For most of us, it takes some warming up before we can hike the 273-mile Long Trail end to end, so these shorter trails will get your blood pumping. OK, we might never hike the Long Trail end to end, but these 11 short and easy hikes in Vermont are all under three miles, have great views, and will get those muscles ready for some longer treks this year. Hey, we all have to start somewhere!

1. Mt. Olga, Wilmington
7788 VT-9, Marlboro, VT 05301, USA
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
This roughly two mile hike is great in all seasons. You'll love hiking in Vermont with this loop hike with amazing views from the fire tower. For more info about the trail, check out the Alltrails webpage about the Mount Olga via Tower Trail.
2. Putney Mountain, Putney
Putney Mountain Trailhead, 443 Putney Mountain Rd, Putney, VT 05346, USA
Flickr/Putneypics
This ridge line walk to a grassy summit is pretty easy, and it's paradise for birdwatching. Check out Putney Mountain on AllTrails for more details about the hike.
3. Mount Hor, Sutton
Mount Hor, Mt Hor, Sutton, VT 05867, USA
Flickr/bcpnyc
While it looks impossible, you can do this three mile trail in about one and a half hours.
4. Mount Tom, Woodstock
Village of Woodstock, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
Flickr/powerskirt
The short and easy Mount Tom Trail is a hike through the forest that is loaded with history and is one of those family-friendly hikes in Vermont that everyone will find enjoyable.
5. Gile Mountain, Norwich
Gile Mountain Trailhead, Norwich, VT 05055, USA
Flickr/Sage Ross
This easy Gile Mountain Trail is one and a half miles and the views from the fire-tower are out of this world.

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6. Robert Frost Trail, Ripton
Parking lot, Ripton, VT 05766, USA
Flickr/Phillip Capper
This flat, one mile Robert Frost Trail has his poetry displayed along the route.
7. Owl's Head Trail, Groton
Vermont 232, VT-232, Groton, VT, USA
Flickr/geoff dude
A short but steep hike to this lookout is worth the tired muscles. This is particularly stunning in the fall! To learn more, head over to Owl's Head Trail on AllTrails.
8. Eagle Mountain, Milton
Eagle Mountain Natural Area, 32 Henry Rd, Milton, VT 05468, USA
Flickr/Michelle
This two-mile hike to Eagle Mountain will bring you to the highest point on Vermont's shore of Lake Champlain.
9. Moss Glen Falls, Stowe
513 Moss Glen Falls Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Flickr/Scott McCracken
This moderately short trail to Moss Glen Falls will bring you to a gorgeous waterfall giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
10. Stowe Pinnacle, Stowe
Stowe Pinnacle Trailhead, Upper Hollow Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Flickr/JGN3600
Although Stowe Pinnacle Trail is roughly three miles (3.7 to be exact) hike, it can be relatively strenuous. If you make it to the top, you'll see that it's clearly worth it.
11. Prospect Rock, Johnson
Prospect Rock Trail, 663 Rootville Rd, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
Flickr/Scott McCracken
The rocky outcrop at Prospect Rock has some great views. The 2.0 mile isn't exactly easy the whole way, but doable even for kids. Check out our guide of Prospect Rock so you know what to expect.

Have you hiked any of these easy short hikes in Vermont? Which other hikes would you add to this list? Let us know below in the comments section.

And if you’re up for going a little longer, check out these 18 hikes under 5 miles that everyone should take. No matter the length of the hike, make sure you use AllTrails+ before you head out, so you know what to expect and look for when you hit the trail!

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Easy Hikes In Vermont

Luke | June 24, 2020

What are the most beautiful beaches in Vermont?

It's not true that Vermont is only mountains, hiking, and swimming holes. In fact, we have some amazing and pristine sandy beaches scattered throughout the state. These beaches are all worth checking out that are in this article of Vermont’s best beaches. For a quick summary:

  • Sandbar State Park in Milton
  • Leddy Park in Burlington
  • Thayer Beach in Colchester are all great beaches to visit in the summer.

 

What’s the most beautiful hike in Vermont?

Vermont has so many beautiful hikes that it's really tough just picking one, actually, it’s virtually impossible to narrow it down to just one. But, if we have to decide on just one,  it has to be Mt. Mansfield (Sunset Ridge Trail) or Camel’s Hump (Camel’s Hump Trail).

  • These two hikes are on the longer side and
  • They also have a fairly high vertical trek, but the journey is well worth it, for you will be provided with some of the most expansive and breathtaking views in Vermont.
  • For more information about hiking Mt. Mansfield, check out this article.
  • And if you are interested in hiking Camel’s Hump, take a look at this post.

 

Where are the best swimming holes in Vermont?

For amazing swimming holes, have a look at this article on 11 outstanding swimming holes in Vermont.

  • For starters, Bingham Falls is an awesome place to go swimming and cliff jumping. With natural pools, cliff jumping, and waterfalls, what else could you want in a swimming hole?
  • Another great place is Bristol Falls in Bristol. Here, you will find a refreshing and fun place to cool off from the summer heat. You’ll find deep pools, a waterfall, and several natural pools to explore.

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