The 30 Best Hikes in Vermont
Ranked from 509 mapped Vermont routes by what the hike actually delivers: the height of what it climbs, how much climbing it takes, how well travelled it is, and whether it reaches a named summit, waterfall or lake.
Only the best route to any one destination appears, so this is 12 different mountains rather than ten ways up the same one. Every number is computed from trail-snapped geometry and a real elevation profile.
- Appalachian Trail and Bucklin Trail Loop
- Adams Apple via Laura Cowles Trail
- Mount Mansfield via Long Trail
- Appalachian Trail and Sherburne Pass Trail Loop
- Burrows Trail and Long Trail Loop
- Emily Proctor Trail and Long Trail Loop
- Mount Ellen via Long Trail
- Lincoln Peak via Battell Trail
- Bolton Mountain via Long Trail
- Appalachian Trail and Shrewsbury Peak Trail Loop
- The Forehead via Long Trail
- Mount Wilson via Clark Brook Trail
- Mount Putnam via Middlesex Trail
- Lookout Rock via Summit Trail (Blue)
- Mount Ethan Allen via Long Trail
- Mount Hunger via Skyline Trail
- Nancy Hanks Peak via Long Trail
- Shrewsbury Peak via Appalachian Trail
- Stratton Mountain via Stratton Pond Trail
- Forester's Trail and Frank Post Trail Loop
- Glastenbury Mountain via West Ridge Trail
- Bald Mountain Loop via Long Pond Trail
- Peru Peak via Lake Trail
- Doll Peak via Long Trail
- Haystack Mountain via Long Trail
- White Rock Mountain via Waterbury Trail
- Jay Peak via Long Trail
- Mt Ascutney via Windsor Trail
- Mount Carmel Loop via Long Trail
- Gore Mountain Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike in Vermont?
Appalachian Trail and Bucklin Trail Loop in Killington: 7.2 miles with 2,251 ft of gain, topping out at 4,212 ft.
How is this ranking decided?
Each route is scored on the height of what it climbs, its elevation gain, how well travelled it is, and whether it reaches a named summit, waterfall or lake. Only the best route to any given destination appears, so the list covers 12 different areas rather than repeating the same mountain.
What is the hardest hike on this list?
Emily Proctor Trail and Long Trail Loop, with 3,596 ft of climbing over 13.4 miles.
When should you hike these?
Late June through mid-October for most of them. The high routes fall under the mud-season request above 2,500 ft, roughly mid-April through Memorial Day.
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