Best hikes in Vermont day trip from Boston
There are many good hiking trails in Vermont including the Long Trail and the Battell Trail:
Long Trail
This 272-mile trail inspired the Appalachian Trail and offers many sections to hike. Hikers can start in the south and visit the Glastonbury and Stratton Mountains before returning to civilization for a beer at the Long Trail Brewing Company.
Battell Trail
This 5.8-mile round-trip hike leads to the summit of Mount Abraham where hikers can see the White Mountains Killington Peak and the Adirondacks.
Mount Mansfield Loop Trail
A loop trail in Underhill State Park. Some recommend hiking the trail counterclockwise.
Lye Brook Falls Trail
A trail in Green Mountain National Forest. Some say the falls are amazing, but the trees smell bad.
Sterling Pond Trail
A trail in Mount Mansfield State Forest with a lake at the top and ski lifts to explore.
15 Best Hikes in Vermont for a Day Trip from Boston
Stratton Trail, Stratton Mountain
This trail offers stunning views of the Green Mountains including Killington Peak and the Adirondacks.
- Distance: 7.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby Accommodations: Stratton Mountain Resort – Offers hotels condos and vacation homes.
Battell Trail, Mount Abraham
Leads to the summit of Mount Abraham with panoramic views of the White Mountains Killington Peak and the Adirondacks.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.8 miles
Nearby Accommodations: Waitsfield – Hotels inns and vacation rentals.
Camel’s Hump State Park
Hike to the summit of Camel’s Hump Vermont’s third-highest peak with breathtaking views.
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
Nearby Accommodations: Huntington – Hotels inns and vacation rentals.
Mansfield State Park
Hike to the summit of Mansfield Mountain Vermont’s highest peak with stunning views.
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
Nearby Accommodations: Stowe – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Robert Frost Trail, Ripton
A leisurely hike ideal for families featuring a waterfall and a historic covered bridge.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Nearby Accommodations: Middlebury – Hotels inns and vacation rentals.
Mount Ascutney State Park
Hike to the summit of Mount Ascutney a prominent peak in southern Vermont with spectacular views.
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby Accommodations: Windsor – Hotels inns and vacation rentals.
Equinox Mountain
Hike to the summit of Equinox Mountain one of the highest peaks in southern Vermont with breathtaking views.
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby Accommodations: Manchester – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts.
- Bromley Mountain
Hike to the summit of Bromley Mountain a popular ski resort with spectacular views.
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby Accommodations: Manchester – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Green Mountain National Forest
Offers a variety of trails from easy to challenging with abundant wildlife including black bears deer and moose.
Nearby Accommodations: Several campgrounds in the forest and various lodging options in nearby towns.
Mount Mansfield State Park
A variety of trails, including routes to the summit of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield.
Nearby Accommodations: Stowe – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Camel’s Hump State Park
Features various trails, including the ascent to Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s third-highest peak.
Nearby Accommodations: Huntington – Hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
Mount Ascutney State Park
Offers a range of trails, including the summit trail to Mount Ascutney.
Nearby Accommodations: Windsor – Hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
- Distance: Varies
- Difficulty: Varies
Equinox Mountain
A variety of trails with opportunities to spot wildlife like black bears, deer, and moose.
Nearby Accommodations: Manchester – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Bromley Mountain
A popular ski resort with various trails suitable for summer hiking.
Nearby Accommodations: Manchester – Luxury resorts and cozy bed and breakfasts
Green Mountain National Forest
Extensive trail network with diverse terrain and abundant wildlife, suitable for all hiking levels.
Nearby Accommodations: Several campgrounds in the forest and various lodging options in nearby town
Best hikes within 2 hours of Boston
Here are some of the best hikes within a 2-hour drive of Boston:
Great Blue Hill Reservation in Milton, Massachusetts : This 3,500-acre park offers stunning views of Boston and the surrounding area.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New Paltz, New York : This park is known for its stunning waterfalls and cliffs. There are many hiking trails to explore, including the 1.5-mile Awosting Falls Trail.
Mount Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, New Hampshire : This mountain is the most climbed mountain in New England. There are several trails to the summit, including the 2.5-mile White Dot Trail.
Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine : This national park is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine. There are many hiking trails to explore, including the 3.5-mile Jordan Pond Trail.
Cape Cod National Seashore in Wellfleet, Massachusetts : This national seashore is known for its beautiful beaches and dunes. There are several hiking trails to explore including the 1.5-mile Herring River Trail.
Top-rated hiking trails near Burlington Vermont
| Hiking Trail | Description | Rating (Google Maps) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rocks Park | Trails for hiking, jogging snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. | 4.6 stars |
| Ethan Allen Park | Large scenic historic area with shady trees and many trails plus the Ethan Allen tower. | 4.6 stars |
| Centennial Woods Natural Area | 65-acre nature preserve with forests and streams plus hiking trails and rustic boardwalks. | 4.5 stars |
| The Salmon Hole on the Winooski River | Scenic spot along the Winooski River. | 4.4 stars |
| Oakledge Park | Located on Lake Champlain, this park has a rocky swimming beach sports facilities, and a playground. | 4.7 stars |
Best time to hike in Vermont
The best time to hike in Vermont depends on what you’re looking for in your experience. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of hiking in Vermont during different seasons:
Spring (April-May):
Pros:
- Beautiful wildflowers in bloom
- Pleasant temperatures
- Fewer crowds
Cons:
- Muddy trails
- Potential for rain showers
Summer (June-August):
Pros:
- Warm temperatures
- Long days
- Lush greenery
Cons:
- Crowded trails
- Potential for bugs
- High humidity
Fall (September-October):
Pros:
- Stunning fall foliage
- Pleasant temperatures
- Fewer crowds
Cons:
- Shorter days
- Potential for rain showers
Winter (November-March):
Pros:
- Peaceful and quiet
- Opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Cons:
- Cold temperatures
- Shorter days
- Potential for icy trails
FAQ
Dog-friendly hiking trails in Vermont
Vermont offers many dog-friendly hiking trails including Red Rocks Park Ethan Allen Park Centennial Woods and the Salmon Hole.
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