Hiking

Vermont is home to the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The steep, rocky, 273-mile Long Trail, which inspired the Appalachian Trail, is also the most accessible North American thru hike, a great symbol of the hiking opportunities presented by the Green Mountains. The trail follows the spine of the Greens, carving through hardwood forests and tagging summits from Massachusetts to Canada. But you don’t have to commit to hundreds of miles of hiking to enjoy it. 

And for every heart-pounding mile of the Long Trail, Vermont has just as many nature walks, forest meanders, day hikes and overnights from family-friendly to sweaty and exposed. Nab sparkling, shimmering vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from the top of Mt. Philo, or spot New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington from the top of Camel’s Hump on a clear day. Hike to scenic waterfalls, and take a dip in a bubbling river or stream when it’s time for a break. Many hikes are dog friendly-- check trail conditions and guidelines before you go. Then lace up and hit the trail.