Burlington Greenway (multi-use path)

See our interactive Greenway Plow map! BPRW staff plow the path 24-72 hours after a snow storm, read BPRW’s plowing policy here. We do not add salt or sand to the Greenway due its proximity to the lake and the potential for runoff of contamination. Please use extreme caution on slippery surfaces or choose alternate routes along the salted roadways.

Burlington’s Outdoor Ice Rinks

BPRW hosts outdoor ice skating rinks in select park locations when the temperature and conditions are right. Most of the rinks rely on volunteer workforce and management. Thank you volunteers! Visit our social media for updates on conditions.

Please note: skating or walking on the ice in warmer conditions, or while ice is forming, can be dangerous and can negatively affect future skating conditions.

Outdoor Rink Locations (weather dependent):

Calahan Park Rink

Lakeside Park Rink

Starr Farm Park Rink

Roosevelt Park Rink

Arthur Park & the Sea Caves (see important safety info below)

As winter conditions are variable, please keep off the ice if it’s soft. Learn more about this popular winter spot here.

Skating on “wild ice” is at your own risk. Make sure to take the following precautions:

Safety Tips for skating on wild ice

1. Always skate with a buddy (a member of your household)
2. Check for ice thickness and quality (test for at least 4″ of solid ice)
3. Wear a helmet
4. Supervise children at all times
5. Go during daylight hours
6. Wear a PFD under your coat

Be a Good Steward of the Land

Arthur Park is home to many large mammals such as fox, mink, racoon, and fisher cat.

• Stay on the trail when venturing to the Sea Caves.
• Avoid exploring the cliffs or the areas where the ice meets the cliffs. These areas are special travel
  and hunting grounds for wildlife.
• Leave no trace. Pack in / pack out your trash and belongings.

Snow Shoeing and XC Skiing

Ski to the East! We plow the western (lake-side) side of the Greenway path, to allow for skiing on the eastern side of the path, and a lane for cycling, walking/running on the western side, and snowshoeing on the far westernmost side. For more ski trails, head over to the Intervale!

Find more outdoor activities this winter

Stave off the winter blues by staying active. Studies show that just 2 hours of time spent outside in nature per week provide noticeable health benefits!

Use the interactive map below to find more winter fun near you:

Click to view the map in your browser.

Descriptions:

• 127 Bike Path – This path is not plowed or salted during the winter season. Enjoy the pathway, it is often tracked out by cross country skiers and offers a fun connection to the Ethan Allen Homestead and the Intervale. We highly recommend shoes and bikes designed to handle icy conditions on the path. 

• Arms Forest – Come out to enjoy one of Burlington’s hidden natural gems featuring over 3 miles of walking/hiking trails.  When conditions allow, xc skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing are popular activities.  Winter parking for this area can be accessed from behind the North Ave Church.  

• Battery Park – BPRW maintains an ice rink at this location. These are essentially big puddles that we create once the ground has frozen. We add water to keep them smooth throughout the winter. Please follow any signs, and don’t skate or play on the rink when the ice is soft. Follow posted signs. Tracks on the slushy surface can ruin the rink for skating. 

• Burlington Greenway – To support multi-use recreation on the path, BPRW plows the minimum width of the path corridor and pushes snow to the western side of the path for cross country skiing: Ski to the east! Salt and sand are not typically used (recognizing the harmful impact on lake health), read BPRW’s plowing policy here. Snow shoes and bikes designed to handle icy conditions are recommended. 

• Calahan Park – This beautiful park located in the South End of Burlington on Locust Street provides a variety of winter recreation opportunities.  The Calahan sledding hill is one of the most popular winter sledding spots in Burlington and safe for all ages. The Calahan ice rink is open when weather permits. Rink is maintained by volunteers and is lighted during the evenings. There is also an Ice Skate Loaner Program for families who do not own their own skates.  https://www.facebook.com/calahanparkcommunityrink  

• Centennial Woods – This 70-acre nature preserve is home to diverse habitat of forests & streams, with hiking trails & rustic boardwalks. The 3.8 mile loop trail offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running. The location is managed by UVM. 

• Derway Island –  One of Burlington’s hidden gems.  Come enjoy one of the wildest places in Burlington, home to old growth silver maples. This is a great place to walk, ski or snowshoe. Visit the WVPD website for more info: https://www.wvpd.org/derway-island/ 

• Ethan Allen Park – This Urban Wild has a variety of trails.  Enjoy a walk, snowshoe, ski or bike.  No winter maintenance to trails.  Weather permitting, it makes a great gateway to the 127 bike path, the Ethan Allen Homestead and Burlington’s Intervale. There’s also some small hills for sledding with the little ones. 

• Ethan Allen Homestead – the Homestead is an exciting place to explore in the winter.  The floodplain terrain makes for a great place to take a gentle ski or stroll.  No winter trail maintenance means conditions will be variable.  Visit the WVPD website for more info: https://www.wvpd.org/ethan-allen-homestead/ 

• Intervale Center/McKenzie Park – When weather permits, come any day to enjoy over 3 miles of groomed cross country ski trails for skate and classic skiing and snowshoeing.  Check out and contribute to the updated trail conditions HERE.  Bring your dogs on leash and try out skijoring!  These trails are 100% supported by our community and people like you so consider volunteering and donating to support the program. Join the Intervale Center for “Trees on Skis” classes to learn to identify the trees that live in our beautiful floodplain forest while you learn to ski. See what animals live at the Intervale and how they go about their days and nights with our wildlife tracking events.  Be sure to keep an eye out for all snow related pop-up classes and clinics by visiting their events and activities page and be sure to subscribe to their newsletter!

• Lakeside Park –  The skating rink at Lakeside is maintained by volunteers in the community with support from the Department. The rink has lights for evening skating and provides loaner skates! Consider supporting the communities that make it happen!  https://www.facebook.com/Lakeside-Skating-Rink-439944602731945  

• Lakeview Cemetery – Looking for a place to find some solitude and quiet?  Visit Lakeview Cemetery.  Many roads wind their way through the cemetery and make a great place to take a walk, ski, or showshoe.  Some roads are plowed, but variable and sometimes icy terrain persists.  Please use this space with care and respect. 

• Leddy Park – Leddy offers forested and field areas as well as sandy beach.  There is an informal loop trail throughout the park that makes a wonderful place to get out, stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. 

• North Beach – We do not plan to groom this year, but skiers, snowshoers and walkers are welcome to make their own trails.  

• Oakledge Park – There’s lots of space to play in Oakledge when it snows. Walk through the wooded trails, or snowshoe around the perimeter. Little ones can sled in the hills on the southern end of the park. 

• Old Manhattan Landfill  – A lesser known area to explore in the Winter, the large expanse of the City’s once active landfill (it’s now capped with soil and vegetation) makes a great place to get away from things while not being too far away at all.  Access via Manhattan Drive 127 bike path entrance. 

• Rock Point – One of Burlington’s Natural Wonders, Rock Point is a special place of wonderment and rejuvenation, of discovery and transformation. Rock Point encompasses 130 acres of publicly accessible conserved lands. Trails may take users on outcropped areas and uneven terrain so please use caution, especially if icy conditions exist.  Please visit the Rock Point website before visiting to learn about important property updates. 

• Roosevelt Park – Roosevelt Park has lots of open space for building snow forts and snow sculptures! Whenever possible, our Park staff dumps a BIG pile of snow in the park for kids to let their creativity run wild. 

• Salmon Hole Park – Salmon Hole is always a dynamic place to visit.  Winter conditions can be variable and the trails and access are not maintained.  Please use this space with caution as high currents in the River in these sections persist through the winter.  If conditions allow access, the Riverwalk trail marks the beginning of the Wildways trail. https://www.wvpd.org/salmon-hole-park-riverwalk-trail/ 

• Sea Caves/Arthur Park – Looking for a classic pond skating experience?  Look no further.  Once ice conditions allow, this park boasts some of the most classic skating opportunities out there.  The winter is also a special time to visit this area because the Sea Caves are available to view at a closer range due to the frozen conditions.  Please use this space with care and respect for the many different wild mammal species who use it for their home and feeding. We plan to create and  maintain a skating loop, and a rink or two for hockey! Park at the High School across the street. Be careful getting down the hill. Traction devices are recommended!

• Schifilliti Park – Play disc golf in the winter. The 9-hole course is open year-round to give our community one more good reason to get outside and play! The course is designed by Chris Young of Disc Golf Vermont  

• Schmanska Park – Join neighbors at Schmanska Park for winter play, pop-up events and sledding as the weather allows. 

• Starr Farm Park – When the weather is right, this large park in the far north end is an ideal place to play.  BPRW maintains an ice rink at this location. When the ground has frozen, we add water to a depression and help keep it smooth throughout the winter. Please follow any signs, and don’t skate or play on the rink when the ice is soft. Tracks on the slushy surface can ruin it for skating. This is another location where our Parks staff creates large piles of snow for kids to let their creativity run wild. 

• Smalley Park – Smalley Park has lots of opportunities for outdoor winter play for younger kids, from the natural playground to smaller hills for sledding. There is also a large open field that provides opportunities for snow angels, snowball fights, and other creative winter play.  

• Urban Reserve – Cross Country ski or snow shoe through the Urban Reserve and near the old path alignment.
• Wildway trail –  Head out on foot or snowshoes depending on the weather and follow the logo blazes all the way from Salmon Hole Park to Ethan Allen Park. Find out more about the trail and partnership that connects and protects the wild places and paths of Burlington.