Posted in Vermont Hiking, Nature May 12, 2022 by

We Just Planned Your Year Of Vermont Hikes And You’ll Love Them All

Happy New Year Vermont! You may have made some resolutions heading into the new year and if that’s the case, this list just might help. If your goals include getting more exercise, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with the family, hiking is a great way to keep up with those resolutions. We’ve planned a year of hikes with one for each month to keep you on track with some of the best hikes in Vermont. So stretch those legs and take in the sights on these twelve incredible hikes.

1. January - Robert Frost Interpretive Trail - Ripton
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Ripton, VT 05766, USA
Flickr/Jay Parker
We will start off easy in January with a meandering hike along the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. Wander through the forest and cross footbridges on this 1.2-mile trail making it one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Vermont. Along the trail, you'll encounter Frost's poems on plaques scattered along the path. Take some inspiration away from this fairytale setting.
2. February - Lye Brook Falls - Manchester
Lye Brook Falls Trailhead, Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
AllTrails/Deb Loomis
Take advantage of the cold temperatures to see one of Vermont's stunning waterfalls frozen in mid-air. The 4.5-mile out and back hike is relatively flat and easy and leads to a great big payoff. The stairway waterfall cascades over 125 feet and when frozen, the natural ice sculptures are spectacular.
3. March - Mount Elmore - Elmore
Elmore State Park, 856 VT-12, Elmore, VT 05661, USA
All Trails/Chrissy Turner
When things start to thaw out, hit the trail to ascend Mount Elmore. The trail is just over 4 miles with moderate elevation gain. The bit of strain is well worth the end view. Climb the fire tower and soak in the sights of the panoramic scenery spread out before you.
4. April - Quechee Gorge Dewey Pond Trail - Hartford
Quechee Gorge, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
Alltrails/Christine Forkas
This 1.4-mile hike is stunning in the spring when the wildflowers start showing their colors under the sun. Hike along the Ottauquechee River right out to the dam where the cascading water is a captivating sight.
5. May - Wiessner Woods - Stowe
Wiessner Woods, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
TripAdvisor/Caesar Rowinski
Wiessner Woods is a delightful forest that seems ripped out of the pages of a storybook. The 2-mile loop has small side trails and you'll want to explore every inch during your hike. Cross wooden footbridges, swing by the sugar shack, and visit the gnome home for an enchanting afternoon.
6. June - Mount Mansfield - Stowe
Mount Mansfield Union High School, 211 Browns Trace Rd, Jericho, VT 05465, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Bring your camera for this outing. Mount Mansfield is probably the most challenging trail on your year of hikes but you can handle it. Hike up 6.2 miles and 5,243 feet in the air to reach the highest peak in Vermont. Now you have bragging rights and photos of the most astounding views.
7. July - Buttermilk Falls - Ludlow
Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
TripAdvisor/James S
The summer days in July can get pretty steamy so this months hike will take you to a refreshing waterfall swimming hole. The trail is just over one mile (no need to work up too much of a sweat) and leads to three gorgeous waterfalls. Bring your suit and take a dip for additional exercise and fun in the cool waters of these natural wonders that is one of the most scenic hikes in Vermont.
8. August -Burton Island- St. Albans
Burton Island, St. Albans Town, VT 05478, USA
Google Images/Tony Bilodeau
For August we've chosen an island hike with plenty of lake views. Take the 2.8-mile loop trail around Burton Island to get your steps in. Then pick a spot to take a swim or relax while taking in the scenery.
9. September - Putney Mountain, Putney
Putney Mountain, 443 Putney Mountain Rd, Putney, VT 05346, USA
Flickr/Putneypics
This easy ridge-line walk to a grassy summit is a 1.2-mile hike with just a little elevation gain. During the spring and fall you can catch sight of the hawks migrating and of course, this is a prime leaf-peeping spot too!
10. October - Wheeler Mountain - Sutton
Wheeler Mountain, Sutton, VT 05822, USA
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
Cooler October air is a prime time to take a longer trek with a breathtaking end view. The 4.3-mile out and back trail at Wheeler Mountain is little technical with twists, turns, and a few rocks to scramble over but you can do it! Once you make it to the top just stop and drink in the view. Color from the fall foliage stretches on for miles in a dense carpet of vibrancy.
11. November - Owl's Head - Groton
Owl's Head Blueberry Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
Google Images/Sam Croft
The hike to Owl's Head is only steep at the end and even younger children can handle this trail. The wooded trail offers tranquility as you head towards the summit. Arrive at the top and the views are top rate.
12. December - Mount Philo - Charlotte
Mount Philo, Mt Philo, Charlotte, VT 05445, USA
AllTrails/Mandy Sue
December brings about one last hike and a trek on this 1.9-mile loop will keep you warm even on cold winter days. Climb to the top of Mt. Philo to take in the winter landscape in all its glory. Pat yourself on the back if you're still with us, you've made it through an entire year of hikes.

How many of these hikes do you think you can complete before next year? There is one more cold weather trail that you can add to this list for a bonus but it doesn’t require any hiking. Check out the longest ice trail in America, right here in Vermont.

Address: Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Ripton, VT 05766, USA
Address: Elmore State Park, 856 VT-12, Elmore, VT 05661, USA
Address: Owl's Head Blueberry Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
Address: Mount Mansfield Union High School, 211 Browns Trace Rd, Jericho, VT 05465, USA
Address: Quechee Gorge, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
Address: Wheeler Mountain, Sutton, VT 05822, USA
Address: Putney Mountain, 443 Putney Mountain Rd, Putney, VT 05346, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Address: Burton Island, St. Albans Town, VT 05478, USA
Address: Wiessner Woods, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Address: Lye Brook Falls Trailhead, Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
Address: Mount Philo, Mt Philo, Charlotte, VT 05445, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Vermont

May 17, 2022
SKS

Where can I find the largest waterfall in Vermont?

Moss Glenn Waterfall is the is the tallest waterfall in the state of Vermont. Located near Stowe, Vermont, you can visit this waterfall with an easy hike that is just over 5 miles long. This hike will take you over a footbridge, through the beautiful Vermont forest, and all the way to this incredible waterfall that cascades down from the cliffs above.

What is the most beautiful hike in Vermont?

Camel’s Hump Trail is the most beautiful hike in the state of Vermont, and while it’s a challenging climb, the incredible views will be well worth it. The Camel’s Hump Route is a 6-mile trail located in Northern Vermont in Camel’s Hump State Park. At an elevation of over 4,000 feet, Camel’s Hump is the 3rd highest mountain in the state and this height gives you breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and even the famous Killington Peak, Mount Mansfield, and Mount Washington! If you get lucky and choose an extra clear day, you can even see Canada!

What is the most scenic kid-friendly hike in Vermont?

The most scenic kid-friendly hike in Vermont is Thundering Brook Falls. At just half a mile long, this short boardwalk trail near Killington, Vermont, is well maintained, flat, and perfect for a quick stretch of the legs. This short trail will take you to the scenic Thundering Brook Falls where you can watch the cascading water flow for hours if you choose! This incredible waterfall is a sight to see, and is a perfect hike for the whole family (kids included) as everyone will love to explore the boardwalk and the towering waterfall!

Address: Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, Ripton, VT 05766, USA
Address: Elmore State Park, 856 VT-12, Elmore, VT 05661, USA
Address: Owl's Head Blueberry Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
Address: Mount Mansfield Union High School, 211 Browns Trace Rd, Jericho, VT 05465, USA
Address: Quechee Gorge, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
Address: Wheeler Mountain, Sutton, VT 05822, USA
Address: Putney Mountain, 443 Putney Mountain Rd, Putney, VT 05346, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
Address: Burton Island, St. Albans Town, VT 05478, USA
Address: Wiessner Woods, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
Address: Lye Brook Falls Trailhead, Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
Address: Mount Philo, Mt Philo, Charlotte, VT 05445, USA