Best Trails of Vermont

This list represents the most popular trails in Vermont (learn more about Top Trails). Use this list to plan your next Vermont outdoor trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

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Activity: State: Reset

#1. Mount Mansfield, Sunset Ridge Trail

About 17 miles east of Burlington and 22 miles NW of Montpelier. A classic ascent of a rocky ridge to the highest peak in Vermont. Special attractions: Rare alpine plants and flowers; magnificent su…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Burlington , VT - Hiking - 6.6 miles

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#2. Camel's Hump, Forestry, Dean, and Long Trails Loop

Between Burlington and Montpelier, south of I-89. A long, scenic day hike to Vermont's highest pristine peak and a National Natural Landmark. Special attractions: Summit views, rare alpine vegetation…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Montpelier , VT - Hiking - 7.4 miles

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#3. Appalachian Trail: Glastenbury Mountain

The hike over Glastenbury Mountain covers a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness. The entire backpacking hike of 22.6 miles provides long walks, a choice of camping sites, and plenty of climbin…

From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in Southern New England"
Bennington , VT - Hiking - 22.6 miles

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#4. Mount Ascutney, Weathersfield Trail

About 20 miles south of White River Junction, just west of the Connecticut River. A half day hike to a challenging peak on Vermont's eastern border. Special attractions: Waterfalls and spectacular v…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
White River Junction , VT - Hiking - 5.8 miles

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#5. Lye Brook Wilderness

Between Bennington and Rutland, just east of Manchester Center. An overnight backpack to a wilderness pond, or a half-day hike to a plummeting falls. Special attractions: Wildlife, wetlands, Bourn P…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Bennington , VT - Hiking - 14.6 miles

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#6. Big Jay

A descent of the steep, trailless East Face of Big Jay, one of the best backcountry powder runs in the Northeast. For many years, the few intrepid skiers who ventured out to Big Jay would describe to…

From the guidebook "Backcountry Skiing Adventures: Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in Vermont and New York"
Troy , VT - Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding - 3.5 miles

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Published by Appalachian Mountain Club Books

#7. Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail plunges 2,000 feet down the south side of Mount Mansfield, ending on the trails of the Stowe Mountain Resort Cross-Country Ski Center. It is a legendary down-mountain ski run cut in th…

From the guidebook "Backcountry Skiing Adventures: Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in Vermont and New York"
Stowe , VT - Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding - 4 miles

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#8. Killington Peak, Bucklin Trail

About 7 miles east of Rutland. A hike to the second highest summit in Vermont. Special attractions: Three-state views of the Green Mountains, White Mountains, Taconic Range, and Adirondacks.…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Rutland , VT - Hiking - 7 miles

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#9. Harriman Reservoir

This ride's general location is Wilmington. Scenery is wooded with occasional glimpses of Harriman Reservoir. The mellow, flat, wide railroad bed provides an excellent route for families and novices…

From the guidebook "Mountain Bike! Vermont"
Wilmington , VT - Mountain Biking - 15.5 miles

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#10. Burlington Bike Path: Urban Pedaling at Its Best

Here's a ride that is triply unique in this collection: It's almost entirely on an official bicycle path, it's an urban ride, and isn't a loop. It offers incredible views of Lake Champlain and the Ad…

From the guidebook "Short Bike Rides in Vermont"
Burlington , VT - Road Biking - 13.1 miles

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#11. Camel's Hump State Park

Backpacker’s cabins on the forested slopes of Vermont’s third-highest peak. In spite of Vermont’s reputation for scenic alpine splendor, pristine peaks with outstanding views are rare in the Green Mou…

From the guidebook "Roughing It Easy in New England: Outdoor Adventures Near Lodgings"
Montpelier , VT - Hiking

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#12. Haystack Mountain

Off Vermont Highway 9 about midway between Brattleboro and Bennington. A relaxing half day family hike to a southern Green Mountain summit overlooking Haystack Pond. Special attractions: Easy access…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Bennington , VT - Hiking - 4 miles

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#13. Appalachian Trail: Killington Peak - North

This hike - a north-south excursion - starts out in benign and gently rolling woods, by the time it reaches the gloriously exposed top of Killington, there is nothing between you and the weather but t…

From the guidebook "Exploring the Appalachian Trail: Hikes in Southern New England"
Rutland , VT - Hiking - 5.7 miles

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#14. Stratton Mountain & Stratton Pond

South-central Vermont, about 20 miles SE of Manchester. A classic day hike to fire tower views and waterfront walks on a wild pond's shore; lean-tos and tent platforms offer overnight options.…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Manchester , VT - Hiking - 11 miles

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#15. Bald Mountain, Bennington

Near Woodford Hollow, 4 miles east of Bennington. A half day hike to a tree-clad summit known as Bald Mountain. Special attractions: Good views of the Green Mountains and the neighboring Taconic Ran…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Bennington , VT - Hiking - 4 miles

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#16. Mount Mansfield

This ride's general location is Nebraska Valley, 4 miles northwest of Stowe. Scenery includes deeply wooded trails, views of Mount Mansfield, and a cruise on the scenic Mountain Road. The first half…

From the guidebook "Mountain Bike! Vermont"
Stowe , VT - Mountain Biking - 19 miles

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#17. Mount Abraham, Battell Trail

About 14 miles NE of Middlebury, in the town of Lincoln. A vigorous hike up the western flank of Vermont's lowest 4,000-foot peak. Special attractions: Alpine vegetation, an overnight shelter, and t…

From the guidebook "Hiking Vermont"
Middlebury , VT - Hiking - 5.8 miles

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#18. Mount Mansfield - Vermont Highpoint

Highpoint rank by height: 26th. The hike from the top of the Auto Toll Road follows a short stretch of The Long Trail — a 440 mile (704 km) trail across Vermont following the main ridge of the Green M…

From the guidebook "Highpoint Adventures: The Complete Guide to the 50 State Highpoints"
Stowe , VT - Hiking - 2.8 miles

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Published by Winger Books

#19. Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail

This ride's general location is Castleton. Scenery includes a lovely perspective of rural Vermont's dairy farms, meadows, woods, and small towns. This abandoned D&H railroad bed has been improved an…

From the guidebook "Mountain Bike! Vermont"
Castleton , VT - Mountain Biking - 18.5 miles

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#20. Somerset Reservoir

For the paddler looking for some real exercise in beautiful surroundings, try a day on Somerset Reservoir in southern Vermont. Rolling mountains—including Mount Snow, its northern face visible from mo…

From the guidebook "Quiet Water New Hampshire and Vermont: Canoe & Kayak Guide"
Somerset , VT - Flatwater Paddling & Canoeing - 8 miles

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