Let’s HikeVT! These routes are all on the west side of Camel’s Hump in Huntington with easy, moderate, and difficult trails that go along rivers, past historic camps, and over the summit of one of Vermont’s highest peaks. The accessible trail is found in nearby Monkton, VT.
- Old CCC Camp via Forest City Trail – EASY
- Montclair Glen Lodge via Forest City Trail – MODERATE
- Camel’s Hump summit via Forest City > Long Trail > Burrows Loop – DIFFICULT
- Raven Ridge Natural Area – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
From Lower Forest City Parking Lot in Huntington:
Old CCC Camp via Forest City Trail – EASY
» 0.6 mi round trip, approx. 150 ft elevation gain
From the parking area, follow the blue-blazed Forest City Trail as it gently traverses the side of the hill. The trail soon descends to Brush Brook. As of August 2020, the bridge is closed for repairs so hikers must cross the brook on foot. If the water is high or moving rapidly, play it safe and end your walk at this enjoyable riverside spot. If the water is low, carefully descend the steep bank and cross through the water, ascending the bank on the other side.
Once you cross Brush Brook, keep an eye out for a stone furnace on the right/south side of the trail. This marks the abandoned Forest City Civilian Conservation Corps camp built and used in the 1930’s. If you look carefully, you can see other signs of the old camp.
Return the way you came.
Montclair Glen via the Forest City Trail – MODERATE
» 4.4 mi round trip, approx. 1,700 ft elevation gain
From the lower parking area, follow the CCC camp directions above. From the CCC camp it is another .5 mi to the intersection with the Forest City Connector Trail, which leads to the Upper FC/Burrows lot. Stay on the main trail as it climbs steadily for 1.4 mi through beautiful terrain. The trail ends at an intersection with the Long Trail. Turn right/south on the white-blazed LT and follow it for 200ft to Montclair Glen Lodge.
Montclair is a great spot for a picnic or for a break before heading to the summit (see Difficult description below). When you begin your descent, be sure to not to miss the left turn for the blue-blazed Forest City Trail.
For a shorter hike, start at the Upper Forest City/Burrows parking lot at the end of Camel’s Hump Road. At the kiosk immediately after the trailhead, turn right on the Forest City Connector Trail. When it ends at the Forest City Trail, turn left to head up towards Montclair.
From Upper Forest City/Burrows Parking Lot in Huntington:
Camel’s Hump Summit – DIFFICULT
» 5.8 mi round trip, approx. 2,461 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 an additional 1.5 mi of extremely challenging terrain which at times requires the use of hands, and which is exponentially more difficult in the rain or dark.
This challenging loop to is a fun alternative to the popular out-and-back Burrows route. A Vermont classic, it takes you to one of the highest points in the state!
Starting at the Upper Forest City/Burrows lot, take the Forest City Trail up to the Long Trail (see Montclair Glen hike description above). Turn left/north on the white-blazed Long Trail and stay on it through a four-way intersection in Wind Gap. From Wind Gap, the LT climbs 1.5 rugged miles to an intersection with the Alpine Trail. This section of the LT includes rock scrambles which may be challenging for some dogs.
Soon after passing the Alpine Trail junction, you’ll 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 left on the blue-blazed Burrows Trail. Be sure to double-check the trail sign, as multiple blue trails connect to this clearing. Follow the Burrows Trail the full 2.1 mi back down to the parking lot.
Driving directions to Forest City parking lots on Camel’s Hump Road in Huntington:
From Richmond/I-89 Exit 11: Turn onto US-2 E. In the center of Richmond, turn right/south on Bridge St. Pass the round church and turn Right on Huntington Rd. After crossing Huntington River bear right on Main Rd. Stay right on Main Rd in village of Huntington. Continue for 2.5 mi and turn left on Camel’s Hump Rd in Huntington Center.
From Bristol: Head east on VT-17 E. Turn left on Gore Rd before road begins steep ascent to App Gap. After 6.2 mi, turn right on Camel’s Hump Rd just after Huntington Town Office.
Lower Forest City/overflow lot is on right .8 mi after passing Hallock Rd. Please park perpendicular to the road in the dirt pull-off. Map It
Upper Forest City/Burrows lot is at the end of Camel’s Hump Rd, .7 mi past lower lot. If upper lot is full, use lower lot instead of parking along the narrow road. Map It
If both parking lots are full, please respect our neighbors and do not park along the road. Instead, try one of these other great hikes nearby:
Theron Dean Shelter or Molly Stark’s Balcony from Appalachian Gap,
Birch Glen Shelter via the Beane Trail
Bamforth Ridge Shelter or Duxbury Window from Duxbury Road
In Raven Ridge Natural Area:
Raven Ridge Accessible Boardwalk and Trail – Accessible, Easy
The Nature Conservancy manages this 0.3-mile-long trail that consists of a 935-foot universally accessible boardwalk plus another 748 feet of accessible trail that allows hikers of all abilities a chance to spot bats, bobcats, and rare plants.
For information, including maps and possible trail closures, please call 802-229-4425 or visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/raven-ridge/.
Driving Directions to Raven Ridge Natural Area:
From Burlington: Head south on VT-7 S. Pass the turn for Mt. Philo and take a left on Old Hollow Rd. After 1.9 mi, take a slight left on Rotax Rd. After 2 mi, park in dirt lot on your right. Trail begins on left/north side of road.
From Waitsfield: Follow VT-17 W up and over Appalachian Gap. At intersection with VT-116, turn left on VT-116 S/VT-17W. In Bristol, turn right on North St. Continue north into Monkton Ridge, then turn left onto Baldwin Rd/Davis Rd. Take first left onto Rotax Rd. After 1.7 mi, park in dirt lot on your left. Trail begins on right/north side of road.
Where to eat and drink nearby:
Huntington/Richmond:
- Sweet Simone’s for pastries, coffee, lunch, and smoothies
- Hatchet for dinner, drinks and creemees
- Stone Corral Brewery for dinner (especially the tacos) and after-hike beers
- Jubilee Farmstand for farm-fresh snacks
Bristol/Starksboro:
- The Bobcat Café in Bristol for dinner
- Jerusalem Corners Country Store for to-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches
- Hillsboro Sugarworks for syrup, gifts, and walking trails
Maps:
