From experienced hikers, to anyone interested in a healthy way to enjoy the great outdoors, Vermont is the place to visit. There are many different trails, offering spectacular views, native vegetation and wildlife.

Inexperienced hikers should start out on smaller trails, working their way up to 20 mile rigorous hikes. Try Mount Abraham, Battel trail, located 14 miles NE of Middlebury, in the town of Lincoln. Offering a vigorous hike up the western flank of Vermont's lowest 4,000 ft. peak. You will find alpine vegetation, overnight shelters, and a wonderful three-state view at the top.

Haystack Mountain Trail, located midway between Brattleboro and Bennington, offers a half-day hike to Southern Green Mountain Summit. This beautiful summit overlooks Haystack pond. Easy access to four-state views of faraway peaks and sparkling water.

Stratton Mountain and Stratton Pond Trails, is another great hiking location. You can find it in South Central Vermont, just 8 miles East of Middlebury. Enjoy a backpack loop to a Green Mountain Ridge, near the headwaters of the New Haven River. Offering spectacular mountain views, shelters, and secluded wilderness streams, mark this trail down as a spot to visit.

Abbey Pond Trail, 5 miles East of Middlebury, has a half-day hike to a ridgetop pond. With its pristine ponds, cascading brooks, and wildlife, this trail is suitable for rainy weather.

More experienced hikers will enjoy some of Vermont's longer and more rigorous trails. Try the Big Branch Brook, Griffith Lake, and Baker Peak Trails. Found midway between Rutland and Manchester Depot, this hike includes a 2 to 3 day backpack circuit, which runs through the heart of Big Branch Wilderness. You will enjoy spectacular views of Griffith Lake from Baker Peak. This trail is for stronger hikers.

Killington Peak, Bucklin Trail, located 7 miles East of Rutland, features a hike to the second highest summit in Vermont. You will find spectacular three-state views of the Green Mountains, White Mountains, Taconic Range, and the Adriondacks.

Just South of the I-89, between Burlington and Montpelier, you will find Camel's Hump, Forestry, Dean, and Long Trails Loop. The scenic day hikes will inspire and energize you, with spectacular views, secluded mountain ponds, and alpine vegetation.

There are many other trails, offering many different types of hikes in Vermont. One of the best trails I have heard about is the Mount Mansfield, Sunset ridge trail. It is located about 17 miles East of Burlington, and 22 miles NW of Montpelier. This trail offers a classic assent of a rocky ridge, to the highest peak in Vermont. You will find rare alpine plants and flowers, and magnificent summit views. This is the trail to hike if you are in Vermont.

Other trails, such as the Mount Ascutney, Wethersfield Trail, The Applachian Trail, and the Mount Equinox, Burr, and Burton Trails, offer different locations to hike and enjoy.

You can find information regarding these, and other trails in the state of Vermont, in the Hiking Vermont Guide Book. It is filled with information regarding where to find the trails, and lists the levels of difficulty of each trail.

Learn more about this author, Vicki Andis.
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