Let’s HikeVT! We’re featuring easy, moderate, and difficult trails on the east side of Camel’s Hump. All routes start from the parking lots at the end of Camel’s Hump Road in Duxbury. The easy and accessible trails are both the charming Camel’s Hump View Trail, a Universally Accessible hiking trail that starts at the winter parking lot.
Known originally as Tawapodiiwajo (Saddle Mountain or Mountain Seat) by the local Abenaki, Camel’s Hump has also been compared to a “couching lion,” or “lion couchant” by Samuel de Champlain’s group of French explorers.
- Camel’s Hump View Trail – EASY, UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE
- Hump Brook Tenting Area – MODERATE (Bonus hike: Dean Trail beaver pond lookout!)
- Camel’s Hump summit via Monroe Trail > Alpine Trail > Monroe Trail Loop – DIFFICULT
From Winter Parking Lot on Camel’s Hump Road in Duxbury:
Camel’s Hump View Trail – EASY/UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE
» .75 mi round trip, approx. 130 ft elevation gain
This lollipop-style loop trail features multiple gorgeous views of Camel’s Hump, which are especially good as the leaves begin to fall in autumn. The trail also features several benches, which offer nice rest spots.
From the sign at the parking lot, head out on the main path. Soon you will come to a split where you can go clockwise or counterclockwise on the trail. Whichever direction you choose, be sure to stay on the wide, blue-blazed Camel’s Hump View Trail, as there is a cross-country ski trail which crosses it at one point.
NOTE: This is a “universally accessible trail.” It includes elevation changes at more substantial grades than the rec paths and boardwalks we have suggested in past weeks. The trail surface is dirt and gravel, and may not be passable by wheelchairs designed for smooth surfaces, especially once fallen leaves are on the path.
From Monroe Trail Parking Lot on Camel’s Hump Road in Duxbury:
Hump Brook Tenting Area via Monroe Trail and Dean Trail – MODERATE
» 3 mi round trip, approx. 950 ft elevation gain
This is great for kids comfortable with longer hikes!
From the parking lot, head up the blue-blazed Monroe Trail, which climbs steadily through beautiful open woods. At the junction at 1.3 mi, turn left on the blue-blazed Dean Trail. After 0.2 mi, you will reach a small ravine spanned by a beautiful wooden bridge built by the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. Very soon after the bridge, turn left at the sign for Hump Brook Tenting Area. There is a picnic table for a lunch break, as well as a lovely small brook. Return the way you came.
If you’re feeling ambitious, continue up the Dean Trail another 0.7 mi until you see a short trail made of stepping stones on your right. Follow this a very short ways to a breathtaking lookout of a beaver pond with the cliffs and summit of the mountain towering above. Return the way you came.
Camel’s Hump Summit – DIFFICULT
» 6.6 mi round trip, approx. 2,583 ft elevation gain
NOTE: We highly recommend bringing a map and giving yourself a full day for this hike. Do not attempt this loop if there is a threat of thunderstorms as route is above treeline for 0.5 miles, offering little protection from wind, rain, and lightening. The route also includes multiple critical intersections, which are much more easily missed in the rain or dark.
From the parking lot, head up the blue-blazed Monroe Trail. At the junction at 1.3 mi, stay right on Monroe. At 1.2 mi, turn left on the yellow-blazed Alpine Trail, which climbs steeply for .5 mi. As you reach the top of the Alpine Trail, keep an eye out for a very well-worn path on the left. This very short detour leads to the wing of a B-24J Liberator military airplane that crashed in 1944, killing all but one of the men aboard. Please be respectful of the site if you visit.
When you reach the end of the Alpine Trail, turn right on the white-blazed LT to head north to the summit. Soon you will emerge from the trees and see a large wooden sign announcing that you are entering the fragile Alpine Zone. Above this point, please take care to walk only on rock, as the plants are easily permanently damaged by foot traffic. The summit is .2 mi after the junction.
NOTE: The south side of the summit is extremely steep open rock and may not be appropriate for people with an intense fear of heights. Ascent will be significantly more difficult in the rain or fog.
Once you have enjoyed the view at the summit, continue on the LT north for .3 mi to “Hut Clearing.” This is a large opening just after the trail comes down below treeline. In the clearing, turn right on the blue-blazed Monroe Trail. Be sure to double-check the trail sign, as multiple blue trails connect to this clearing. Follow the Monroe Trail the full 3.1 mi back down to the parking lot.
Driving Directions to Parking Lots on Camel’s Hump Road in Duxbury:
From Richmond/I-89 Exit 11: Turn onto US-2 E and head east. At the Jonesville Post Office, turn right on Cochran Rd. Immediately cross the river and turn left on Duxbury Rd, also called River Rd. After 5.9 mi, you will come to a stop sign. Turn right on Camel’s Hump Rd. After about 3 mi you will see a “Welcome to Camel’s Hump State Park” sign.
From Waterbury/I-89 Exit 10: Turn onto VT 100 South from I-89. At the roundabout, turn onto US 2 East/VT 100 South. Turn right on Winooski St to cross the river, then turn right on River Rd, also called Duxbury Rd. In 3.9 mi, you’ll come to an intersection with an arrow pointing towards Camel’s Hump State Park. Turn left onto Camel’s Hump Rd. After about 3 mi you will see a “Welcome to Camel’s Hump State Park” sign.
Winter/Camel’s Hump View Trail Parking Lot is on the first road on the left after passing the “Welcome to Camel’s Hump State Park” sign. The road is marked with a “Winter Parking Lot” sign. Map It
Main Monroe Trail Parking Lot is at the end of Camel’s Hump Road. If the main lot is full, use the overflow lot just below it. If overflow lot is full, use winter parking lot. Note that the gate to the main parking lot is closed all winter as the road is unplowed. Map It
Where to eat and drink nearby:
- Sweet Simone’s for pastries, coffee, lunch, and smoothies
- Hatchet for dinner, drinks and creamees
- Stone Corral Brewery for dinner (tacos!) and after-hike beers
- Crossroads Deli for creamees and to-go sandwiches
- Hender’s Bake Shop for pastries, coffee, lunch, and breakfast sandwiches
- The Reservoir for lunch, dinner and after-hike beers
