Let’s HikeVT! Warm days have ushered in mud season-like conditions on many trails throughout the state, and conditions are subject to change rapidly. High-elevation trails (above 2,500′) are especially vulnerable to damage, and we recommend seeking alternative hikes during mud season. This week we’re featuring alternatives to simulate the elevation gain, views, and mileage of popular peaks like Camel’s Hump.
When planning a hike, always check with the land manager of a particular trail to see if it is open. Please use caution when hiking and turn around if you encounter muddy sections of trail. Read more about mud season, including how to gear up, how to stay safe, and alternative activities to protect trails.
As weather oscillates above and below freezing, you may want to also check out our late winter hiking guide. Be sure to plan ahead, and have Microspikes and/or snowshoes for icy, snow-covered peaks.
Make sure you plan ahead:
- Check our COVID-19 Response page for current hiking recommendations and a link to Vermont’s official travel guidelines. For information on trail etiquette during COVID-19, see our blog about the “Prepare, Park, Play, and Move On” mentality.
- 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.
Alternatives to popular Vermont peaks
Simulate your favorite peaks with these alternatives around Vermont, including:
- Camel’s Hump alternative, in Stowe
- Mount Mansfield alternative, in Stowe
- Mount Ellen alternative, in Waitsfield
- Mount Abraham alternative, in Charlotte
- Killington Peak alternative, in Windsor
Camel’s Hump alternative, in Stowe
» 5.84 total miles, approx. 689 ft elevation gain
If you are looking for the mileage of Camel’s Hump, try linking up three of Stowe Land Trust’s mud season friendly trail systems in one day. Start with the Mill Trail for a 1.5-mile round trip hike to the beautiful Bingham Falls. Then head to Wiessner Woods to hike the 1.84 mile outer loop. End your day by hiking the outer loop of Kirchner Woods for another 2.5 miles. You may not find the grand views of Camel’s Hump, but you will find endless wildflowers, explore different ecosystems, and see beautiful waterfalls all in one day.
Directions:
To get to the Mill Trail from Stowe, head northwest on VT-108 (Mountain Road). Turn right on Notchbrook Road. After 0.6 miles, there is a pull-off on the left. Parking is limited here. Map it.
From the Mill Trail, take Route 108 South to turn left 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.
From Wiessner Woods, follow Edson Hill back to Route 108 South. Turn left onto Main St. Then left onto School St. Veer left onto Taber Hill Rd. Follow Taber Hill until you reach the trailhead for Kirchner Woods on your left. Map it.
Mount Mansfield alternative, in Stowe
» 8.8 mi round trip, approx. 2500 ft elevation gain
If you want the views and elevation gain of Mansfield, try hiking the Toll Road 4.4 miles to the ridgeline. Although it won’t bring you to the summit, you still have approximately 2500’ of elevation gain and amazing views of Smuggler’s Notch.
Directions: From Route 100 in Stowe, follow Route 108 North for approximately 6 miles until you see the sign for the Auto Toll Rd. on your left. Map it.
Mount Ellen alternative, in Waitsfield
» 5 mi round trip, approx. 2,036 ft elevation gain
Looking to summit a Vermont 4,000’er like Mount Ellen? Instead hike the Stark Mountain Trail to the Stark’s Nest warming hut for approximately 5 miles round trip and 2,036′ of elevation gain. The trail follows a service road from the Mad River Glen Single Chair loading station. When you reach the Long Trail, head north for a short distance to reach the Stark’s Nest warming hut for some amazing views.
Directions: From 89, take Exit 10. Follow Route 100 South. Turn right onto Route 17. In 4.8 miles, the ski area is on your left. Map it.
Mount Abraham alternative, in Charlotte
» 4.8 mi round trip, approx. 1200 ft elevation gain
Are you seeking a mountain that will help you condition for bigger mountains like Mount Abraham? Hike the Mt. Philo access road loop 2 times for a total of 4.8 miles and approx. 1,200 ft of elevation gain. You will get your blood flowing as well as find some amazing views.
Directions: From 89 N, take Exit 13 for I-189 to Route 7. Follow Route 7 South for 14 miles to the trailhead. Map it.
Killington Peak alternative, in Windsor
» 7.4 mi round trip, approx. 2,300 ft elevation gain
If you are yearning for a big adventure like Killington, instead try the Ascutney Parkway for a total of 7.4 miles roundtrip and 2,300′ of elevation gain. The paved toll road that winds up the side of Mount Ascutney provides long mileage, nice views, and the elevation gain that can be hard to find during mud season.
Directions: From I-91, take Exit 8. Go 0.2 miles east on Rt 131 to the stop light, turn left on Rt. 5 for 1.2 miles, then bear left on Rt. 44A for one mile. Map it.
High-mileage hikes around the state
Low-elevation hikes with high mileage around Vermont, including:
- North Branch Trail, Ferdinand
- Island Line Trail, Burlington to South Hero
- Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe
- Bear Swamp Loop, Middlesex
- Bristol Trail Network, Bristol
- Mt. Ascutney Parkway, Windsor
- West River Trail, Londonderry to Townsend
North Branch Trail, Ferdinand
» 3.5 mi round trip, approx. 129 ft elevation gain
This loop borders the North Branch of the Nulhegan River. For longer mileage, try doing the loop twice! More info.
Directions: From 91 N, take exit 23 and turn right onto US-5 North. Continue straight onto VT-114 North for 23 miles. Continue straight onto VT-105 East. In about 7 miles, the trailhead will be on your left. Map it.
Island Line Trail, Burlington to South Hero
» 14 miles one way, approx. 50 ft elevation gain
This trail follows Lake Champlain’s shoreline from Burlington through Colchester and across the Colchester Causeway, which goes through the middle of the lake to South Hero. More info.
Directions: There are many access points for the Island Line Trail. The trail starts at Oakledge Park in Burlington. To get there from Route 7 South, turn right onto Flynn Ave. Parking is at the end of the road. Map it.
Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe
» 11 mi round trip, approx. 190 ft elevation gain
This 5.5-mile paved path winds along the west branch of the Waterbury River through the beautiful town of Stowe. It is a great option for biking or walking while enjoying views of Vermont’s highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield. Return the way came for an 11-mile round trip adventure. More info.
Directions: There are many access points for the Stowe Recreation Path. To access the southern terminus, park at Lintilhac Park behind the Stowe Community Church on Main Street in Stowe Village. Map it.
Bear Swamp Loop, Middlesex
» 5.5 miles round trip, approx. 548 ft elevation gain
This loop connects dirt roads including over a mile of a Class 4 road. The road bring you by Beaver Pond, through forests, and provide views of the Worcester Range. More info.
Directions: From Route 12 north from Montpelier, turn left onto Shady Rill Road. The route begins just past Rumney Memorial School at the junction with Story Road and East Bear Swamp Road. Park at the Hunger Mountain trailhead or on the wide shoulder adjacent to the Rumney School athletic fields. Map it.
Bristol Trail Network, Bristol
» 3.6 mile loop, approx. 134 ft elevation gain
This loop connects multiple trails through the town of Bristol. It brings you down sidewalks, along the river, past historical markers, and has lovely views. To get your extra steps in, do the loop twice! More info.
Directions: You can park on Main Street or along the Town Green and easily walk to any of the trail segments. There is also parking at the trailhead on South Street and behind the fire station, as well as at the high school and the recreation park. Map it.
Mt. Ascutney Parkway, Windsor
» 7.4 mi round trip, approx. 2,300 ft elevation gain
The paved toll road that winds up the side of Mount Ascutney provides long mileage, nice views, and elevation gain that can be hard to find during mud season. More info.
Directions: From I-91, take Exit 8. Go 0.2 miles east on Rt. 131 to stop light, then turn left on Rt. 5 for 1.2 miles, then bear left on Rt. 44A for 1 mile. Map it.
West River Trail, Londonderry to Townsend
» 36 mi one way
The West River Trail follows an old railbed along the West River through a variety of scenery. More info.
Directions: There are many access points for the West River Trail. Here are maps to the Upper Section and Lower Section.
Scenic hikes around the state
Scenic, low-elevation hikes around Vermont, including:
- Sentinel Rock Trail, Westmore
- Sunset Rock, Stowe
- Mount Philo, Charlotte
- Bristol Ledges Trail, Bristol
- Mt. Ascutney Parkway, Windsor
- Prospect Rock, Manchester
Sentinel Rock Trail, Westmore
» 1.8 mi round trip, approx. 26 ft elevation gain
This easy and accessible trail leads to a grassy knoll that provides sweeping views of the Northeast Kingdom. Along the way, the trail passes by Sentinel Rock, a large glacial erratic that dates to 13,000 years ago. More info.
Driving Directions to Sentinel Rock State Park:
From Lyndon: Head north on US-5 N. Bear right on US-5A when it splits off in West Burke. After passing most of Lake Willoughby, turn right on Hinton Hill Rd/T-38 at the Westmore Community Church. Head up the hill and dirt parking lot will be on your left in a large field.
From Newport: Head south on I-91S and take exit 26. Turn left US-5 S/VT-58 E and stay on VT-58 E when they split. When 58 ends, turn right on US-5A S. Turn left on Hinton Hill Rd/T-38 at the Westmore Community Church. Head up the hill and dirt parking lot will be on your left in a large field. Map it.
Sunset Rock, Stowe
» 0.7 mi round trip, approx. 321 ft elevation gain
This short trail provides two viewpoints, including one of Mount Mansfield. Don’t forget to stop at the Glacial Kettle hole that was formed 10,000 years ago by receding glaciers. More info.
Directions:
From Sunset Street entrance (walking directions): From the intersection of Route 100 and 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 100. Bear right onto Sunset Street and walk to the end of the street. The Sunset Trail is marked and begins off to the right. Parking is available on Main Street or in any of the designated parking areas in Town. Please do not park on Sunset Street, all parking is reserved for residents. Map it.
Taber Hill Road entrance (driving directions): From the intersection of Route 100 and Route 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 100. Take your 3rd right onto School Street. After 0.3 miles, bear left onto Taber Hill Road. Travel for 0.3 miles and turn left into the Sunset Rock parking area. Map it.
Mount Philo, Charlotte
» 2.45 mi round trip, 596 ft elevation gain
Although the hiking trails on Mount Philo are closed for mud season, you can still hike the Access Rd to find those beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. More info.
Directions:
From 89 N: Take exit 13 for I-189 to Route 7. Follow Route 7 south for 14 miles to the trailhead. Map it.
Bristol Ledges Trail, Bristol
» 3 mi round trip, approx. 960 ft elevation gain
This is a perfect lower elevation option to view the sunset during mud season.
Directions:
From Main St in Bristol: From Main Street going east, turn left on Mountain Street, then the first right on Mountain Terrace. At the end of the road, look for a gate that has a sign for Bristol Ledges Trail. There is no parking at the trailhead, so park in town (the parking lot of Shaw’s works well). Map it.
Mt. Ascutney Parkway, Windsor
» 7.4 mi round trip, approx. 2,300 ft elevation gain
The paved toll road that winds up the side of Mount Ascutney provides long mileage, nice views, and the elevation gain that can be hard to find during mud season. More info.
Directions:
From I-91: Take Exit 8 Go, 0.2 miles east on Rt 131 to stop light, then turn left on Rt. 5 for 1.2 miles, then bear left on Rt. 44A for 1 mile. Map it.
Prospect Rock, Manchester
» 3.6 mi round trip, approx. 980 ft elevation gain
The trail steadily ascends Old Rootville Rd. 1.8 miles to a rocky outlook. From there, hikers are rewarded with views of Manchester and Mt. Equinox. More info.
Directions: From Manchester Center, at the traffic circle with Route 7AN and Depot St, take the Depot St exit. Follow Depot St for 1.9 mi then turn right onto E Manchester Rd then stay straight onto Rootville Rd. Limited parking found at the end of the road. Map it.
More HikeVT trails to explore, by season:
- Mud season HikeVT recommendations: scenic hikes; high-mileage hikes; alternatives to popular peaks;
- Mud season day hikes
- Summer and fall HikeVT recommendations
- Summer day hikes
- Fall day hikes
- Winter day hikes
- Winter HikeVT recommendations by skill level: easy hikes; moderate hikes; moderate to difficult hikes; difficult hikes; and difficult hikes above 4,000 feet.
Maps:
Places to rent snowshoes:
- Umiak Outdoor Outfitters, Stowe
- Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington
- First Stop Board Barn, Killington
- The Mountain Goat, Manchester
- VT Libraries with Snowshoes through Rise VT
Questions? Our visitor center staff is here to assist you. Call (802) 244-7037 or email [email protected].
