Vermont is one of the best mountain hiking destinations in New England, with rugged Green Mountain trails, scenic summits, forested climbs, ridgelines, fire tower views, and classic New England landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a challenging 4,000-foot peak, a moderate summit hike, or a shorter trail with big mountain views, Vermont has mountain hikes for nearly every skill level.
The state is home to five peaks over 4,000 feet: Mount Mansfield, Killington Peak, Camel’s Hump, Mount Ellen, and Mount Abraham. These are often referred to as the “Vermont 5” and are some of the most iconic mountain hikes in the state.
Vermont’s mountain trails are known for a mix of wooded climbs, rocky scrambles, open viewpoints, alpine vegetation, and sweeping views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and surrounding valleys. Some hikes are short and steep, while others require more time, preparation, and mountain experience.
For serious hikers, Vermont’s Long Trail is a major part of the state’s mountain hiking identity. The Green Mountain Club describes the Long Trail as a rugged footpath through Vermont’s mountains, with steep inclines, mud, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and alpine areas along the way.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and one of the state’s most recognizable mountain hikes. The west side of Mount Mansfield includes easy, moderate, and difficult trail options, making it a major destination for hikers who want a classic Green Mountain summit experience.
Camel’s Hump is one of Vermont’s most iconic peaks and offers several different trail options, including the Burrows Trail, Monroe Trail, Forest City Trail, Alpine Trail, and sections of the Long Trail. The Green Mountain Club notes that Camel’s Hump has seven trails, with the Long Trail crossing the summit and continuing toward the Winooski River Valley.
Killington Peak is Vermont’s second-highest peak and can be reached by routes like the Bucklin Trail or longer Long Trail combinations. It is a strong choice for hikers who want a difficult mountain hike with major elevation gain and big summit energy.
Mount Abraham is Vermont’s shortest 4,000-footer, but it still offers rewarding summit views and a true mountain hiking experience. The Green Mountain Club notes that Mount Abraham has panoramic views toward New Hampshire, the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains.
Stowe Pinnacle is a shorter but rewarding mountain hike with one of the most photographed viewpoints in Vermont. Go Stowe lists it as a moderate, 3.6-mile half-day hike with about 1,520 feet of climbing.
Looking for more Vermont hikes? Explore our full Vermont Hiking Trails guide for waterfall hikes, scenic view trails, easy hikes, family-friendly routes, dog-friendly trails, and the top hikes across the Green Mountain State.
Vermont is one of the best mountain hiking destinations in New England, with rugged Green Mountain trails, scenic summits, forested climbs, ridgelines, fire tower views, and classic New England landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a challenging 4,000-foot peak, a moderate summit hike, or a shorter trail with big mountain views, Vermont has mountain hikes for nearly every skill level.
The state is home to five peaks over 4,000 feet: Mount Mansfield, Killington Peak, Camel’s Hump, Mount Ellen, and Mount Abraham. These are often referred to as the “Vermont 5” and are some of the most iconic mountain hikes in the state.
Vermont’s mountain trails are known for a mix of wooded climbs, rocky scrambles, open viewpoints, alpine vegetation, and sweeping views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and surrounding valleys. Some hikes are short and steep, while others require more time, preparation, and mountain experience.
For serious hikers, Vermont’s Long Trail is a major part of the state’s mountain hiking identity. The Green Mountain Club describes the Long Trail as a rugged footpath through Vermont’s mountains, with steep inclines, mud, ponds, hardwood forests, streams, and alpine areas along the way.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and one of the state’s most recognizable mountain hikes. The west side of Mount Mansfield includes easy, moderate, and difficult trail options, making it a major destination for hikers who want a classic Green Mountain summit experience.
Camel’s Hump is one of Vermont’s most iconic peaks and offers several different trail options, including the Burrows Trail, Monroe Trail, Forest City Trail, Alpine Trail, and sections of the Long Trail. The Green Mountain Club notes that Camel’s Hump has seven trails, with the Long Trail crossing the summit and continuing toward the Winooski River Valley.
Killington Peak is Vermont’s second-highest peak and can be reached by routes like the Bucklin Trail or longer Long Trail combinations. It is a strong choice for hikers who want a difficult mountain hike with major elevation gain and big summit energy.
Mount Abraham is Vermont’s shortest 4,000-footer, but it still offers rewarding summit views and a true mountain hiking experience. The Green Mountain Club notes that Mount Abraham has panoramic views toward New Hampshire, the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains.
Stowe Pinnacle is a shorter but rewarding mountain hike with one of the most photographed viewpoints in Vermont. Go Stowe lists it as a moderate, 3.6-mile half-day hike with about 1,520 feet of climbing.
Looking for more Vermont hikes? Explore our full Vermont Hiking Trails guide for waterfall hikes, scenic view trails, easy hikes, family-friendly routes, dog-friendly trails, and the top hikes across the Green Mountain State.
Discover the best dog-friendly hikes in Maine — from Acadia’s Ocean Path and Jordan Pond to Bradbury Mountain, Bald Mountain, and Moxie Falls. Terrain notes, leash rules, and essential tips including the no-pet Baxter State Park policy.
massachusetts hiking guide Best Scenic View Hikes in Massachusetts Explore Massachusetts’s best scenic view hikes, from Berkshire summits and Connecticut River Valley overlooks to coastal viewpoints, Boston skyline views, forested ridgelines, and rocky seaside trails. Massachusetts has a wide range…
connecticut hiking guide Best Forest Hikes in Connecticut Explore Connecticut’s best forest hikes, from quiet woodland trails and shaded state forests to Blue-Blazed footpaths, rolling hills, traprock ridges, and peaceful New England woods. Connecticut is one of New England’s most…
Best Scenic View Hikes in Vermont Vermont is filled with scenic view hikes, from short overlooks and fire tower trails to dramatic mountain summits with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and surrounding valleys. These hikes…
Never miss out!
Leave a Reply