Whenever entering the backcountry, safety is paramount. Before setting out, let someone know where you’re going, what trails you are hiking, and when you’ll return. Get started with our HikeSafe information.
Weather: Be sure to check the weather and daylight hours ahead of your trip. In most circumstances, higher elevations mean cooler temperatures, and alpine zones offer little wind cover. Summit forecasts can be found on Mountain Forecast and the National Weather Service’s Enhanced Mountain Point Forecast. Most importantly, be aware that mountain conditions can change quickly; know your limitations, accept when it’s time to turn back, and postpone your hike if necessary.
Emergencies: Your first-aid kit should include hand and toe warmers, a headlamp, waterproof matches and a whistle, an emergency blanket, duct tape, alcohol wipes, moleskin and adhesive bandages, safety pins, ibuprofen, a sewing needle and thread, and any personal medications you may need, just in case. Pro tip: don’t expect to be rescued. Know how to rescue yourself.
Leave No Trace: Despite slowed traffic, it’s still essential to leave nothing but footprints… or snowshoe prints. Learn how to minimize your impact on the environment so the trails, campsites, and waterways look just as beautiful come Spring.
Parking: Some popular trailheads aren’t accessible in winter. If you cannot park fully outside the travel lane, use an alternative parking area or choose a different trailhead. Additionally, respect winter parking signage. Visit newengland511 for information on road closures, road work, and incidents.
Please plan ahead and prepare when going for any hike. We strongly suggest that hikers carry a map and guidebook when heading out to the trails. Guidebooks and maps are available for purchase at GMC’s Visitor Center, GMC’s online store, and in most Vermont bookstores and outdoor gear retailers.
Would you like to join a group hike? GMC’s fourteen sections lead outings every week all over Vermont. Check out our calendar to join them.
In the Long Trail Guide, you will find detailed maps and descriptions of the Long Trail System and the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, suggested day hikes, shelter descriptions, and public campgrounds near the trail. The Walker’s Guide to Vermont includes shorter walks and leisurely rambles around the state. We also now have a list of more accessible trails in Vermont.
Northern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
Belvidere Mountain, Lowell
Approximately 5.5 hours, 7.9 mile loop – challenging, 1,980ft elevation gain
Belvidere Mountain is a gorgeous summit with a fire tower that offers 360-degree views on a clear day. From the tower, the Green Mountains are visible south to Camel’s Hump. Big Jay and Jay Peak are prominent to the north; to their right stands Owl’s Head and other mountains in Quebec near Lake Memphremagog. On a clear day, the White Mountains are visible to the east. Hike this loop to the summit via the Frank Post Trail to the Long Trail to Forester’s Trail or in the reverse direction. For a shorter hike, park at Long Trail State Forest parking lot on Route 118 in Eden and hike Long Trail North for 2.6 miles, then take the 0.1-mile spur trail to the east to the fire tower (5.4 miles round trip). This is a small parking lot. If the lot is full when you arrive, an alternative route up starts on Route 118 where the long trail crosses the road. Pick up the Long Trail going north for a 4.8 mile out and back up to Belvidere Mountain Fire Tower.
Laraway Lookout, Waterville
Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.6 miles out and back, moderate, 1,390ft elevation gain
This moderately challenging 3.6-mile out and back on the Long Trail is spectacular in the fall. Not only do hikers get views of Mansfield and the Sterling Range, but hikers can admire overhanging rock ledges that the trail passes by. From Codding Hollow Rd, take the Long Trail North for 1.8 miles.
Smugglers’ Notch Boardwalk and Barnes Camp Loop, Barnes Camp, Stowe
Boardwalk: Approximately 20 minutes out and back
Barnes Camp Loop: Approximately 1 hour, 1.4 mile loop, easy/moderate, 350ft elevation gain
Explore wetlands, see a beaver dam, and admire the notch from this 660-foot accessible boardwalk on the Long Trail. If you choose to extend your hike, complete the 1.4 mile Barnes Camp loop. On the Barnes Camp Loop, there will be a stream crossing. Rocks are in place to hop across. We recommend starting at the boardwalk to get amazing views of the Notch! If doing Barnes Camp Loop, please park in the Stowe hiker lot at the Stowe Mountain Resort across the road from Barnes Camp. If just hiking the boardwalk, please park at Barnes Camp.
Mt. Elmore, Morrisville
Approximately 3 hours, 4.2 mile loop, moderate, 1,470ft elevation gain
As one of the smaller peaks in the Worcester Range, Mt. Elmore is a great beginner hike. The fire tower at the top provides the perfect place to view the fall foliage found within the Worcester Range and offers stunning views of the Green Mountains. Located in Mt. Elmore State Park
Harrington’s View, Bolton
Approximately 2.5 hours, Approximately 4.2 mile loop, moderate/challenging, 600ft elevation gain
Harrington View offers a view of Mt. Mansfield to the north and Bolton Valley Ski Area to the south. Starting from Bolton Valley Resort, hike up the backcountry ski trails to Harrington’s View. There are multiple trails to take to reach Harrington’s View and loop back down. One possible route option, starting from the Bolton Valley Ski Area parking lot, take the Broadway trail to Telemark. Stay on the Telemark trail until it intersects with Eagle’s Nest which you will follow until it meets with the North Ridge Trail. When the North Ridge Trail meets the Long Trail, take the Long Trail south to Harrington’s View. To return, continue south on the Long Trail until you reach the intersection with the Goat Path. Take the Goat Path all the way to its intersection with the Maple Loop. Turn onto the Maple Loop and follow it until it intersects back to the Broadway trail which will lead you back to the parking area.
The Short Trail, Waterbury Center – field view of Worcester Range
Approximately 30 minutes, 0.7 miles, easy, 100ft elevation gain
The Short Trail is a lovely trail through the woods and fields with a view of the Worcester Mountain Range. The Green Mountain Club offers weekly guided hikes that explore the 0.5 mile loop on the Short Trail at GMC’s headquarters building in Waterbury Center. On this hike participants will learn more about hiking in Vermont, the Long Trail and the Green Mountain Club, and tips to have a successful hike. These hikes are open to hikers of all ages, from beginner day hikers to seasoned backpackers. Hikes take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am, and on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2pm, through October 14. The hike will take about an hour to allow time to ask questions and to stop and explore. Folks are welcome to explore the trail on their own at any time.
Central VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
The Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington
Approximately 30 minutes to 3+ hours, 1 to 5 miles, easy, Approximately 300ft elevation gain
Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, the 250-acre Green Mountain Audubon Center offers outstanding opportunities for exploration and discovery of the natural world of Vermont. Five miles of trails wind their way through a variety of natural communities including, northern hardwood forest, hemlock swamp, and the Huntington River. Their Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM. Stop by for a trail recommendation, information about Audubon Vermont’s education and conservation programs! Be sure to check out their gear loan library! Visitors can check out binoculars, field guides, or snowshoes to use on their trails.
Jerusalem Trail to Stark’s Nest, Lincoln
Approximately 4 hours, 6.2 miles, challenging, 2,180ft elevation gain
This route takes hikers across a section of the Monroe Skyline, passing Orvis’s Lookout that offers views to the west. From Stark’s Nest, there are stellar views to the north and east. The Jerusalem Trail climbs up hill and joins the Long Trail just before Stark Mountain. Once you join the LT, begin hiking north. You will walk past some ski runs at Mad River Glen and arrive at Stark’s Nest. This building is left unlocked during the summer for Long Trail hikers to relax and stay in overnight.
Stark Mountain Trail to Stark’s Nest
Approximately 4 hours, 5 miles, moderate/challenging, XX feet elevation gain
Park at Mad River Glen Ski Area on Route 17, and hike the Stark Mountain Trail to the Long Trail (2.4 miles) then take the Long Trail North to Stark’s Nest (0.1 miles). Return the way you came, or continue on Long Trail north past Theron Dean shelter to Sunnyside Trail (0.7 miles) and connect back with Stark Mountain trail (0.4 miles) to head back to your car.
Sunset Ledge, Breadloaf Wilderness
Approximately 1.5 hour, 2.2 miles, moderate, 380ft elevation gain
Hike out to Sunset Ledge to see views to the west and a lovely sunset over the Adirondack Mountains. Explore this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Lincoln, Vermont. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. From Lincoln Gap, head South on the Long Trail. Please note: Lincoln Gap closes on October 15. If hiking after October 15, you will need to hike a mile up from the gate on the road.
Great Cliff of Mount Horrid, Rochester
Approximately 1.5 hours, 1.4 miles, moderate, 650ft elevation gain
With the cliff closed March 15 – August 1 due to Peregrine nesting, fall is a great time to hike to the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid. Although it is a short climb, the trail is steep and demanding, but hikers are rewarded with amazing views from the top to the south and east. From Brandon Gap, hike the Long Trail North for 0.7 miles, then take a 0.1-mile spur trail at the top of a rock staircase.
Southern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
Kent Pond, Killington
Approximately 40 minutes, 1.4 miles, easy/moderate, 220ft elevation gain
Gifford Woods State Park is known for its beautiful fall foliage. It is located near the base of Killington and Pico Peaks with easy access to hiking in the park and on the nearby Long and Appalachian Trails, and a growing mountain bike trail network on adjacent national forest. Gifford Woods State Park contains one of the only easily accessible old-growth hardwood forests in Vermont. The forest is both a State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark. The Old Growth Interpretive Trail leads hikers through the forest with stops at interpretive panels containing information about forest ecology and natural history. The Kent Brook Trail loops through the park from the park office to the campground. Hikers can also cross the street and follow the Appalachian Trail for 0.7 miles to see breathtaking fall views of South Kent Pond as you hike, encircled by massive trees. There are beautiful views of the neighboring waterfalls from this trail.
Thundering Brook Falls, Killington
Approximately 30 minutes, 0.6 miles, easy, 30ft elevation gain
Hike along this accessible boardwalk to the sixth highest waterfall in Vermont. Starting from the River Road parking area, this trail along a portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT) travels to Thundering Falls along a 900 foot, approximately 3.5 foot wide, boardwalk built by the Green Mountain Club. The boardwalk crosses over the Ottauquechee River and through the open Ottauquechee River floodplain. The trail then ascends to a viewing platform overlooking the Falls via an accessible switchback and spur trail built by the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
Airport Lookout, Clarendon
Approximately 1 hour, 1.6 miles, moderate, 540ft elevation gain
Hike south on the Long Trail, over Clarendon Gorge and up to Airport Lookout and enjoy views to the west.
Bromley Mountain, Peru
Approximately 3 hours, 6 miles, moderate, 1,420ft elevation gain
From the Route 11/30 Parking Lot, take the Long Trail North to gradually ascend Bromley Mountain, crossing Bromley Brook and passing Bromley Shelter, to the summit where there are sweeping views in most directions from the fire tower. At the summit, the Bromley Ski Patrol Hut is open for hiker use in summer and fall and a moldering privy is provided and maintained by the Manchester Section of the Green Mountain Club.
Stratton Mountain, Stratton
Approximately 4 hours, 7.6 miles, moderate/challenging, 1,735ft elevation gain
Begin from a large dirt lot along Stratton-Arlington Road. Take the Long Trail North, climbing at a gradual grade before getting progressively steeper after about the 1.5 mile mark. The climb is mostly wooded but there are a few small viewpoints along the way. At the summit there is a fire tower you can climb that rewards you will incredible 360-degree views.
Porcupine Lookout, Woodford
Approximately 5 hours, 8.8 miles, moderate, 1,830ft elevation gain
This cliff-top forest opening on the Long Trail provides extensive views of the rugged Woodford Plateau to the east. Follow the Long Trail north for 4.4 miles that gradually climb past Melville Nauheim Shelter, cross a power line that affords views from Maple Hill which then crosses Hell Hollow Brook, and finally climb steadily to a nearly level ridge leading to the lookout.
Harmon Hill, Woodford
Approximately 2 hours, 3.6 miles, hard, 1,040ft elevation gain
Begin from a large trailhead along Vermont Route 9. You will cross the road and begin hiking south on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail. You will begin with a very steep section of trail; trekking poles are very helpful here and will also be handy on the return trek. At the top of Harmon Hill there is an open meadow with a nice view looking out towards Bennington. The meadow vegetation offers beautiful fall colors.
Western VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
Mount Philo, North Ferrisburgh
Approximately 1.5 hours, 2 miles, moderate, 600ft elevation gain
This short trail takes you steeply up the side of Mount Philo State Park. The trail is short, but it goes up the entire way on a well-marked trail. You are rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding area, including Lake Champlain.
Snake Mountain Loop, Addison
Approximately 2.5 hours, 5.4 miles, moderate, 1,060ft elevation gain
Snake Mountain is one of the most prominent peaks in the area. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Champlain Valley, the Adirondack Mountains to the west, and the Green Mountains to the east.
Rattlesnake Point, Salisbury
Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.9 miles, moderate, 1,160ft elevation gain
This loop begins by passing the Falls of Lana and crossing a bridge over Sucker Brook. The route continues through the forest towards the overlook at Rattlesnake Point, a large rock outcrop at the southern end of Mount Moosalamoo provides spectacular views of Lake Dunmore and the Champlain Valley. This is a great place to rest before heading back down to the starting point.
Mount Independence, Orwell
Approximately 3.5 hours, 4.1 miles, easy, 200ft elevation gain
The Mount Independence Trail in Vermont offers a mellow hike with a historical twist. Walk where Revolutionary War soldiers once stood, with views of Lake Champlain and ruins to explore. The trail meanders through classic Vermont woods – think maples, birches, and wildflowers. Informational signs tell the story of the fort.
Shaw Mountain, Benson
Approximately 1.25 hours, 2.4 miles, moderate, 530ft elevation gain
Although this small mountain has a wooded summit, the Shaw Mountain Natural Area is known to have diverse plants and animal life. The easy 2.4-mile loop brings hikers through a forest filled with maple, ash, hickory, and oak that burst with color during peak foliage.
Eastern VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
Kettle Pond Trail, Groton State Park
Approximately 1 hour, 3.2 miles, easy, 85ft elevation gain
Discover this 3.2-mile loop trail near Marshfield, Vermont. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Fall is a wonderful time to explore Kettle Pond and admire the fall foliage.
Owl’s Head Mountain, Groton State Forest
Approximately 2 hours, 4.7 miles, moderate, 680ft elevation gain
The Owl’s Head Trail starts from Route 232 and climbs through the forest to the Owl’s Head Overlook. From this point there are views of Kettle Pond, Kettle Mountain, Hardwood Mountain, and several other small peaks. There is a small stone building and stone steps that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Spruce Mountain, Jones State Forest
Approximately 3 hours, 4.4 miles, moderate, 1,180ft elevation gain
This trail in L.R. Jones State Forest, the first state forest in Vermont, leads to the top of Spruce Mountain where there is a fire lookout open to the public. The fire tower offers 360degree views of the surrounding mountains. The views are especially during the fall foliage season.
Millstone Trails, Barre Town Forest
Complex network of trails allowing for a variety of distances, Easy/moderate hiking, Approximately 100ft-400ft elevation gain
There are currently about 30 miles of trails on Millstone Hill providing outstanding opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. These trails are managed by the non-profit Millstone Trails Association and are centered on over 1,500 acres of historic and unique granite quarry lands in Barre Town. This area is one of the most scenic and unusual areas in Vermont, combining natural beauty with a fascinating history and cultural heritage. There is a wide variety of trails for all levels of users – from beginner to expert. Trails pass by numerous quarries, large granite grout piles, and stunning scenic vistas.
Windmill Hill Mountain Loop, Westminster
Approximately 2 hours, 4 miles, moderate, 640ft elevation gain
The Pinnacle at Windmill Hill is a nature area that contains numerous trails with several loops and out and back hikes. From the summit and Paul’s Ledge hikers will enjoy expansive western views of Stratton Mountain. The trails are well maintained by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association. The summit even contains a newly renovated shelter where campers can spend the night (reservations are required).
Northeast Kingdom VT Fall Foliage Hikes:
Kingdom Heritage Trail System, Island Pond
This 20-mile trail system in the Northeast Kingdom connects Gore, Middle, and Bluff Mountains. Located only 5 miles from the Canadian border, this is one the most remote trail systems in Vermont. Along with peace and quiet, you can find many lookouts to enjoy the fall foliage. There are moderate options to summit each mountain, or you can continue on the connecting trails for longer day hike outings.
Bluff Mountain, Island Pond
Approximately 2.5 hours, 3.6 miles, moderate, 1,080ft elevation gain
This route takes you along Bluff Mountain Community Trail to Bluff Mountain. It’s a steady incline the entire way up, with a short steep section on the way up to the overlook, which has metal rungs fastened into the rock to help the climb. Fall is a great time to hike in this area, as the views are stunning when the leaves start to change colors.
Mount Hor, Willoughby State Forest
Approximately 3 hours, 5.3 miles, moderate, 1,325ft elevation gain
This trail starts at the parking lot off Vermont Route 5A and leads to the summit of Mount Hor in Willoughby State Forest. It winds through shaded forest, offering great views of Lake Willoughby, Mount Pisgah, and the surrounding mountains. Be prepared for steep sections with exposed tree roots.
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