Vermont’s lush, mountainous landscape and gorgeous weather throughout spring, summer and fall (winter too if you aren’t afraid of some cooler temps!) make it the perfect place for hiking excursions. One of the things I love most about Vermont, despite how small it is, is its diversity in landscape. The different Mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and ponds make each hike unique in difficulty, terrain. And you can’t forget those gorgeous sweeping views from the summit. From green rolling hills encapsulating small, quaint villages to gorgeous lakes below steep mountain ranges, each view makes it worth the climb.
Today I am sharing 15 of the Best Hikes in Vermont. I’ve included where to find the trails, approximately how long the hike is and how long you should expect it to take. As well as some of the exciting things you can expect to see along the way. Don’t worry I won’t give too much away. Because one of the best parts of hiking is those sweet unexpected surprises along the way. Enjoy and let us know your favorite hikes in Vermont in the comments below!
15 of the Best Hikes in Vermont
The Pogue and Mount Tom Trail (Woodstock, Vermont)
The Pogue and Mount Tom Trail is a great moderate family friendly hiking option. A 4.2 mile loop that takes about 2 hours to complete. If you have little ones you can hike around the Pogue and skip the summit trail. The Pogue is gorgeous. And during the summer you may catch turtles sun bathing on the rocks. Or maybe even a bear ascending the mountaintop. If you continue to the top you will witness stunning views of Woodstock’s quintessential town and the forests that surround it.
Mount Ascutney Trail (Weathersfield, Vermont)
Mount Ascutney via Weathersfield Trail is a wonderful day hike option. But be weary it is rated as a difficult hike. This 5.7 mile hike takes about 4 hours roundtrip. And includes a beautiful waterfall where you can take a quick dip if you so choose, lookout tower and summit with sweeping views. This trail is popular and oftentimes the parking lot is full. So we suggest getting an early start. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Mount Mansfield (Chittenden County, Vermont)
The highest mountain in Vermont, Mount Mansfield is a bucket list item for many experienced hikers. The Mount Mansfield Loop runs 7.3 miles. And takes about 5 hours to complete. This challenging route is worth it for the gorgeous views of the Green Mountain range. The ascent includes technical climbs with rock climbing. And is therefore not recommended during bad weather or with beginner hikers. Start early to avoid crowds and leashed dogs are welcome!
Camels Hump Trail (Waterbury, Vermont)
Camels Hump Trail is one of my favorite day hikes. And I’ve done it several times and it just keeps getting better. The 360 degree views at the peak are completely stunning and well worth the difficult summit. This trail runs 6 miles roundtrip and can be done in about 4 1/2 hours. The trail is rated difficult and has some steep, rocky bits that again would not be recommended in inclement weather. The parking lot gets busy here too. So an early start is recommended. Bring your dogs on leash!
Deer Leap Trail (Killington, Vermont)
Deer Leap Trail is a great moderate hike to do in the morning or afternoon. A 2.2 mile loop that takes about 1 hour. This trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail. Take care on wet, slippery rocks. At the summit you will get stunning views of Killington. But beware of the cliff drop with young children and dogs. Dogs are welcome on leash!
Mount Pisgah Trail North (Lake Willoughby, Westmore, Vermont)
Mount Pisgah is one of my all-time favorite day hikes in Vermont. This 4.1 mile hike takes about 3 hours and is rated moderate. But does have some steep portions, probably not suitable for young children. This is a highly trafficked trail during peak season (summer/fall). And therefore the trails are a bit weathered. But it has gorgeous views of Lake Willoughby and the vistas which make it well worth the hike. Leashed dogs are welcome!
Stowe Pinnacle Trail (Stowe, Vermont)
Stowe Pinnacle Trail is another favorite 3.7 mile hike running about 3 hours. This hike is rated hard and has steep portions along the way. The stunning views make this trail well worth the hike! Dogs are welcome on leash!
Lye Brook Falls Trail (Manchester, Vermont)
Lye Brook Falls Trail in the Green Mountain National Forest is a 4.4 mile loop that takes approximately 2 hours. This moderate shady hike ends with gorgeous views of one of Vermont’s largest waterfalls. There is some rocky terrain and a steep portion at the end. Well worth the views at the summit! Leashed dogs are welcome.
Sterling Pond Trail (Jeffersonville, Vermont)
Sterling Pond Trail is a moderate 2.3 mile hike that takes about an 1 1/2 hours to complete. Although there aren’t sweeping views the gorgeous pond is a wonderful gift at the top. This is another pond best to enjoy early in the morning before the crowds. Dogs are welcome on leash!
Haystack Mountain Trail (Wilmington, Vermont)
Haystack Mountain Trail is a moderate 5 mile hike taking an average of 2 1/2 hours round trip. This is a great family-friendly hike. And dogs are welcome on leash. Be careful of slippery rocks and enjoy the gorgeous summit views!
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 Adirondack Mountain range and the White Mountains. Beware of steep climbs and slippery rocks. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Equinox Mountain and Lookout Rock
Equinox Mountain and Lookout Rock is a 6.3 mile hike running about 5 hours. The highest mountain in the Taconic Mountain range, Equinox Mountain is rated a difficult hike for his steep and unrelenting terrain. Worth it for the views of Manchester Village and sweeping mountain ranges. Dogs are welcome (off-leash in some areas).
Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail
Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail is a 7.2 mile loop running just under 5 hours long and rated hard. Beginning with a gradual incline and ending with steep and difficult terrain. This hike will make you work for the wildflowers and stunning views at the top! Dogs are welcome on leash.
Great! They are beautiful places to hike.