(How Burlington's Accessible Outdoor Spaces Have Made it Easier for Me to Get Outdoors)

This op-ed was written by UVM student Abby Spires as part of a public communications service learning project.

As a college student, my life often feels like a rotation of deadlines, group projects, and the constant pressure to keep up. But getting outside has always been my reset button. The one thing that lets me breathe a little deeper and remember there’s a world beyond my Brightspace notifications. As a freshman, moving away from home and my normal routine, I worried that the demands of school and a new place would make it harder to spend time outdoors. Instead, Vermont’s accessible outdoor spaces have made it easier than ever.

Burlington is uniquely positioned for students who crave time outside but don’t have endless free hours. Within minutes, I can trade the noise of campus for the quiet of a walking trail. Whether I have an entire Saturday or only a 45-minute break between classes, there’s always somewhere to go. That accessibility has changed my relationship with the outdoors, not as a big weekend commitment, but as something I can weave into everyday life.

As someone who loves to ski and hike, I used to think outdoor recreation required planning, driving, and dedicating full days to gear and logistics. Burlington proves otherwise. The city’s network of trails, like those in the Intervale or along the waterfront, offer quick hikes and walks that still feel meaningful. The bike path is reliably plowed in winter, making it possible to get fresh air even when the temperature drops. And for students without cars, this matters! You don’t need to own heavy-duty equipment or travel hours to experience nature.

Skiing, of course, is a Vermont staple and one of my favorite ways to decompress. Mountains like Bolton and Sugarbush are close enough for half-day trips, which means skiing isn’t just a vacation activity but a regular part of my routine. As a freshman without a car, UVM Ski and Snowboard Club's bus service and student deals make it even more accessible, removing the financial and transportation barriers that keep many college students away from the slopes.

But what I’ve come to appreciate most is that “getting outside” in Burlington doesn’t have to be extreme. Sometimes it’s sitting by the lake with friends, talking the long way to class, or catching a glimpse of the mountains glowing at sunset. These small, everyday interactions with nature shape my mental well-being just as much as the bigger adventures.

Some of my favorite local outdoor activities include:

Walk or Bike the Burlington Bike Path & Colchester Causeway
The Island Line Rail Trail, better known as the Burlington Bike Path, stretches almost 15 miles, starting at Oakledge Park in South Burlington and ending in Colchester. Of course, you don't have to tackle the entire thing. There are several entrances and exits throughout the trail, letting you customize your desired walking or biking mileage. My personal favorite route is starting at the Burlington Sailing Center and walking to Leddy Overlook. As the days get longer, my favorite time to go is sunset! The Colchester Causeway begins at the end of the Burlington Bike Path and offers panoramic views of Lake Champlain as the trail crosses over the water. You can park at the trailhead to enjoy the almost 11-mile out-and-back trail all the way to South Hero, Vermont!

Take a Hike!
Some of my favorites include:

● Libby’s Look in Bolton, VT
● Journeys End Trail in Jay, VT
● Stealing Pond Trail in Jeffersonville, VT
● Dana Hill Road Loop in Waitsfield, VT
● Bolton Fire Tower in Bolton, VT

I would recommend downloading the AllTrails app for updates on trail and road closures, downloadable routes, and recent pictures from other hikers!

More Weekend Events:
Check out Hello Burlington's website for even more events! (editors note: Local Motion's events page also includes biking and walking events statewide!)

Getting outside here isn’t a privilege reserved for those with time, money, or expertise. It’s a shared part of life. Easy, welcoming, and constantly within reach. And as a student trying to balance everything, that accessibility is exactly what keeps me grounded.