Vermont’s lush, mountainous landscape and pleasant weather throughout spring, summer, and fall (and winter if you’re not afraid of some cooler temperatures!) make it the perfect place to hike. Although Vermont is small, one of my favorite things about it is the diversity of its landscapes. Different mountains, lakes, rivers and ponds make each hike unique in difficulty and terrain, and you can’t forget the breathtaking views from the summit. From the green rolling hills covering small, quaint villages to the beautiful lakes beneath the steep mountains, every view is worth the climb.
Today I’m sharing 15 of the best hikes in Vermont. I’ve included where to find the trails, about how long they will take and how long you can expect to take, as well as some exciting things to see along the way. Don’t worry, I’m not giving up too much because one of the best parts of the hike is the sweet surprises along the way. Enjoy and let us know your favorite hikes in Vermont in the comments below!
15 Best Hikes in Vermont
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View from the top of Mount Tom -
Marsh Billings-Rockefeller’s Pogue
Pogue and Tom Mountain Trail (Woodstock, VT)
Pogue and Tom Mountain Trail A great gentle family hike option, a 4.2 mile loop that takes about 2 hours to complete. If you have young children, you can hike around Pogue and skip the summit trails. Pogue is so beautiful that in summer you might see turtles sunbathing on the rocks and maybe even a bear climbing the top of the mountain. If you continue to the top, you’ll have stunning views of the quintessential town of Woodstock and its surrounding forest.
Mount Ascatney Trail (Wethersfield, VT)
Climb Mount Ascatney via the Weathersfield Trail A wonderful day hike option, but get tired of it being rated as a tough hike. This 5.7-mile hike takes about 4 hours round-trip and includes a beautiful waterfall where you can take a quick dip if you wish, with sweeping views of the lookout tower and summit. The trail is popular, and the parking lot is often full, so we recommend starting early. Leash dogs are welcome.
Mount Mansfield (Chittenden County, Vermont)
Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain, is on the bucket list of many seasoned hikers.This Mansfield Hills Loop Running 7.3 miles takes about 5 hours to complete. This challenging route is worth taking in the stunning views of the Green Mountains. Climbing includes rock climbing and technical climbing, so it is not recommended for inclement weather or beginner hikes. Start early to avoid crowds, dogs on leash are welcome!
Camel Hump Trail (Waterbury, VT)
Camel Hump Trail One of my favorite day hikes, I’ve done it several times and it just keeps getting better. The 360-degree views from the summit are breathtaking and well worth the hard climb to the top. The trail is 6 miles round-trip and takes approximately 4 1/2 hours. The trail is rated difficult and has some steep rock bits and is not recommended in bad weather. The parking lot here is also very busy, so it is recommended to start early. Keep your dog on a leash!
Deer Leap Trail (Killington, Vermont)
Deer Leap Trail A great moderate hike in the morning or afternoon, the 2.2-mile loop takes about 1 hour. This trail intersects the Appalachian Trail. Watch out for slippery rocks. At the top, you’ll have stunning views of Killington, but beware of falling cliffs with toddlers and dogs. Welcome to Leash Dogs!
Mount Pisgah Trail North (Lake Willoughby, Westmore, VT)
Pisgah Mountain One of my favorite day trips in Vermont. This 4.1-mile hike takes about 3 hours and is rated moderate, but does have some steep sections and may not be suitable for young children. This is a high-traffic trail during peak season (summer/fall), so the trail is a bit weathered, but it has stunning views and vistas of Lake Willoughby and is well worth the hike. Dogs on leash welcome!
Stowe Pinnacle Trail (Stowe, VT)
The Stowe Pinnacle Trail is another of the most popular 3.7-mile hikes and takes about 3 hours. The difficulty of this hike is high, with steep sections along the way. The stunning views make this trail well worth the hike! Welcome to Leash Dogs!
Lye Brook Falls Trail (Manchester, VT)
Jixi Waterfall Trail In Green Mountain National Forest is a 4.4 mile loop that takes about 2 hours. This gentle shady hike ends with stunning views of one of Vermont’s largest waterfalls. There are some rocky terrain and steep sections at the end, well worth seeing at the top! Leash dogs are welcome.
Sterling Pond Trail (Jeffersonville, VT)
Sterling Pond Trail It’s a moderate 2.3 mile hike that takes about 1 1/2 hours to complete. While there is no unobstructed view, the gorgeous pond is a great gift at the top. This is another pond that is best enjoyed early in the morning before the crowds. Welcome to Leash Dogs!
Haystack Trail (Wilmington, VT)
Haystack Trail It’s a moderate 5-mile hike with an average round-trip time of 2 1/2 hours. This is a great family-friendly hike and the dog can be kept on a leash. Watch out for the slippery rocks and enjoy the stunning mountain top view!
Sunset Ridge and Long Trail Loop (Underhill Center, Vermont)
Sunset Ridge and Long Trail Loop is a difficult 5.9 mile loop that takes about 4 1/2 hours and includes spectacular 360-degree views of Vermont, the Adirondacks and the White Mountains. Beware of steep climbs and slippery rocks. Leash dogs are welcome.
Equinox Mountain and Lookout Rock
Equinox Mountain and Lookout Rock It’s a 6.3-mile hike that takes about 5 hours. As the tallest mountain in the Taconic Mountains, Mount Equinox is rated a tough hike for its steep and unforgiving terrain. Worth a visit for the views of Manchester village and rolling mountains. Dogs are welcome (leashes are not used in some areas).
Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail
Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail is a 7.2-mile loop with a run time of less than 5 hours and is rated hard. Starting with gradually sloping slopes and ending with steep and difficult terrain, this hike will have you working your way up to the wildflowers and stunning views at the top! Leash dogs are welcome.
