Let’s HikeVT! This week, we’re recommending hikes for the beginning backpacker. We’ve limited them to one-night outings, but they’re great overnight options for even the most experienced outdoors people. You can also extend your stay on the nearby trail networks. Check out our Backpacking 101 Video, try a recommended hike, and share your photos online: #HikeVT!
- Jay Camp, Westfield
- Taylor Lodge, Stowe
- Skyline Lodge, Ripton
- Little Rock Pond Shelter & Tenting Area, Mount Molly
- Stratton Pond Shelter & Tenting Area, Stratton
Jay Camp, Westfield
» 0.6 mi round trip, approx. 240 ft elevation gain
Jay Camp is only 0.3 mile from Route 242, allowing for a quick and easy hike in if it is your first-time hiking with a heavy backpack on. The four-sided shelter has space for 10 hikers, as well as, room around the shelter for a few tents. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue north on the Long Trail for another 1.4 miles to the open summit of Jay Peak for 1,680’ of elevation gain.
Driving Directions: From Enosburg, head east on VT-105 then turn right on V-118. After 7.1 miles, turn left on VT-242. Parking is in a pull-off on the right side of the road after 6.4 miles. The trail to Jay Peak is across the road from the parking area. Map it.
Taylor Lodge via Lake Mansfield Trail, Stowe
» 4.6 mi round trip, approx. 750 ft elevation gain
The Lake Mansfield Trail gradually rises near the edge of Lake Mansfield before turning away from the lake to ascend at a slightly steeper grade. The trail brings you through a gorge, past the piped water source, to a beaver pond and views of the north wall of Nebraska Notch. Continue until you reach Taylor Lodge, a four-sided shelter with room for 15. There is also abundant space for tents if the shelter is full.
Driving Directions:
From Route 100 north in Stowe, turn left onto Moscow Road. Follow the paved road, which turns into the Nebraska Valley Road and becomes gravel-surfaced, 6.7 miles to the gate of the Lake Mansfield Trout Club. For overnight parking, turn right on Old County Road just before the closed Trout Club gate. There is a large parking lot on the left a few hundred yards down the road. For day use, you may drive through the open gate to the hiking season day-use parking lot that is to the north of the main building of the Trout Club.
*The trailhead from the summer parking area begins on the private land of the Lake Mansfield Trout Club. Please be considerate of club guests, stay on the trail, and respect the land and all buildings while in this area. Map it.
Skyline Lodge, Ripton
» 5.2 mi round trip, approx. 1,460 ft elevation gain
Follow the Skylight Pond Trail as it moderately climbs and switchbacks up to Skyline Lodge. This four-sided shelter sleeps 14 and is found on the shores of the scenic Skylight Pond. There is no camping in the immediate vicinity of the shelter, but if it is full, you can find tent space 500’ south of the shelter spur on the Long Trail.
Driving Directions: From VT-125, turn onto Steam Mill Rd. Follow this gravel road from about 5.6 miles to trailhead parking at Steam Mill Clearing. Map it.
Little Rock Pond Shelter and Tenting Area, Mount Holly
» 6.7 mi round trip, approx. 1,009 ft elevation gain
There are two options for reaching Little Rock Pond. For a longer trip, follow the Green Mountain Trail 3.2 miles to the pond. For an easier and shorter option, follow the Long Trail North 2.2 miles to the pond. Hikers have the choice of camping at the tent site on the north end of the pond, or staying at the three-sided shelter on the south end. Although not fully enclosed, it is a lovely shelter that fits 14.
Due to the fragile shoreline and high use, there is a caretaker to help educate and guide hikers to appropriate campsites, as well as collect a $5 fee. There is bear box available for proper food storage.
Driving Directions: From the intersection of US-7 and Brooklyn Road in Danby, take Brooklyn Road east (USFS Road 10) for 3.2 miles to a paved parking lot on the right, 0.6 miles past the Big Branch Picnic Area. Start your hike near the sign board directly across the road from the parking lot. Map it.
Stratton Pond Shelter and Tenting Area, Stratton
» 11.5 mi round trip, approx. 1,645 ft elevation gain
Stratton Pond can be easily accessed via the Stratton Pond Trail. For a longer, more difficult, and more scenic route follow the Long Trail over the summit of Stratton Mountain. At the summit, you will find a fire tower providing 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Continue on the Long Trail north to Stratton Pond where hikers have a choice to stay at the shelter, which fits 20, or follow the Lye Brook Trail to the west side of the pond to the Stratton View Campsite.
Hikers can make a loop by following the Stratton Pond Trail back to the Stratton-Arlington Rd. A short road walk will bring you back to your car.
Due to the fragile shoreline and high use, there is a caretaker to help educate and guide hikers to appropriate campsites, as well as collect a $5 fee. There is bear box available for proper food storage.
Driving Directions:
From Route 7 in Arlington: Take the Arlington exit and turn west on Rt 313 at the end of the exit ramp. Take the first right onto South Rd. and follow to the end. Turn right onto Kansas Rd., and follow over Rt 7 and over a one-lane bridge. After the bridge, turn right and travel east on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka: Kelley Stand Road) past the parking for the Stratton Pond trail until you see signs for the Long Trail parking area on the north (left) side of the road.
From Route 100 in West Wardsboro: Drive west for about 7 miles on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka: Kelley Stand Road) until you see signs for the Long Trail trailhead parking. The parking area will be on the north (right) side of the road. Map it.
Day Hike Alternatives to Vermont’s Most Popular Peaks
Hike This, Not That: Alternative hikes
- Butler Loop, Underhill | Alternative to Mt. Mansfield
- Skyline Trail, Worcester to Middlesex | Alternative to the Monroe Skyline, along Mts. Abe and Ellen
- Beaver Meadow, Chilcoot, LT, Whiteface Loop, Morristown | Alternative to Camel’s Hump
- Ludlow Mountain/Okemo, Mount Holly | Alternative to Mt. Killington
- Branch Pond Trail, Sunderland | Alternative to Stratton Pond
Butler Lodge Loop, Underhill
» 4.5 mi round trip, approx. 1,700 ft elevation gain
To escape the crowds on the summit of Mt. Mansfield, head over to Butler Lodge on the south end of Mansfield Ridge. A beautiful but moderately difficult 4.5 mile loop can be made by connecting Butler Lodge Trail then continuing onto the Wampahoofus trail for 0.1 mi before turning left onto the Rock Garden for 0.6 mi. At the next junction turn left onto Maple Ridge for 0.4 mi then turn left onto the Frost Trail to return back to the trailhead. The loop provides a variety of terrain with many amazing views, exciting rock scrambles and caves, interesting birch forests, and of course, Butler Lodge, one of the overnight sites found along the Long Trail.
Driving Directions from Stowe: From Underhill Center, take Pleasant Valley Rd. 0.3 miles north, then turn right on Stevensville Rd. and follow it 2.7 miles to the end. Do not park in travelled portions of this narrow road. Map it.
Skyline Trail, Worcester to Middlesex
» 11.9 mi round trip, approx. 2,226 ft elevation gain
If you are looking for an epic ridgeline hike, but want to avoid the holiday crowds around Abe and Ellen, try the Skyline Trail over the Worcester Range. This trail connects Worcester Mountain and Mount Hunger, and requires a car spot and side trails to access it. Use the Worcester Mountain Trail to connect to the Skyline trail near the summit of Worcester Mountain. The trail then follows the ridge of the Worcester Range all the way to the open, rocky summit of Mount Hunger. Make sure to descend via the Middlesex Trail, so you stay on the east side of the range for an easier car spot.
Driving Directions:
To the Worcester trailhead: From route 12 out of the town of Worcester, turn onto Minster Brook Road and continue for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Hampshire Hill Road and continue for 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Mountain Road where the parking area is 0.1 miles ahead. Map it.
To the Middlesex trailhead: From Montpelier, head north on VT-12/Elm Street/Worcester Branch Road and continue for 4.9 miles. Turn left onto Shady Rill Road and continue for 2.2 miles. Take a right onto Story Road and continue for 0.7 miles. Turn left onto North Bear Swamp Road and continue for 1.9 miles to the parking area on the right. Map it.
Beaver Meadow > Chilcoot Pass > Long Trail > Whiteface Loop, Morristown
» 7.9 mi round trip, approx. 1,472 ft elevation gain
If you are looking for the adventure of Camel’s Hump, but want a more remote experience, try the Beaver Meadow, Chilcoot Pass, Long Trail, Whiteface loop. Starting on the Beaver Meadow Trail, gradually climb to Beaver Meadow Lodge. This is a good place to take a break and eat a snack before continuing onto the Chilcoot Pass Trail, which is a short, but very steep climb to the Long Trail. Follow the Long Trail north pass Hagerman Overlook, which provides views of Mansfield. After climbing over Morse Mountain, you will reach the junction with Whiteface Trail. Take the Whiteface Trail back down to Beaver Meadow Trail, which you will follow back out to your car.
Driving Directions: From VT-100 in Morristown, head west on Morristown Corners Road. Go 0.7 miles and go straight onto Walton Road, then go 0.3 miles and bear left to stay on Walton Road. Continue 0.7 miles on Walton Road to Mud City Loop on the left. Go 2.7 miles on Mud City Loop to Beaver Meadow Road. Park in the winter lot about a mile down Beaver Meadow Road on the right or continue another half mile to the summer parking lot at the end of the road. Map it.
Ludlow Mountain (Okemo), Mount Holly
» 6.0 mi round trip, approx. 1,943 ft elevation gain
If you are in the Rutland or Killington area but want to avoid the crowds around Killington and Pico, head just half an hour south to hike Ludlow Mountain, or more commonly known as Okemo due to the ski resort on the eastern slopes of the mountain. Follow the blue blazed Healdville Trail as it gradually climbs to the summit of Ludlow Mountain. At the summit, you will find a fire tower that provides 360-degree views.
Driving Directions: From Ludlow: From the intersection of Vermont Routes 100 and 103, head west on Vermont Route 103; turn left on Station Road (2.7 mi). Turn left again just after the railroad tracks (0.8 mi) and park in the lot at the end of the gravel road.
From Rutland: From the intersection of US Route 7 and Vermont Route 103, head south on Vermont 103; turn right on Station Road (15 mi). Turn left just after the railroad tracks (0.8 mi) and park in the lot at the end of the gravel road. Map it.
Branch Pond Trail, Sunderland
» 8.6 mi round trip, approx. 407 ft elevation gain
Instead of hiking to popular Stratton Pond, try the Branch Pond Trail, which brings you past two remote ponds through the Lye Brook Wilderness. Follow the trail over rolling terrain past Branch Pond. As you pass the pond, you will enter the Lye Brook Wilderness where the trail may become harder to follow due to minimal brushing and blazing. At the junction with the Lyn Brook Trail, continue straight on the Branch Pond Trail to the north shore of the pond where you will find views of Stratton Mountain. Return the way you came.
Driving Directions: From the east: Follow Stratton-Arlington Road from VT-100 west 3.4 miles to the town of Stratton and then another 3.4 miles to the Long Trail parking lot on the north side of the road just before crossing the bridge over the East Branch of the Deerfield River. Continue 2.1 miles past the Long Trail on Stratton-Arlington Road, which becomes Kelley Stand Road at the county line, to the Branch Pond Trail trailhead on the right.
From the west: Take exit 3 (Arlington) off US-7 and proceed 0.1 mile west on VT-313 to a right turn onto South Road. Follow South Road 0.6 miles to its end on Kansas Road. Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to a fork just after crossing a bridge. Take the right-hand fork, Kelley Stand Road, and proceed 8.3 miles from the fork on Kelley Stand Road to the trailhead on the left. Map it.
Kid-Friendly Hikes
Family-friendly hikes around Vermont.
- Wiessner Woods, Stowe
- Short Trail, Waterbury Center
- Beane Trail, Huntington
- Appalachian Trail to Kent Pond, Killington
- Long Trail to Little Rock Pond, Mount Tabor
Wiessner Woods, Stowe
» 1.84 mi round trip, approx. 135 ft elevation gain
This easy trail system is managed by Stowe Land Trust. It has a few different length loops to try with many different features to see along the way including bridges, a sugarhouse, a vernal pool, different forest types, and most exciting of all is the Gnome Home!
Driving Directions from Stowe: Follow route 108 to turn right onto Edson Hill Road, pass the entrance to the Stowehof Inn, and take the next drive on your right. The Wiessner Woods trailhead is on your left. Map it.
Short Trail, Waterbury Center
» 0.7 mi round trip, approx. 54 ft elevation gain
Located behind the GMC Headquarters, the Short Trail gives visitors a taste of the Long Trail! Complete with white blazes, informational signs, puncheon, bridges, and even an old Journey’s End shelter, it is perfect for families with small children.
Driving Directions: From I89, take exit 10 and follow Route 100 North. The Green Mountain Club will be on your left past Cold Hollow Cider. Map it.
Beane Trail, Huntington
» 2.8 mi round trip, approx. 600 ft elevation gain
The Beane Trail comes highly recommended by 5-year old Lincoln, who enjoys hiking it with his dad Jason (GMC’s Director of Finance). This is also a great option for first time backpackers! From the parking area, walk past the iron gate and follow a farm road through open woods until an intersection where the Beane Trail transitions to a more traditional hiking trail. From here, the Beane Trail ascends at a gentle, steady pitch to Birch Glen Shelter.
Driving Directions:
From Bristol: Head north on VT-116 N/VT-17 E. At split, turn right on VT-17 E. After 6.9 mi, turn right on Gore Rd. After 2.9 mi, turn right on Carse Rd. At Moody Rd, take a quick right then quick left to stay on Carse Rd. After passing a large farm on your right, park by an iron gate on your left (do not block gate).
From Waitsfield: Follow VT-17 W up and over Appalachian Gap. 2.7 mi after height of gap, turn right on Gore Rd. After 2.9 mi, turn right on Carse Rd. At Moody Rd, take a quick right then quick left to stay on Carse Rd. After passing a large farm on your right, park by an iron gate on your left (do not block gate). Map it.
Appalachian Trail to Kent Pond, Killington
»1.2 mi round trip, approx. < 20 ft elevation gain
Follow the white blazed Appalachian Trail over a bridge, past a small waterfall, and along the shore of Kent Pond to end at Thundering Brook Rd. Return the way you came.
Driving Directions: From the VT-100/US-4 intersection in Killington, go about 0.4 miles north on VT-100. The parking for the trailhead is on the right. Map it.
Long Trail to Little Rock Pond, Mount Tabor
» 4.0 mi round trip, approx. 324 ft elevation gain
This easy section of the Long Trail gradually rises to Little Rock Pond. The pond is a great spot to swim, look for salamanders, and eat lunch. For a slightly longer trip, continue to follow the Long Trail north to the junction with the Little Rock Pond Loop Trail. Follow the loop trail along the shoreline back to the Long Trail.
Driving Directions: From the intersection of US-7 and Brooklyn Road in Danby, take Brooklyn Road east (USFS Road 10) for 3.2 miles to a paved parking lot on the right, 0.6 miles past the Big Branch Picnic Area. Start your hike near the sign board directly across the road from the parking lot. Map it.
Best First Hikes for Summer
Find staff favorites in Vermont for kickstarting the hiking season.
- Sterling Pond, in Stowe
- Mt. Ellen via the Jerusalem Trail, in Starksboro
- Mt. Abraham from Lincoln Gap, in Warren
- Duxbury Window Trail, in Bolton
- White Rock Mountain via the Middlesex Trail, in Middlesex
Sterling Pond Trail, in Stowe — Moderate
» 2.4 mi round trip, approx. 930 ft elevation gain
Group Outreach Coordinator John Plummer’s favorite first hike of the season is the Sterling Pond Trail at sunset. This trek to Vermont’s highest-elevation pond isn’t too long making it the perfect spot to get a few after-work casts in during trout season. The trail starts on a rock staircase on the east side of Route 108, continuing with a steady ascent until you reach the Long Trail. Turn left to reach the pond in just .1 miles. If you’re looking for a loop hike, turn right on the LT to hit the Elephant Head Trail, which loops around Sterling Pond.
Driving Directions from Stowe: From Route 100 in Stowe, take 108 N for 9.7 miles until you reach the Smuggler’s Cave parking area on your left. Map it.
Mt. Ellen via the Jerusalem Trail, in Starksboro — Moderate to Difficult
» 8.4 mi round trip, approx. 2480 ft elevation gain
The GMC’s Development Coordinator Erica Harris’ favorite first hike is Mount Ellen via the Jerusalem Trail. It is a nice gradual approach, so you can take your time to appreciate all the various forest types along the way. At 2.4 miles, turn right onto the Long Trail, which you follow for 1.8 miles to the summit of Mount Ellen. Though it is on the longer side at 8.4 miles round trip, you are awarded with wonderful views from the ski trails near the summit!
Driving Directions: From the intersection of the east branch of Jerusalem Road and VT-17 (this intersection is located 6 miles west of the Long Trail at Appalachian Gap and 3.5 miles east of VT-116), head south on Jerusalem Road for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Jim Dwire Road, and go 0.5 miles to the trailhead on the right. Roadside parking space is limited; please park considerately. Map it.
Mt. Abraham from Lincoln Gap, in Warren — Difficult
» 5.2 mi round trip, approx. 1600’ ft elevation gain
GMC Executive Director, Mike DeBonis, enjoys early season evening hikes up Mount Abraham to watch the sunset and then hike down by headlamp. Following the Long Trail North from Lincoln Gap, you gradually climb past Battell Shelter, where the trail starts to steepen up with some fun rock slab scrambles. From the summit, there is an amazing 360 view, alpine tundra, and you can even find a plane crash site just off the summit.
Driving Directions: From Route 100 in Warren, follow Lincoln Gap Road 4.7 miles the parking area. Map it.
Duxbury Window, in Bolton — Easy
» 3.2 mi round trip, approx. 850 ft elevation gain
Director Of Development and Communications, Alicia DiCocco, uses the hike to Duxbury Window as an early season training trail for longer hikes. With the “window” a quick 1.6 miles south on the Long Trail, it is a nice after work hike. You will find a magical fern meadow along the way plus a bench at the viewpoint to rest and eat trails snacks before heading back down the trail.
Driving Directions:From I-89, take exit 10 in Waterbury. Follow Route 100 South to the roundabout where you take the third exit onto Main St/Route 2 South. Turn right onto Winooski St then a right onto River Rd. Continue for about 9.6 miles until you reach the trailhead for Camel’s Hump State Forest on your left. Map it.
White Rocks Mountain via the Middlesex Trail, Middlesex — Moderate to Difficult
» 5.2 mi round trip, approx. 1610 ft elevation gain
Visitor Center Manager Amy Potter’s favorite early season hike brings you off the Long Trail and into the Worcester Range. The Middlesex Trail isn’t as widely used as the Waterbury side of the mountain, and most people continue on to summit Hunger Mountain, whereas Amy prefers to take the Bob Kemp Trail from the Middlesex trail to head over to the summit of White Rock. Though not as tall as Hunger, you will still find lots of open rock, fun rock scrambles, and amazing views of the Green Mountains.
Driving Directions: From Montpelier, head north on VT-12/Elm Street/Worcester Branch Road and continue for 4.9 miles. Turn left onto Shady Rill Road and continue for 2.2 miles. Turn right onto Story Road and continue for 0.7 miles. Turn left onto North Bear Swamp Road and continue for 1.9 miles to the parking area on the right. Map it.
Make sure you plan ahead:
- Check our COVID-19 Response page for current hiking recommendations and a link to Vermont’s official travel guidelines.
- Many roads used to access the Long Trail are seasonal. Check the status of specific roads ahead of time using this general map of Vermont roads or this list of US Forest Service Roads.
- 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. Many maps have digital versions.
More HikeVT trails to explore, by season:
-
- Summer recommendations: by location; first hikes; day hikes; kid-friendly hikes; alternatives to popular peaks; beginner overnight hikes;
- Fall recommendations: by location; day hikes;
- Winter recommendations by skill level: easy hikes; moderate hikes; moderate to difficult hikes; difficult hikes; and difficult hikes above 4,000 feet; day hikes
- Mud season recommendations: scenic hikes; high-mileage hikes; alternatives to popular peaks; hikes to waterways; accessible hikes; day hikes
Maps:
Questions? Our visitor center staff is here to assist you. Call (802) 244-7037 or email [email protected].
