OK, so calling the trip to Hubbard Park Tower in Montpelier VT a “hike” might be stretching it, although it depends on the weather.
We visited Montpelier in May when it was 75-80° and sunny most days. I was therefore able to walk the trail in flip-flops without any issues, but you’d need more serious footwear – and presumably snowshoes – after heavy snowfall.
Hubbard Park Tower is found on a hill behind the Vermont State House and is the highest point of Hubbard Park.
There are several trails you can take to Hubbard Park Tower from both the north and south of the tower. We took the Statehouse Trail on the way up and the Pond-Tower Link on the way back. The city of Montpelier has a full map of Hubbard Park; below is a screenshot of the section that we hiked.
To get to the start of the Statehouse Trail, walk towards the front of the Vermont State House, then start walking through the parking lot to the right of the building.
As you come to the end of the parking lot, take the set of steps leading up to the left just before you get to Greenwood Terrace.
At the top of the steps you’ll find a well-defined trail. I didn’t notice trail blazes on any trees, but the path should be obvious (at least when there’s no snow anyway).
After about half a mile, you’ll reach a clearing at the top of the hill and straight in front of you will be Hubbard Park Tower. Construction of the 54 foot high tower began in 1915 although it wasn’t completed until 1930.
Walk around to the right and you’ll see its entrance with steps so that you can climb to the top.
It’s worth making the effort to walk to the top of Hubbard Park Tower as you get some great views of Montpelier and beyond.
Once you’re done taking in the surrounding landscape, take the steps back down. To return to downtown Montpelier, I’d recommend taking a different trail back down. When approaching the tower, you come at it from the south east; for the return leg, take the Pond-Tower link which is to the north east of the tower and heads back into the woods.
The path meets up with Corse St after less than quarter of a mile, so follow the road down to the right once you get there. After a little while, you’ll come to the junction of Corse St and Cliff St.
The reason I recommended taking this route back down is because you get a stunning view of downtown Montpelier.
Follow the road a little further and you’ll come to Court St. Turn left, then take an immediate right on Elm St – after a couple of blocks, you’ll be back on State St with the State House to your right.
Final Thoughts
The hike up to Hubbard Park Tower is short and definitely worth the effort. The tower gives beautiful views of the area, while the journey back down gives stunning views of downtown Montpelier.
I’d also recommend going on a free audio tour in the Vermont State House before or after the hike.
Went there several times with my Aunt.