The Long Trail is Vermont’s longest – and most famous – trail to hike. However, most of us aren’t up to a 273-mile end-to-end hike. So to tackle this massive trek, we’ve found some easy hikes on the Long Trail in Vermont that will allow you to tackle bits of it at your own pace. These shorter trails just so happen to be some of the most beautiful hikes in Vermont. And the views from each of them are out of this world! Ready to get started? Lace up those hiking boots and let’s go!
- Snake Mountain, Addison
Flickr/Jeanne Mayell Vermont farmland will never look the same once you’ve seen it from the summit of Snake Mountain. This 1.8-mile trail climbs 900 feet and offers views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Learn more about these easy Vermont trail with breathtaking views. Snake Mountain, Addison, VT 05491, USA
- Mount Pisgah, Westmore
Flickr/jps243 Everyone loves Lake Willoughby, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it in person. There are three trails here with great views from Mt. Pisgah. The ascents are moderate, so simply choose the one that is best for you. In fact, Mount Pisgah might just be the most beautiful hike in Vermont. Mount Pisgah, Mt Pisgah, Westmore, VT 05860, USA
- Mt. Olga, Wilmington
Flickr/rickpilot_2000 This family friendly hike is only 2 miles! This trail is perfect for anyone who wants to summit a smaller mountain while taking in fantastic views along the way. For a 90-minute hike in the woods, it just doesn’t get much better than Mt. Olga. Mount Olga, Mt Olga, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
- Spruce Mountain, Plainfield
Flickr/Charles Wohlers This is a fantastic family-friendly hike with 360-degree views from the fire tower. It’s only 2.2-miles to the summit and you’re going to love it! It’s one of the best hikes under 5 miles in Vermont. Spruce Mountain, Plainfield, VT 05667, USA
- Shelburne Bay Park, Shelburne
Flickr/Rich Follow the shoreline of the Shelburne Bay on this easy loop that’s only 2.5 miles. Great views of Lake Champlain and access points along the way make this a great and do-able trek. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the town of Shelburne. It makes for a great day trip destination in Vermont. Bay Road, Bay Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
- North Stratton Mountain, Stratton
Flickr/redisant You’ll wind back and forth as you gradually elevate on this 2.5-mile hike. It takes you on ski runs and by chairlifts - quite a different look if you’ve only skied here! And be sure to check out Stratton Village, a charming place to stroll around with the family! Stratton Mountain, Stratton, VT 05360, USA
- Mt. Ascutney
Flickr/Doug Kerr No matter what your hiking ability is, you’ll find a trail perfect for you at Mt. Ascutney. Great waterfalls and even a stone hut are along the way, and the views from the fire tower at the summit are incredible. Plus, few people realize Mt. Ascutney is actually a non-active volcano! Mount Ascutney, Mt Ascutney, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
What are your thoughts on this list of trails? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Vermont? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Flickr/Jeanne Mayell
Vermont farmland will never look the same once you’ve seen it from the summit of Snake Mountain. This 1.8-mile trail climbs 900 feet and offers views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Learn more about these easy Vermont trail with breathtaking views.
Snake Mountain, Addison, VT 05491, USA
Flickr/jps243
Everyone loves Lake Willoughby, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it in person. There are three trails here with great views from Mt. Pisgah. The ascents are moderate, so simply choose the one that is best for you. In fact, Mount Pisgah might just be the most beautiful hike in Vermont.
Mount Pisgah, Mt Pisgah, Westmore, VT 05860, USA
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
This family friendly hike is only 2 miles! This trail is perfect for anyone who wants to summit a smaller mountain while taking in fantastic views along the way. For a 90-minute hike in the woods, it just doesn’t get much better than Mt. Olga.
Mount Olga, Mt Olga, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Flickr/Charles Wohlers
This is a fantastic family-friendly hike with 360-degree views from the fire tower. It’s only 2.2-miles to the summit and you’re going to love it! It’s one of the best hikes under 5 miles in Vermont.
Spruce Mountain, Plainfield, VT 05667, USA
Flickr/Rich
Follow the shoreline of the Shelburne Bay on this easy loop that’s only 2.5 miles. Great views of Lake Champlain and access points along the way make this a great and do-able trek. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the town of Shelburne. It makes for a great day trip destination in Vermont.
Bay Road, Bay Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Flickr/redisant
You’ll wind back and forth as you gradually elevate on this 2.5-mile hike. It takes you on ski runs and by chairlifts - quite a different look if you’ve only skied here! And be sure to check out Stratton Village, a charming place to stroll around with the family!
Stratton Mountain, Stratton, VT 05360, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
No matter what your hiking ability is, you’ll find a trail perfect for you at Mt. Ascutney. Great waterfalls and even a stone hut are along the way, and the views from the fire tower at the summit are incredible. Plus, few people realize Mt. Ascutney is actually a non-active volcano!
Mount Ascutney, Mt Ascutney, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
For more do-able treks, check out these 18 hikes under 5 miles that everyone in Vermont should take.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Vermont March 18, 2022 Beth C. What are the most beautiful trails in Vermont? Life in Vermont is incredible, and that’s in large part due to the natural scenery. The Green Mountain State is an outdoor lover’s paradise, boasting all kinds of recreational opportunities. Hiking is, of course, one of the most beloved past times around here. Ask any Vermonter about their favorite trails and you won’t find any shortage of answers. Perhaps one of the most popular and beautiful trails in Vermont is known as Stowe Pinnace. Overlooking the scenic Stowe Valley, this 2.8-mile hike is brimming with natural wonders. In fact, many visitors go geocaching here. Next up on our list of beautiful trails in Vermont is Red Rock Park in South Burlington. This lovely little trail offers views of the Adirondack, Taconic Range, and Lake Champlain. So bring the whole family and don’t forget your camera! Other must-do hikes in Vermont include Kettle Pond Trail and Owl’s Head in Groton State Forest, the Burr and Burton Trail on Mount Equinox, Abbey Pond in Middlebury, the Black Mountain Natural Area in Brattleboro, and, of course, Mount Mansfield near Stowe. Learn more about these bucket-list-worthy trails in Vermont.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Vermont
March 18, 2022
Beth C.
What are the most beautiful trails in Vermont? Life in Vermont is incredible, and that’s in large part due to the natural scenery. The Green Mountain State is an outdoor lover’s paradise, boasting all kinds of recreational opportunities. Hiking is, of course, one of the most beloved past times around here. Ask any Vermonter about their favorite trails and you won’t find any shortage of answers. Perhaps one of the most popular and beautiful trails in Vermont is known as Stowe Pinnace. Overlooking the scenic Stowe Valley, this 2.8-mile hike is brimming with natural wonders. In fact, many visitors go geocaching here. Next up on our list of beautiful trails in Vermont is Red Rock Park in South Burlington. This lovely little trail offers views of the Adirondack, Taconic Range, and Lake Champlain. So bring the whole family and don’t forget your camera! Other must-do hikes in Vermont include Kettle Pond Trail and Owl’s Head in Groton State Forest, the Burr and Burton Trail on Mount Equinox, Abbey Pond in Middlebury, the Black Mountain Natural Area in Brattleboro, and, of course, Mount Mansfield near Stowe. Learn more about these bucket-list-worthy trails in Vermont.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Life in Vermont is incredible, and that’s in large part due to the natural scenery. The Green Mountain State is an outdoor lover’s paradise, boasting all kinds of recreational opportunities. Hiking is, of course, one of the most beloved past times around here. Ask any Vermonter about their favorite trails and you won’t find any shortage of answers. Perhaps one of the most popular and beautiful trails in Vermont is known as Stowe Pinnace. Overlooking the scenic Stowe Valley, this 2.8-mile hike is brimming with natural wonders. In fact, many visitors go geocaching here. Next up on our list of beautiful trails in Vermont is Red Rock Park in South Burlington. This lovely little trail offers views of the Adirondack, Taconic Range, and Lake Champlain. So bring the whole family and don’t forget your camera! Other must-do hikes in Vermont include Kettle Pond Trail and Owl’s Head in Groton State Forest, the Burr and Burton Trail on Mount Equinox, Abbey Pond in Middlebury, the Black Mountain Natural Area in Brattleboro, and, of course, Mount Mansfield near Stowe. Learn more about these bucket-list-worthy trails in Vermont.
