Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Vermont

Vermont Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Vermont.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 15+ hiking trails in Vermont — Mount Mansfield Summit Trail (Long Trail), Camel's Hump Summit Trail and Stowe Recreation Path top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Vermont is a small New England state of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for fiery fall foliage, world-class ski resorts, covered wooden bridges, and a thriving farm-to-table food culture. Burlington, its largest city, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and buzzes with craft breweries and independent shops. From the rolling Green Mountains to maple-syrup farms and award-winning cheese dairies, Vermont rewards travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Mount Mansfield Summit Trail (Long Trail)

    3.4 miles round-trip from gondola top (gondola to summit); 8 miles round-trip from trailhead3–5 hours round-trip from gondola; 6–8 hours from trailhead4,393 ft (1,339 m) summit; 2,600 ft gain from trailhead

  2. 2

    Camel's Hump Summit Trail

    5.8 miles round-trip via Burrows Trail4–6 hours4,083 ft (1,244 m) summit; 2,700 ft gain

  3. 3

    Stowe Recreation Path

    5.3 miles one-way (10.6 miles round-trip)2–3 hours walking (1 hour cycling)Minimal elevation change; paved flat path

  4. 4

    Quechee Gorge Trail

    2.5 miles loop1.5–2 hours165 ft gorge depth; moderate descent to gorge floor

  5. 5

    Smugglers' Notch Trail

    4.2 miles round-trip to Elephant Head viewpoint3–4 hours2,500 ft elevation at notch; 600 ft gain to viewpoint

  6. 6

    Rattlesnake Cliff Trail (Lake Champlain views)

    2.8 miles round-trip2–3 hours400 ft gain to cliff overlook at ~1,200 ft

  7. 7

    Mount Philo State Park Trail

    1.4 miles round-trip (trail); driveable road also available1–1.5 hours hiking968 ft summit; 500 ft gain

  8. 8

    Long Trail — Section: Killington Peak

    3.6 miles round-trip from Cooper Lodge3–4 hours4,229 ft (1,289 m) summit; 900 ft gain from Cooper Lodge

  9. 9

    Bald Mountain Trail, Groton State Forest

    4.0 miles round-trip2.5–3.5 hours1,680 ft summit; 600 ft gain; fire tower at summit

  10. 10

    Sterling Pond Trail

    2.4 miles round-trip2–3 hours3,000 ft pond elevation; 1,000 ft gain from VT-108

  11. 11

    Moss Glen Falls Trail, Granville Gulf

    0.5 miles round-trip30–45 minutesMinimal; flat easy walk

  12. 12

    Pico Peak Trail

    4.0 miles round-trip3–4 hours3,967 ft (1,209 m) summit; 1,100 ft gain

  13. 13

    Lake Willoughby Cliffs Trail

    4.6 miles round-trip to Mount Pisgah summit3–4 hours2,751 ft summit; 1,600 ft gain

  14. 14

    Okemo Mountain Summit Hike

    4.2 miles round-trip3–4 hours3,344 ft (1,019 m) summit; 1,400 ft gain

  15. 15

    Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

    1.2 miles loop45 minutes–1 hourMinimal; flat interpretive trail

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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