
The view from the top is spectacular and worth the hike.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to the tower.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ethan Allen Tower
Top of the hill
Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Burlington and Lake Champlain.
Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy serene walks through shady trees and natural landscapes. Paved paths are great for all.
Sunset Views
From the tower or park overlooks
Witness spectacular sunsets over Lake Champlain, a favorite local pastime.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Tower Visit
Trail Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb the Tower!
The view from the top is spectacular and worth the hike.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to the tower.
📸 Capture the sunset
The park offers incredible sunset vistas over Lake Champlain.
🐶 Dog-friendly park
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails for a lovely walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb the Tower!
The view from the top is spectacular and worth the hike.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Trails can be steep and uneven, especially to the tower.
📸 Capture the sunset
The park offers incredible sunset vistas over Lake Champlain.
🐶 Dog-friendly park
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails for a lovely walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ethan Allen Park and Tower for its stunning panoramic views, especially from the tower summit, and its accessible trails. It's a beloved spot for family outings, dog walks, and enjoying nature. Some visitors note that tower access can be restricted, and the trail to the tower is steeper than the main paths.
"Really nice time outdoors with the family. Hiking is not to hard and the tower is deep with history."
Rene Miller
"Great views, easy to get to. Main paths are paved, but there's a more narrow, steeper trail that will lead to the tower. Definitely go up it and check out the view, it's breathtaking. The tower is also pretty close to the entrance so you don't have to walk through the whole park if you don't want to. The rest of the trail is pretty much just a nice serene walk in the woods."
Harrison McClarren
"Lovely park for a walk with the dog. The tower at the top of the hill gives a view of all of Burlington and Lake Champlain. Unfortunately, it is closed right now due to the pandemic. But it’s still a great hike up the hill to it and you can still see pretty far from the base of it.
There is a modern playground (also closed now) and many wonderful crevices and rock formations that would be great for kids to explore."
Mrs. Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ethan Allen Park is located at 1006 North Ave in Burlington, Vermont. It's easily accessible by car and offers parking within the park. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the North End of Burlington.
Yes, there is parking available within the park, making it convenient to access the trails and the tower.
While the Ethan Allen Express train stops in Burlington, it does not directly serve Ethan Allen Park. You would need to arrange local transportation from the train station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ethan Allen Park and its trails are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees.
The tower's access can be restricted due to weather, maintenance, or seasonal closures. It's best to check for current accessibility status before your visit.
Ethan Allen Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for the tower itself may vary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can hike to the historic Ethan Allen Tower for panoramic views, enjoy a serene walk on paved or natural trails, explore rock formations, and utilize the playground.
The main paths are paved and easy, but the trail directly to the tower is narrower and steeper, offering a moderate hike.
Absolutely! The tower offers breathtaking views perfect for photography, especially during sunset.
Yes, the park features a playground and interesting rock formations that children love to explore.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in Ethan Allen Park, making it a great spot for a walk with your pet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within Ethan Allen Park itself. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in downtown Burlington before or after your visit.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in Ethan Allen Park. There are open areas perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal amidst nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of the Ethan Allen Tower provides unparalleled panoramic shots of Burlington and Lake Champlain. The surrounding trails also offer beautiful natural scenery, especially during fall foliage.
Late afternoon leading into sunset offers the most dramatic lighting. Aim to be at the tower or a scenic overlook about an hour before sunset for the best golden hour and twilight shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Burlington Parks Department for current rules regarding drone usage in public parks to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Additionally, the park's natural rock formations offer exciting opportunities for kids to explore and imagine. While the main paths are paved and easy for strollers, the hike to the tower is a moderate climb that older children might enjoy. Even if the tower is closed, the journey up the hill offers rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. Packing snacks and water is a good idea, as there are no concessions on-site, but plenty of scenic spots for a family picnic.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Beyond the tower ascent, the park's network of natural trails allows for longer exploration through wooded areas. These paths are ideal for those looking to extend their hike or enjoy a more immersive nature walk. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as some trails can be uneven.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Ethan Allen Tower
While the main park paths are accessible, the final ascent to the tower involves a steeper, narrower trail. This hike is considered moderate and offers a rewarding experience for those who make the climb. It's important to note that tower access can be subject to closure due to weather conditions, particularly ice and snow in winter, or for maintenance. Always check local advisories before planning your visit to ensure you can access the tower.
Many visitors highlight the tower as the park's main attraction, emphasizing the spectacular vistas as a must-see. Even when the tower is closed, the hike up the hill still provides excellent vantage points for enjoying the scenery and capturing memorable photographs.
Exploring Ethan Allen Park's Trails
For those seeking a more adventurous hike, narrower, steeper trails lead to the summit where the Ethan Allen Tower is located. These paths offer a moderate challenge and are popular with locals and visitors alike. The trails are well-maintained, though they can become uneven, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended.
Beyond the direct path to the tower, the park features naturalistic trails that meander through wooded areas, showcasing the region's flora and fauna. These trails are perfect for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape. The park also boasts interesting rock formations and crevices that add to the exploratory appeal, especially for younger visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit