Green Mountain Club

Maintaining & Protecting Vermont's Long Trail Since 1910

  • About
    • The Green Mountain Club
      • Bylaws
      • Annual Reports
      • Strategic Plan
    • Visitor Center
    • Barnes Camp Visitor Center
    • GMC Rental Cabins
    • Board of Directors
    • GMC Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Our Business Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Hiking
    • Trail Updates
    • Winter Hiking
    • Hiking 101
    • Trail Systems
      • The Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail in Vermont
      • Kingdom Heritage Trails in the Northeast Kingdom
    • HikeVT
    • Accessible Trails around Vermont
    • Thru-Hike the Long Trail
    • Hiking in Groups
    • Trip Planning
    • Mud Season
    • Fall Hiking
    • Guidebooks, Maps & Gear
  • Conservation
    • Protecting the Long Trail
    • Land Conservation
    • Field Programs
    • Burrows Trail Project
    • Regional Partnerships
  • Education & Events
    • Events & Workshops
    • Service Learning & Group Outings
    • Calendar of Events & Outings
    • Leave No Trace
    • Wildlife along the Trails
  • News
    • Trail Updates
    • Blog
    • Long Trail News
    • Press Releases
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Volunteer Reports
    • Application
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Long Trail Legacy Campaign
    • Donate Now
  • Members
    • Become a Member
    • Your Membership Benefits
    • Join a Section
    • Business Membership
  • Shop

Long Mileage Hikes to do during Mud Season

Quinn on rocky shore along river at Stowe Recreation Path
Stowe Recreation Path. Photo courtesy: Amy Potter

Let’s HikeVT! This week we’re featuring low-elevation hikes with lots of mileage to keep you moving through mud season. Know before you go: proper footwear, safety, and activities for mud season.

  1. North Branch Trail, Ferdinand
  2. Island Line Trail, Burlington to South Hero
  3. Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe
  4. Bear Swamp Loop, Middlesex
  5. Bristol Trail Network, Bristol
  6. Mt. Ascutney Parkway, Windsor
  7. 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.

Back to top ↑


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.

Back to top ↑


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.

Back to top ↑


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.

Note, March 28, 2022: The Hunger Mountain Trailhead parking lot is not currently accessible due to snow. The class 4 road section of the loop is covered in snow. Parking is available near Rumney School, and will also be available at Hunger Mountain Trailhead once the snow melts.

Back to top ↑


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.

Back to top ↑


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.

Back to top ↑


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.

Back to top ↑


Back to HikeVT.

Questions? Our visitor center staff is here to assist you. Call (802) 244-7037 or email [email protected].

Monthly donor spotlights

Giving Back to the Long Trail: Monthly Donor Spotlights

January 20, 2023

Vermont’s mountains are loved for many different reasons: formative youth experiences, core memories with family, camaraderie and friendships developed on trail, awe and appreciation for nature and its mental and physical benefits. To improve these experiences, GMC relies on the support of members … Read more

About Mud Season HikeVT Trail Recommendations Become a Member Trip Planning Trail Maps Volunteer Opportunities

Mission

The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Established in 1910 to build this trail stretching the length of Vermont, the club now also maintains the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and trails in the Northeast Kingdom in its mission to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people." Read more...

Featured Sponsors

jfghr-lohgo-topo OG
jfghr-lohgo-topo OG
Lenny's Shoe & Apparel logo
Lennys-Logo
Athletic_Primary_WhiteBG
Athletic_Primary_WhiteBG
Sunsoil logo
SUNSOIL_black_Large
Sunset Lake CBD logo
sunset lake cbd web logo
bbco
concept2

Connect

4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
802.244.7037 | Email GMC

Click here for current hours.
Email us for hiking advice. 

Copyright © 2023 Green Mountain Club · All Rights Reserved. · Site by Earthlogic.