Discover the Best Hikes in Vermont
Vermont is one of the most scenic hiking destinations in New England, known for its Green Mountain landscapes, forest trails, peaceful waterfalls, summit views, fall foliage, and classic outdoor charm. From Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump to quiet woodland walks, waterfall trails, and family-friendly nature paths, Vermont offers hiking trails for every type of explorer.
The state is home to the Long Trail, built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, which runs the length of Vermont’s Green Mountains and is recognized as the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. Vermont also includes 150.8 miles of the Appalachian Trail, with terrain rising from about 400 feet to more than 4,000 feet, giving hikers everything from approachable day hikes to more challenging mountain routes.
Whether you’re planning a challenging mountain hike, an easy scenic walk, a waterfall trail, a dog-friendly outing, or a classic New England fall foliage adventure, this guide helps you explore Vermont hiking trails, outdoor articles, and trail resources all in one place.
Why Hike in Vermont?
Vermont hiking is defined by forested mountains, scenic summits, peaceful valleys, waterfalls, alpine areas, and some of the most iconic trails in New England. The Green Mountains create a beautiful setting for day hikes, long-distance routes, scenic overlooks, and quiet outdoor escapes.
For mountain hikers, Vermont is especially known for Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Killington Peak, Mount Ellen, and Mount Abraham — the state’s five peaks over 4,000 feet. Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest mountain, making it one of the most important hiking destinations in the state.
Use this page to find Vermont hiking guides, browse top trail recommendations, discover scenic outdoor destinations, and connect to helpful articles for planning your next hike.
Discover the Best Types of Trails in Vermont
Mountain Hikes
Explore Vermont mountain hikes with Green Mountain summits, forested climbs, rocky trails, alpine scenery, and rewarding views across the state.
Waterfall Hikes
Find scenic waterfall hikes in Vermont featuring peaceful forest trails, rushing cascades, swimming holes, mountain streams, and beautiful natural escapes.
Scenic View Hikes
Explore scenic view hikes in Vermont with mountain overlooks, Lake Champlain views, Green Mountain ridgelines, fall foliage, and photo-worthy New England landscapes.
Dog Friendly Hikes
Find dog-friendly hikes in Vermont with forest trails, open views, mountain paths, peaceful walks, and outdoor routes perfect for hiking with your dog.
Fall Foliage Hikes
Explore Vermont fall foliage hikes with colorful forest trails, crisp autumn air, Green Mountain views, scenic overlooks, and classic New England leaf-peeping scenery.
Top 20 Hikes in Vermont
Discover our curated guide to the top 20 hikes in Vermont, featuring Green Mountain trails, scenic summits, waterfalls, forest paths, easy hikes, family-friendly routes, and must-visit outdoor destinations across the Green Mountain State.
Search Hiking Trails in Vermont
Looking for a specific hike? Use the New England Trails trail finder to search Vermont hiking trails by location, difficulty, distance, scenery, and trail type. Find Vermont hikes that match your skill level, travel plans, and favorite outdoor views.
Use the map and filters below to find Vermont hikes by location, difficulty, distance, scenery, and trail style.
Plan Your Next Vermont Hiking Adventure
Vermont is one of the most beloved hiking destinations in New England, offering everything from easy forest walks and waterfall hikes to challenging mountain climbs and scenic Green Mountain summits. Hikers come to Vermont for Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, the Long Trail, peaceful woods, classic fall foliage, waterfall trails, and wide-open summit views.
The Green Mountain Club highlights several Vermont waterfall hikes, including Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Thundering Falls in Killington, and Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, making the state a strong destination for hikers looking for both mountain scenery and peaceful waterfall routes.
Whether you’re searching for the best hikes in Vermont, scenic trails in the Green Mountains, beginner-friendly hikes, dog-friendly trails, waterfall hikes, or outdoor guides for your next weekend adventure, New England Trails helps you explore the state’s top hiking destinations in one clean, easy-to-use place.
FAQ
Some of the best hiking areas in Vermont include Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Killington Peak, Mount Abraham, Stowe, Manchester, the Long Trail, Green Mountain National Forest, and scenic waterfall areas throughout the state.
Yes. While Vermont has challenging mountain hikes, it also has many easy hikes, short forest trails, waterfall walks, nature paths, and family-friendly outdoor destinations that are great for beginners.
Vermont is best known for the Green Mountains, the Long Trail, Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, scenic summit views, waterfalls, forest trails, fall foliage, and classic New England hiking scenery.
Yes. Vermont has many family-friendly hikes with shorter distances, manageable terrain, scenic views, waterfalls, forest paths, and outdoor experiences that are great for kids and beginners.
Many Vermont trails allow dogs, but rules vary by trail, park, and land manager. Always check the specific trail rules before visiting, carry a leash, and keep your dog under control where required. The Green Mountain Club recommends observing posted dog signage and carrying a leash when hiking with dogs in Vermont.