Honestly, most people driving through Burlington's New North End just see the trees. They see a wall of green and maybe a brown sign while they're heading to the grocery store or North Beach. But if you actually pull over and walk into Ethan Allen Park, you’re standing on some of the weirdest and most storied ground in Vermont.
It’s not just a park. It’s the highest point in the city. It's a massive slab of geology pushed up by a thrust fault millions of years ago, and it happens to be where one of America's most "difficult" founding fathers spent his final days.
The Tower That Isn't From the Revolution
Let’s clear something up right away. The giant stone tower that looks like a chess piece? Ethan Allen didn't build that. He didn't even see it. He died in 1789, and the Ethan Allen Tower wasn't dedicated until 1905.
A lot of folks assume it’s a fort from the Revolutionary War. It’s actually a memorial built by the Sons of the American Revolution on land donated by William Van Patten. Van Patten was a local civic leader who basically decided Burlington needed a world-class park, so he let his horse, Mattie, wander the hills to find the easiest paths for people to walk.
Those paths Mattie picked? They’re still the trails you walk today.
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The tower itself is about 40 feet high and made of stone blasted out of the ridge with dynamite. If you visit between Mother’s Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, you can usually climb to the top. The view is arguably the best in Chittenden County. You’ve got the Adirondacks to the west, the Green Mountains to the east, and Lake Champlain sitting right there like a blue carpet.
Why Ethan Allen Park Matters to Burlington Today
This place is 67 acres of urban forest. In 2026, finding that much "wild" space inside city limits is a rarity. It’s a core piece of the Burlington Wildways, a network that connects the city's green spaces so wildlife (and hikers) can actually move around without hitting a parking lot every five minutes.
The park is basically a massive ridge. Because of that ancient thrust fault, the geology here is totally different from the sandy flats near the lake. You’ve got steep cliffs, erratic boulders, and deep pockets of hemlock and oak that stay cool even when the humidity in downtown Burlington is hitting 90%.
Trails, Gazebos, and the "Pinnacle"
If you aren't into climbing stairs in a stone tower, you should head for the Pinnacle.
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It’s the other major lookout in the park. There’s a wooden gazebo there—also thanks to Van Patten—and it’s usually much quieter than the tower area. To get there, you’ll follow the paved path from the main entrance at North Avenue and Ethan Allen Parkway.
- The Main Loop: It’s about 4 miles of trails total if you hit all the spurs.
- Surface: It’s a mix. You’ve got smooth asphalt for strollers and bikes, but the side trails are dirt, roots, and occasionally some pretty steep rock scrambles.
- The Bridge: At the northeast end, there’s a big wooden-deck trestle bridge. This is the "secret" exit that crosses over VT-127 and dumps you onto the bike path that leads straight to the Ethan Allen Homestead.
The Bootlegger History Nobody Mentions
Back in the early 20th century, this park wasn't just for quiet Sunday strolls. It was a legit entertainment hub. There were concerts, dances, and—during Prohibition—it was a notorious spot for bootleg liquor.
The rugged terrain made it easy to hide a bottle (or ten) from the local authorities. It’s funny to think about while you’re watching a toddler play on the playground near the entrance today, but the park has always been a bit of a "rebel" space, fitting for its namesake.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't just show up and expect a visitor center with a gift shop. This is a city park, not a museum.
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- Parking: There’s a dedicated lot at the corner of North Avenue and Ethan Allen Parkway. It fits maybe 20 cars. If it’s a sunny Saturday, it’ll be full by 10 AM.
- Restrooms: There aren't any. Seriously. The nearest public bathrooms are usually at the Ethan Allen Homestead (a mile away via the trail) or down at Leddy Park. Plan accordingly.
- The Tower Hours: The tower is generally open 9 AM to 7 PM, but it’s seasonal. If it’s raining or it's a random Tuesday in November, it’s going to be locked.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a leash. The "Wildways" designation means there are deer, foxes, and occasionally bears moving through here. Plus, the cliffs are no joke—you don't want a distracted pup wandering off a ledge.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want the "local" experience, skip the tower first. Enter from the 127 Bike Path via the trestle bridge. You get to climb the ridge through the woods, which makes the view at the top feel earned.
Most people just walk the paved loop. If you have decent shoes, take the dirt "carriage roads" that branch off. They’re quieter, and you’ll see the massive rock formations that make this ridge so unique.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the weather for a clear afternoon and head to the park about 90 minutes before sunset. Walk to the Ethan Allen Tower first to catch the light hitting the Adirondacks, then move over to the Pinnacle gazebo for the final colors. If you’re feeling ambitious, use the trestle bridge to hike down to the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum to see where the man himself actually lived—it’s only a 0.8-mile trek from the bridge.