The Best Hikes in Vermont You’ll Absolutely Love
The Best Hikes in Vermont With Spectacular Views
Nestled in the heart of New England, Vermont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting some of the most picturesque trails you’ll ever set foot on. From rolling green mountains to dense forests and cascading waterfalls, this state has it all for those craving an escape into nature’s embrace. With so much beauty to explore, it’s hard to narrow down the best hikes in Vermont!
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Fortunately, whether you’re a seasoned trekker looking for a new challenge or a newbie hiker eager to explore the great outdoors, Vermont’s hiking scene offers something for everyone. Join me as we explore the rugged beauty of the Green Mountain State, uncover hidden gems, and share tips and tricks to make your hiking experience one for the books.
1. Camel’s Hump
Hiking Camel’s Hump in Vermont is like embarking on a journey through a postcard-perfect wilderness. As one of the most iconic peaks in the Green Mountain State, Camel’s Hump offers hikers a challenging yet immensely rewarding adventure.
There are several ways to reach the summit of Camel’s Hump, but the Monroe Trail in Duxbury is one of the most popular routes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of cascading streams, towering trees, and possibly even a few glimpses of native wildlife, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
As the trail climbs higher, the forest gives way to open rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The final stretch of this challenging mountain climb to the summit involves scrambling over boulders and navigating rocky outcrops, adding an element of adventure to the hike.
As you reach the summit ridge, your effort is handsomely rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can marvel at the undulating green landscape of Vermont, with the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east.
Related: The Most Stunning Hiking Trails in Upstate New York
At the summit, a rocky outcrop provides the perfect spot to rest weary legs and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you’re savoring a well-deserved snack, snapping photos to capture the moment, or simply reveling in the sense of accomplishment, the summit of Camel’s Hump offers a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield offers one of the best hikes in Vermont because it gives you the opportunity to scale Vermont’s highest peak and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the Green Mountains. Standing tall at 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield dominates the skyline with its rugged terrain and sweeping vistas, beckoning hikers to embark on an unforgettable journey to its summit.
Multiple trails lead to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. One popular route is the Sunset Ridge Trail, which begins in Underhill State Park and winds its way through lush forests and rocky outcrops before ascending to the summit ridge.
As the trail climbs higher, the landscape transforms into a rocky alpine environment, with stunted trees and hardy vegetation clinging to the exposed slopes. The final stretch to the summit involves navigating some narrow ridges and scrambling over boulders.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with absolutely gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain peaks that stretch for miles in every direction. It’s a moment of pure awe and reverence, as you stand atop the highest peak in the state and marvel at the beauty of the natural world.
Consider planning a hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield in the fall, when the surrounding mountains are awash in shades of red, orange, and yellow. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the best hiking trails in Vermont!
Pro Tip: Underhill is considered one of the best Vermont state parks, and it has limited parking capacity. Carpooling to the park is recommended. During busy times, you may end up having to park along Mountain Road below the entrance to the park.
3. Long Trail
Hiking the Long Trail in Vermont is a pilgrimage for many outdoor enthusiasts, offering a quintessential backcountry experience through the heart of the Green Mountains. Stretching over 270 miles from southern Vermont to the Canadian border, the Long Trail is one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in the United States.
Traversing through a diverse landscape of dense forests, rocky summits, and cascading streams, the Long Trail provides hikers with an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature on a deeper level. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or simply a chance to test your mettle against the elements, the Long Trail offers something for everyone.
One of the most popular sections of the Long Trail is the journey to Mount Abraham, a majestic peak that rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail climbs steadily through a dense forest, crossing babbling brooks and meandering streams before emerging onto open ridgelines with sweeping vistas. As you reach higher elevations, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with rocky scrambles and steep inclines challenging your endurance and agility.
But the effort is well worth it as you reach the summit of Mount Abraham, where you’re greeted by beautiful views that stretch as far as the eye can see. From the lush valleys below to the distant peaks on the horizon, the view is nothing short of spectacular and serves as a reminder as to why this is one of the best hikes in Vermont.
4. Appalachian Trail
The Long Trail isn’t the only long-distance hiking trail in Vermont. The state also has just over 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Whether you’re a thru-hiker tackling the entire AT or just looking for some of the best day hikes, Vermont’s stretch of the AT offers a diverse range of experiences and breathtaking views.
One of the highlights of the AT in Vermont is the journey to Stratton Mountain. Rising 3,940 feet above sea level, Stratton Mountain is one of the most prominent peaks in the Green Mountain National Forest.
Killington Peak is another great hike along the Appalachian Trail. At 4,229 feet, it’s the second-highest summit in Vermont and offers unbeatable views of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
But hiking the AT in Vermont isn’t just about the scenery — it’s also about the sense of camaraderie and community that comes with sharing the trail with fellow hikers. Whether you’re swapping stories around a campfire, sharing a meal at a trail shelter, or offering words of encouragement to a fellow hiker, the bonds forged on the AT in Vermont are as enduring as the memories you’ll create along the way.
5. Sterling Pond Trail
Nestled within the rugged beauty of Smugglers’ Notch State Park, the Sterling Pond Trail offers hikers a serene and picturesque journey to one of Vermont’s hidden gems. This moderate hike meanders through a pristine forest, tracing the path of a babbling brook and leading adventurers to the tranquil shores of Sterling Pond.
Beginning at the trailhead near the entrance of Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll be immediately enveloped in a canopy of towering trees. Follow the blue blazes on this well-marked and maintained trail as it winds its way toward the pond.R
Related: How to Read and Understand Hiking Trail Blazes
The final stretch of the trail rewards you with stunning views of Sterling Pond surrounded by towering evergreens and rugged cliffs. This pond exudes a sense of tranquility that is both captivating and rejuvenating. It’s a great place to linger and enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch or simply soak in the natural beauty.
6. Stowe Pinnacle Trail
If you’re searching for a short yet exhilarating hike with spectacular views of Vermont, look no further than the Stowe Pinnacle Trail. This beloved trail, located just outside the charming town of Stowe, offers hikers a rewarding adventure through lush forests and rocky terrain.
At 3.6 miles round-trip and with an elevation gain of 1,520 feet, this scenic hike offers a moderate climb and is pretty doable for hikers of most skill levels.
The journey begins at the trailhead, conveniently located in a small parking lot off Upper Hollow Road. As you ascend the well-marked path, the dense forest envelops you in a peaceful ambiance, with sunlight filtering through the canopy overhead and the sound of birdsong filling the air.
The trail gradually gains elevation, winding its way up the mountainside. As you near the top, the forest gives way to open rocky outcrops, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Your effort is handsomely rewarded as you reach the summit of Stowe Pinnacle, where you’re greeted with sweeping views that stretch for miles in every direction. From the charming valley below to the majestic peaks on the horizon, the view is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
7. Lye Brook Falls Trail
Hiking the Lye Brook Falls Trail is like stepping into a scene from a fairy tale. This picturesque trail offers hikers a magical journey through dense forests, alongside babbling brooks, and culminating in the breathtaking beauty of Lye Brook Falls.
The adventure begins at the trailhead located at a small parking area on Glen Road in Manchester. From the outset, you’ll be enveloped in a serene ambiance of towering trees, vibrant ferns, and the soothing sounds of nature.
The trail meanders gently through the forest, following the course of the Lye Brook as it winds its way through the valley. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of tumbling water, tranquil pools, and moss-covered boulders.
As the trail progresses, the sound of rushing water grows louder, signaling the approach of Lye Brook Falls. Suddenly, the forest opens up to reveal the magnificent sight of the falls cascading down a sheer rock face surrounded by lush greenery.
At 125 feet tall, Lye Brook Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont. Many hikers choose to linger here, taking in the awe-inspiring beauty and even enjoying a little snack before the hike back.
8. Mount Philo
Hiking Mount Philo is a quintessential Green Mountain State experience, offering nature lovers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and panoramic views. Rising 968 feet above the shores of Lake Champlain, Mount Philo is a prominent peak in the Champlain Valley, known for its accessibility and stunning vistas.
The adventure begins at the base of the mountain, where you can access the trailhead conveniently located within Mount Philo State Park. The well-maintained trail winds its way gently uphill through a mixed forest of hardwoods and evergreens, providing ample shade and occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
As you ascend higher, the trees begin to thin, and the trail opens up to reveal sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. These early vistas serve as a preview of the breathtaking panorama awaiting you at the summit.
The trails around Mount Philo State Park aren’t long or extremely strenuous, making this a great hiking option for young children. Most of the trails can be combined with other trails or segments of the park road to create a variety of long or short hiking loops.
9. Mount Hunger
Rising 3,538 feet in the Worcester Range, Mount Hunger offers a challenging yet immensely rewarding trek through dense forests, rocky terrain, and rugged alpine landscapes.
The journey begins at the Hunger Mountain trailhead located off Sweet Road. The trail starts gently, meandering through a lush forest of maple, birch, and pine trees, providing ample shade and occasional glimpses of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
As the trail ascends higher, the terrain becomes more rugged, with steep inclines, rocky outcrops, and exposed roots adding an element of challenge to the hike. But the effort is well worth it as you emerge from the forest onto open ridgelines, offering panoramic views of the Mad River Valley and the surrounding Green Mountains.
At the summit, take a well-deserved break to soak in the breathtaking views, enjoy a snack, and reflect on the journey.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that, like a lot of these best hikes in Vermont, Mount Hunger is subject to seasonal closure during mud season, which is typically from late March until Memorial Day weekend. Always make sure the trail is open before you embark on your hike.
10. Glastenbury Mountain
Hiking Glastenbury Mountain in Vermont is an adventure into the heart of the Green Mountains. Rising 3,748 feet above sea level, Glastenbury Mountain is shrouded in mystery and legend, with tales of strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena adding to its allure.
The journey to the summit begins at the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail trailhead located off Vermont Route 9. This challenging trail winds its way through a dense forest of hardwoods and evergreens, following old logging roads and steep ascents as it climbs higher into the mountains.
Along the way, you may encounter remnants of the area’s rich logging history, including old stone walls, abandoned cabins, and rusted machinery, adding a sense of intrigue to the journey.
At the summit, there’s an old fire tower. Unfortunately, it has now been closed to the public. There are also a few shelters along the trail, making this a good option if you’re interested in doing some overnight backpacking.
Exploring the Best Hikes in Vermont
Whether you’re seeking a challenging adventure or an easy hike through pristine wilderness, the Green Mountain State has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast.
As you lace up your boots and hit the trails, remember to respect the natural environment, leave no trace, and always be prepared for changing weather conditions. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Long Trail or venturing off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, Vermont’s hiking trails promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas that will leave you inspired and rejuvenated.
Hiking in Vermont is an experience like no other. So go ahead, explore, discover, and let the Green Mountain State work its magic on you.
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