Posted in Vermont
January 03, 2019
We Just Planned Your 2019 Year Of Vermont Hikes And You’ll Love Them All
Happy New Year Vermont! You may have made some resolutions heading into 2019 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. So stretch those legs and take in the sights on these twelve incredible hikes.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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. Along the trail, you'll encounter Frost's poems on plaques scattered along the path. Take some inspiration away from this fairytale setting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
