VT Hikes & Trails
Easy Vermont Hiking Trails, Hikes & Lodging Guide
Plan a Vermont hiking vacation! Hiking the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail are just two of hundreds of popular Vermont hiking trails waiting for your footsteps. If your outdoor interests are piqued by the prospect of hiking a diverse trail system over varied terrain, encountering panoramic vistas, breathing fresh mountain air, splashing in brisk alpine streams, and resting in forests abundant with wildlife, then you have found your outdoor paradise in the Green mountains and woodlands of Vermont.
Browse our suggested Vermont hiking trails by region or contact the innkeepers at the resorts and lodges listed below for real time Vermont hiking trail reports and lodging accommodation availabilities. Yes, Vermont is a wonderful place to hike and explore. To feature your VT business, contact us. Safe and happy hiking from Vermont Living Magazine.
Vermont Hikes & Hiking Trails
West Mountain Inn, River Road, Arlington, VT 05250 | 802-375-6516
Nestled on a mountainside, the century old, seven gabled West Mountain Inn invites guests to discover its many treasures. Distinctively decorated guest rooms, comfortable common areas, 150 woodland acres with wildflowers, a bird sanctuary, and llamas. Miles of wilderness ski or hiking trails and the Battenkill River provide seasonal outdoor activities. Private dining and meeting rooms, A unique space for celebrations of weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, or business meetings.
Visit West Mountain Inn Arlington
The Wildflower Inn, 2059 Darling Hill Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851 | 802-626-8310
Trailside Lodging in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Your next great adventure awaits at The Wildflower. A four-season destination property for the best in outdoor recreation and Vermont experiences. With our 25-room Inn, full-service restaurant, pub, Village Sport bike shop (with rentals) and KCE guide company right on the property, you will have everything you need to make the most of your Vermont visit.
Visit The Wildflower Inn - Lyndonville, VT
The Governor's House in Hyde Park, 100 Main Street, Hyde Park, VT 05655 | 866-800-6888
Centerpiece of a quiet village, the completely restored historic mansion offers modern comfort with the gracious elegance of an earlier time. Period furnishings. Bedroom fireplaces. Mountain views. Jane Austen weekends. Afternoon tea. Small private events and weddings. The perfect elopement package.
Visit Governor's House at Hyde Park
Smugglers’ Notch Vermont, America’s Family Resort, 4323 VT Rt.108, Jeffersonville, VT | 802-332-6854
SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT. At America's Family Resort, experience Mountain Resort Village living, award-winning children's programs, family activities, 3 big mountains of skiing and snowboarding, plus entertainment, dining, shopping, year-round Zipline Canopy Tours & more. Family Fun Guaranteed. Smuggs offers four season Vermont family vacation experiences unlike any other!
Visit Smugglers' Notch Resort - Jeffersonville, VT
Middlebury Inn, 14 Courthouse Square, Middlebury, VT 05753 | 802-388-4961
With 71 guest rooms, the Middlebury Inn offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and classic historic charm. Welcoming travelers since 1827, the inn now has all of the amenities of a full service hotel, including fine dining, a pub, and meeting and banquet space to accommodate your Vermont wedding. Located between Burlington and Rutland and convenient to many Vermont attractions, this inn is perfect for that pampered fresh-air getaway, family reunion or professional retreat.
Visit Middlebury Inn - Middlebury, VT
The Vermont Inn, 78 Cream Hill Road, Mendon, VT 05701 | 802-775-0708
The Quintessential New England Country Inn. The Vermont Inn is located in the Green Mountains, halfway between Rutland and Killington. The Vermont Inn has been welcoming guests since the 1940s. Originally built as a farmhouse in the 1840s, the inn now features 15 individually decorated guest rooms and suites. Sensational Vermont Breakfast, Pet Friendly rooms available. Seasonal outdoor pool. Inquire about small weddings, family gatherings, or special requests.
Visit The Vermont Inn - Mendon, VT
Hiking in Vermont is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. With its stunning natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, and well-maintained trails, Vermont offers a wide variety of hiking experiences for everyone, from novice hikers to experienced mountaineers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the popular Vermont hikes, share some VT hiking tips, and highlight some of the trails and points of interest you won’t want to miss.
Popular Vermont Hikes
- Mount Mansfield: Located in Stowe, Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in Vermont, offering hikers a challenging climb with breathtaking views from the summit. The Long Trail runs along the ridgeline of Mount Mansfield, providing hikers with access to some of the most beautiful alpine scenery in the state.
- Camel’s Hump: Another popular hike in Vermont, Camel’s Hump is a distinctive peak in the Green Mountains that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail to the summit is a challenging climb, but the views are well worth the effort.
- Sterling Pond: Located in Smugglers’ Notch, Sterling Pond is a short, easy hike that is great for families or beginners. The trail winds through a beautiful forest and ends at a picturesque alpine pond that is perfect for swimming or picnicking.
- Gile Mountain: Located in Norwich, Gile Mountain is a relatively easy hike that offers spectacular views from the summit. The trail is well-maintained and features a fire tower that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
- Plan ahead: Before you hit the trail, make sure you know the route, the distance, and the difficulty level of the hike. Bring a map, compass, and plenty of water and snacks.
- Dress appropriately: Vermont’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared for changes in temperature and weather conditions.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction to avoid slipping on wet or rocky terrain.
- Leave no trace: When you’re hiking in Vermont, it’s important to respect the natural environment by leaving no trace of your visit. Pack out all your trash and avoid damaging vegetation or wildlife habitats.
VT Trails and Points of Interest
- The Long Trail: The Long Trail is a 273-mile hiking trail that runs the length of Vermont, from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. The trail is open year-round and offers hikers access to some of the most scenic vistas in the state.
- Quechee Gorge: Located in Quechee, the Quechee Gorge is a natural wonder that is worth a visit. The gorge is 165 feet deep and was carved by the Ottauquechee River over thousands of years. There is a hiking trail that runs along the rim of the gorge, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Lake Willoughby: Located in Westmore, Lake Willoughby is a picturesque lake that is surrounded by towering cliffs and mountains. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, and there are several hiking trails in the area that provide access to some of the most beautiful scenery in Vermont.
In conclusion, hiking in Vermont is an unforgettable experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a novice hiker looking for an easy trail or an experienced mountaineer seeking a challenge, Vermont’s natural beauty, and well-maintained trails are sure to impress. So grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and hit the trail – Vermont is waiting for you!
Vermont Hiking Trails
Champlain Valley VT Hikes & Trails
Burlington, Middlebury, St. Albans, the Islands of NW Vermont
North Central VT Hikes & Trails
Montpelier, Barre, Randolph, Waterbury, Stowe, Mad River Valley
Northeast Kingdom VT Hikes & Trails
St. Johnsbury, Newport, Barton, Lyndonville, Burke, Jay, Island Pond
South Central VT Hikes & Trails
Rutland, White River Jct., Woodstock, Quechee, Brandon, Killington, Ludlow, Weston, Chester
Southern VT Hikes & Trails
Bennington, Brattleboro, Manchester, Arlington, Newfane, Mt. Snow area
Hiking Tips | Wiessner Woods Stowe Hikes | VT Rail Trail
Hiking and backpacking in the Green Mountains of Vermont have always been popular outdoor activities for native Vermonters and Vermont visitors of all ages. Vermont offers a wide variety of trails – from short, relaxing woodland strolls and moderate hikes, to the extensive and challenging mountain trails that extend deep into the sparsely populated Green Mountain National Forest and adjoin the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The Long Trail, which follows the Green Mountain Range from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts state line, is world-renowned and offers more than 70 cabins, shelters, and tenting areas along a trail system traversing some of Northern New England’s most spectacular wilderness areas.
Hike Vermont Safely
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
- Synthetic leather and mesh upper
- Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
- Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
- Vibram TC5+ sole
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- Metal hook traditional lace closure
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap
- Breathable mesh lining
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- Metal hook traditional lace closure
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap
- Breathable mesh lining
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper
- Metal hook traditional lace closure
- Bellows tongue keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap
- Breathable mesh lining
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
- Molded nylon arch shank
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort
- Vibram TC5 plus rubber sole
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape Suede leather and mesh upper Traditional lace closure Bellows tongue keeps out debris Protective toe cap Breathable mesh lining Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole for flexible support Molded nylon arch shank Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort
- Merrell sticky rubber outsole tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it
- Internal padded laptop sleeve
- Dual zippered hipbelt pockets
- Blinkie light attachment
- Adjustable shoulder harness to dial in perfect fit
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features our lightweight, durable midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return as well as an advanced traction rubber sole for slip-free movement on rough ground.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this boot's waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction and its durable mesh tongue for breathability.
- ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: The Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot features a lace-up closure for an adjustable, secure fit.
- VERSATILE STYLE: This men's waterproof hiking boot delivers style and durability with its contrasting color combinations and soft mesh exterior.
- OMNI-GRIP: This multi-terrain traction system matches specially formulated compounds and treads to specific environments. A dual-zone winter tread pattern ensures solid footing on surfaces such as ice and snow.
- Featuring a waterproof, seam-sealed construction, this boot won’t let rain, muck, and puddles get in your way.
- Weight: 15.9 oz / 452g
- Durable, lightweight hiking boot
- Techlite midsole for superior cushioning.
- Omni-grip non-marking rubber outsole
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot features a seam-sealed construction, combined with our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
- DURABLE HIKING BOOT: This women's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. A durable mid cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort. This classic Columbia hiking boot, will deliver years of comfortable service.
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three season use.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this hiking boot's waterproof combination of supportive leather and suede construction.
- REINFORCED TOE AND HEEL CONSTRUCTION: Designed for extended years of use, we’ve reinforced the toe and heel barriers, and extended the outsole toe overwrap to guard these key wear points.
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
- ETrex 32x adds a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Battery life: up to 25 hours in GPS mode with 2 AA batteries
- Once activated, an SOS distress signal with GPS position is sent direct to Search and Rescue forces worldwide using the 406 MHz Emergency Distress Signal with 121.5 MHz Homing Signal (No Subscription Required)
- Small, rugged, lightweight personal locator beacon that is buoyant and includes attachment clips including a belt clip, oral inflation tube clip, straps and lanyards for increased wearability for hikers, boaters, campers, climbers, RVing and all your outdoor adventures
- Send pre-canned non-emergency self test and GPS test messages to multiple contacts via text message (SMS) and email with a customized message using the optional 406Link testing subscription
- Global Coverage using the 3 satellite constellations of COSPAS-SARSAT, which sends your distress message directly to Search and Rescue agencies worldwide without the need for a rescue monitoring center
- A bright LED Strobe light as well as an Infrared Strobe light ensures multiple visual signals to rescuers
- Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments.Supported Application:GPS,Fitness Tracker,Heart Rate Monitor,Sleep Monitor. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- Constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters)
- Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) support helps track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- Monitor your estimated heart rate, activity and stress; Train with preloaded activity profiles
- Stay connected with smart notifications (with a compatible smartphone) and automatic data uploads to the Garmin connect online fitness community
- Use the Tracback feature to navigate the same route back to your starting point; Use the Garmin explore website and app to plan your trips in advance
- Battery life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, upto 16 hours in GPS mode, upto 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode
- 5 w gmrs two-way radio offers extended range, up to 20 miles; communicate by voice or unit-to-unit text Messaging
- High-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite reception; tracks in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- Position reporting Feature shows locations of other rino users on the same channel
- 3” Sunlight-readable touchscreen with Dual orientation (landscape or portrait view)
- Dual battery system provides up to 14 hours between charges on lithium-ion Pack or up to 18 hours with optional AA batteries (sold separately)
- Rugged and water-resistant design with button operation and a 2. 6” sunlight-readable color display
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps (U. S. and Australia only) featuring routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Know where you’re at with a high-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter
- Wireless connectivity via BLUETOOTH technology and ANT+ technology available on GPSMAP 64sx and GPSMAP 64csx models
- Battery life: up to 16 hours in GPS mode
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