HikeVT: Trail Recommendations for Every Season

Let’s HikeVT! Browse our hike suggestions below for trails around the state. Choose your next adventure based on the season, location, and ability level. Click any link for hike details. Before you head out, be sure to consult seasonal safety tips. You’ll also want to grab your camera so you can share your photos with the online hiking community (#HikeVT). Happy trails!

Mud Season Hikes Around Vermont

Hikers overlooking view at Starks Nest, HikeVT — Hikers take in the view at Stark’s Nest. Photo by: Ernesta McIntosh, 2018

Mud season begins with the snowmelt — typically in late March or early April — and lasts through early June. This thawing that occurs between winter and spring causes a ton of mud.Traffic along these muddy trails can cause a lot of damage to the trails and forest itself, so we’ve gathered approved routes to keep you active through Vermont’s fifth season. Please be aware of muddy and undriveable conditions on many dirt roads this year, and check driving directions ahead of time. Learn more about navigating mud season.

Summer Hikes Around Vermont

Summer hiking season kicks off Memorial Day weekend and stretches through Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend in October. It’s a great time to get outside to explore Vermont’s mountains and soak up Vitamin D after a long winter. Check out our hiking how-to’s and refreshers before you hit the trail.

Fall Hikes Around Vermont

Kent Pond in Killington, along the AT, offers great foliage vistas and is a HikeVT recommendation — Kent Pond in Killington, along the AT, offers great foliage vistas. Photo by: Todd Wilkinson

Autumn is an ideal time of year for hiking: the bugs have subsided along with the extreme heat, and Vermont’s iconic fall foliage emerges. (It’s also our preferred time for a thru-hike.) However, you’ll face new reasons for caution, such as slippery fallen leaves and hunting season. Follow our fall safety tips for a happy hike.

Winter Hikes Around Vermont

Camel's Hump is a more difficult HikeVT suggestion for a winter day. — A blue sky backdrops Camel’s Hump in winter. Photo by: Lee Krohn

Winter hiking starts when daylight hours wane, ice and snow coat the trails and summits, and winter parking becomes a real consideration. In early winter, be prepared for variable conditions and thin snow cover with more mud and ice. Check out our winter hiking guide for safety and preparedness tips before you hit the trails.

Accessible Hikes Around Vermont

The Barnes Camp Boardwalk is an accessible HikeVT recommendation — Barnes Camp Boardwalk. Photo by: Kristin McLane

There are plenty of level, shorter, and accessible hikes throughout Vermont. Browse this collection of recommendations, suited for those who might need a gentler outing.

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.