I ran my first steps in Burlington back in September 1983 as a college freshman. 30,000 lifetime miles later, the vast majority spent right here, I’ve seen everything the Queen City offers. About 10 years ago, I even ran every single street and path in Burlington within a single calendar year.

Whether you are a visitor or a local veteran, finding the right winter running routes requires a bit of strategy. When the sidewalks and trails are icy, safety comes first. While some runners prefer "tractioning up" with spikes, I’ve found that a good pair of trail running shoes with regular tread works wonders on snowy roads. Remember: winter miles aren't about hitting personal best splits; they’re about consistency and putting the time in (while being safe).

The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path)

For most of the season, the Burlington bike path is your best bet for Burlington running routes. Generally, Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront plows half the width of the path, giving you over seven miles of paved surface in one direction.

If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, simply head to College Street to pick up the path heading north or south. It’s nearly impossible to get lost, making it one of the most reliable places to run in winter for visitors. Home town tip: In early 2026, keep an eye out for icy patches following any rain-freeze cycles!

Runners on the Burlington Greenway

Red Rocks Park: A Sheltered Winter Escape

When looking for a place to run in winter that offers a bit of protection from the elements, Red Rocks Park is a local favorite. Located off Queen City Park Road on the South Burlington border, the heavy tree cover allows the trails to hold snow differently than the exposed lakefront.

A go-to route when I was getting in lots of miles with a running group was to start downtown, use the two-mile trek to the park as a warmup, run a few hard loops under the trees, and enjoy an easy jog back for a total of about 10 miles.

Neighborhood Loops and Quiet Streets

That same running group would also seek out less trafficked neighborhoods when the sidewalk plows hadn't made it out yet. The Village Green and Saratoga Avenue areas near Ethan Allen Park are excellent winter running routes in less trafficked neighborhoods. You can easily clock a safe 5-miler here; just leave the headphones at home so you can stay aware of nearby vehicles.

Another hidden gem is the area behind the Fort Ethan Allen parade grounds (near Colchester and Essex). A full tour of these streets covers 2.5 miles with almost no repetition. For a longer 5-mile loop, use Johnson Avenue to connect to the Saint Michael’s College campus.

Pro-Tips for Burlington Winter Running:

• Check the Wind Chill: Running along the Waterfront is beautiful, but the wind off Lake Champlain can drop temperatures significantly. If the wind is howling, stick to the "Fort" area or Red Rocks for better tree cover.
• Visibility is Key: With shorter days, many of these Burlington running routes get dark by 4:00 PM. Always wear high-visibility gear and/or use a headlamp, especially in neighborhoods like Ethan Allen Parkway, where sidewalks might be narrowed by snowbanks.

Winter Running Through Waterfront Park

Looking for more personalized advice or specific trail conditions? We love talking shop! Drop us a line at info@runvermont.org for more pro tips, or check out our event calendar to set your next goal.