Hiking the trails of Vermont is always an enjoyable experience but if you are craving an extraordinary adventure you need to head to the mountains. The terrain may be a little more rugged and steep, but by far the payoffs are well worth the extra effort. These fire tower hikes in Vermont take you up to the summits and even farther to access some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Green Mountain state. Let's take a look at some of these hiking trails in Vermont.
1. Mount Olga
An easy 1.7-mile loop takes you to the steel tower rising from the summit of Mount Olga. The climb to the top of this tower perched in Molly Stark State Park is well worth the expansive views. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
2. Elmore Mountain
Head to Elmore State Park to take this popular summit hike. The trail is 1.7 miles each way giving you a nice workout on your quest to reach the fire tower. To the north take in the sight of Jay's Peak while looking south grants you a glimpse of Mt. Mansfield.
3. Bald Mountain
Located in the Lake Willoughby area, Bald Mountain has an elevation of 3,315 feet and is the third tallest peak in the Northeast Kingdom. Take the Long Pond Trail for 2.1 miles each way to reach the restored fire tower. You can gaze across the landscape all the way into Canada from this perch, giving you one of the best views in Vermont.
4. Stratton Mountain
Use the ski resorts trails to ascend to the top of Stratton Mountain. At 3,940 feet this mountain peak is one of the tallest in southern Vermont affording scenery that stretches on for mile and miles. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
5. Burke Mountain
Burke Mountain Fire Tower is the second oldest lookout site in the Green Mountain State. A steel tower was erected to replace the original wood construction that was blown down in 1938 during a tremendous hurricane that had moved inland. Soak in the views extending to Canada from the top of the tower. Visit the AllTrails description of the hike to learn more and find directions.
6. Bear Hill
Bear Hill is located in Allis State Park, Vermont's second developed park established in 1938. From the observation deck, clear days will afford you 360-degree views including the peaks of Killington, Pico, Camel's Hump, and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
7. Okemo Mountain
Take the 5.8-mile round trip Healdville Trail to reach the 3,343-foot peak of Okemo Mountain. Okemo Mountain. Scenery of Vermont is only the beginning from this bird's eye view. Take in views as far as the Adirondacks of New York and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
If you were to do a search for “hikes with fire towers near me,” one of these would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!
Which of these fire tower hikes have you taken? Do you have a favorite? While these mountaintop hikes are certainly bucket list worthy, you'll also want to check out this Green Mountain State trail that leads to an abandoned village. What do you think are the most scenic hikes in Vermont? Let us know below in the comments.
If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these fire towers you can find some great trails by going to the overall AllTrails+ website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Vermont adventures, take a look at this video:
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