Underrated National Forest Hikes in Vermont That Rival National Park Hikes

Vermont is home to only one national park, the 550-acre Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, established in 1992 to "tell the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship." Mary F. and Laurance S. Rockefeller gifted land to the National Park Service, and the land had previously belonged to conservationist George Perkins Marsh and later Frederick Billings. With 20 miles of trails and carriage roads to explore, plus ranger-led programs, events, and historic sites, it's almost hard to believe this is a fee-free national park.

If you've already hiked the scenic trails through Vermont's one and only national park and are looking for more adventure in the wilderness, you can visit the Green Mountain National Forest instead. And with 400,000 acres, just imagine the scenery and solitude you'll find hiking here. Without further ado, here are five underrated national forest hikes that rival the national park hikes in Vermont:

1. Ice Beds Trail

Part of the Green Mountain National Forest, the White Rocks National Recreation Area is home to the utterly fascinating Ice Beds Trail. This 1.6-mile trek leads hikers through the forest and eventually to ice formations, or "Ice Beds," which may remain frozen even on warm days. Even if there's no ice during warmer weather, the air is quite cool, making hiking this trail a great way to escape the heat on a warm day.

2. Luce's Lookout

The trail to Luce's Lookout is privately owned and maintained, so please be respectful. Anything you take with you on this hike must be brought back with you. There's a small lot to park in, and from there, you can get to the trailhead, which starts at Green Gate Road in Woodstock. You'll actually be hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail to get to the lookout, a rustic, privately-owned cabin. From here, you'll have seemingly endless views of the mountains that are so worth the climb!

3. Stratton Mountain Firetower Trail

To access the trailhead of the Stratton Mountain Firetower Trail, you'll have to take the chairlift to Stratton Mountain Resort. But that's all part of the fun, right? Enjoy the scenery, especially in the fall, as the chairlift climbs the mountain before dropping you at the resort. Once you step foot on the trailhead, walk to the firetower for epic mountain and forest views. Past hikers have said that this trail isn't well-marked and to have a trail map handy.

4. Skylight Pond Trail

For a slightly challenging trek up Battell Mountain and down to an alpine pond, plan a hike along the 4.7-mile Skylight Pond Trail. With 1,482 feet of elevation gain, this trail is best suited for more advanced hikers who come well-prepared with gear, water, and hiking boots. As you hike, the outstanding scenery may make you forget any challenges, like rocky or steep sections. Once you arrive at the pond, you'll find the popular shelter, Skylight Lodge.

5. Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

Whether or not you're a fan of Robert Frost's poetry like I am, the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail has to be one of the most unique trails within the Green Mountain National Forest. Along the 0.9-mile trek through the forest and over bridges that cross the Middlebury River, you'll discover posts showcasing many of Frost's masterpieces, such as "Reluctance," "The Pasture," and "The Road Not Taken." This family-friendly (and dog-friendly) jaunt is one to take your time on and truly appreciate the natural surroundings as you stop and read the works of Robert Frost.

While Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Green Mountain National Forest are worth visiting, the national forest offers many more options, including secluded hiking adventures in the wilderness. Which of these national forest trails have you hiked?

Plan your own trip to Vermont's national park and national forest with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.