Favorite Hiking Trails Around Vermont
It’s Time To Hit The Hiking Trails
For outdoor adventure lovers, Vermont has so much to offer. Vermont is known for stunning hiking trails that feature great views of the mountains! Whether you’re an advanced hiker or prefer an easier trail, you’re bound to find the perfect hiking trail in Vermont.
Why You Should Take an RV to Vermont
What makes Vermont a unique place for hiking is the accessibility of the dozens of hiking trails. Both the Long Trail and Green Mountains run north to south through the center of the state. No matter where you find yourself in Vermont, you’ll never be too far away from nature’s beauty. And you’re never far from your favorite outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
Whether you’re a single explorer, a couple, or a family, Vermont offers hiking trails to appeal to hikers of every skill level. Below, browse these favorite Vermont hiking trails you don’t want to miss on your next RV road trip!
Stowe Pinnacle Trail: Views of Green Mountains
Located in Northern Vermont, Stowe Pinnacle Trail offers picture-perfect views of the Green Mountains. This moderate-to-difficult hike takes most hikers about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Depending on which hiking trailhead you begin at, Stowe Pinnacle Trail is either 2.6 miles round-trip or 3.6 miles round-trip. The choice is yours!
Stowe Pinnacle Trail features a moderately-steep incline, so pack a hiking pole to provide some extra stability. You don’t want to miss the breathtaking views at the top of this stunning hike.
Bingham Falls Trail: 40-Foot Waterfall
Located within Mount Mansfield State Forest, Bingham Falls Trail is the perfect option for an easy hike. The total length of this trail is only 0.5 miles, but while this easy trail hike may take only 30 minutes, you’ll need some extra time to enjoy the view and take photos!
When you reach the base of Bingham Falls, you’ll get full views of the 40-foot waterfall. Take in all the sounds and sights of nature before completing the trail walk back to the start. While this hike is considered easy, be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes due to slippery conditions. If hiking with children, be sure to keep a watchful eye!
Hamilton Falls Trail: More Waterfalls!
The Hamilton Falls Trail is a long hike, spanning about 5.8 miles. This trail features one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls at about a 150-foot drop. Located within the Hamilton Falls Natural Area, you’ll find many outdoor activities to get involved in here. You’ll find spectacular views while engaging in a moderately difficult hike. Hamilton Falls Trail is located within the small town of Jamaica, Vermont, in the southern part of the state.
Red Rocks Park Loop Trail
While many of the other trails featured in this list are out-and-back trails, Red Rocks Park Trail has the advantage of a loop formation. If you’re looking for a scenic walk instead of an intense hike, check out this 2.7-mile loop. Red Rocks Park also features many other fun activities for your RV road trip group, including a public beach! You’ll find a designated swim area for safe swimming too.
Red Rocks Park is the perfect location to spend the day. In addition to the pedestrian trails offered, a picnic area with a gazebo is available to enjoy an outdoor lunch. You’ll need a bite after your trail walk.
Equinox Mountain: Highest Mountain Peak in Taconic Range
The Equinox Mountain hike is definitely not for the faint of heart! Located in Manchester, VA, Equinox Mountain is the highest mountain peak within the Taconic Range. When you reach the top, your reward is the gorgeous skyline view. While you can reach the top of this mountain via car, many prefer to tackle the intense hike. (Plus, you can’t take an RV on the road).
Be sure to dress appropriately — wear layers or bring a jacket — as there is a major temperature difference at the trailhead compared to the top of this mountain hike.
The Long Trail: Miles and Miles of Trails
The Long Trail features 272 miles of trails, with 166 miles of side trails. But don’t let this scare you off! You can hike any portion of this “Long Trail” as you please. Some serious hikes have attempted to tackle the whole thing, which can take multiple weeks to complete.
Located within the Green Mountains, hikers will experience many sights of natural beauty during this hike. From streams to ponds, the Long Trail is perfect for travelers who want to get close to nature. Sections of this hike vary, but it can range from moderately to extremely difficult due to steep inclines.
Here’s an interesting fact: the Long Trail is the longest continuous footpath in the U.S! Give a portion of this well-known trail a try on your next RV trip.
Best Times of Year to Visit Vermont
While Vermont is an enjoyable RV destination throughout the entire year, visiting in the fall is best for perfect hiking weather. During September and October, Vermont’s average temperatures are crisp and comfortable with an average high of 69 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.
Not only are temperatures comfortable for exploring hiking trails, but rainfall is also limited. If you visit in October, you’ll get the perfect view of changing fall foliage while on your scenic hikes. While hikes in Vermont are doable almost year-round — you might need to don snowshoes in winter — it’s also important to consider the ground conditions alongside the average temperatures.
Mud Season Hiking in Vermont
Never heard of mud season? Mud season refers to the period after the winter when snow begins to melt and temperatures rise. During this time, active RV explorers are ready to get out there and start enjoying these stunning Vermont hikes. However, the combination of melting snow and rain at higher elevations can cause muddy conditions.
Not only is this dangerous for hiking safety, but it’s also harmful to the trail. When hiking on wet soil, hikers compact the soil and cause damage. If you’re planning to visit one or all of these stunning locations during your RV vacation, consider the time of year. Warmer weather may offer more optimal hiking conditions.
RV Road Trip Routes through New England
As you drive to Vermont, your RV road trip route is likely to pass through many other exciting New England destinations. Stopping at destinations along the way can break up your driving time while adding fun elements to your trip. New England has so much to offer for RV travelers to explore.
Looking for a great place to go fishing along your way? Check out these best fishing spots in New England too!
It’s Time to Take a Hike!
These exciting hiking trails around Vermont are bound to get your whole family excited! Rent an RV through RVnGO for your next road trip to Vermont. On your journey, you’ll pass through many of these beautiful hiking locations while riding in comfort.
We make it easy to start your adventure and hit the road in no time!
P.S. Try Skiing While in Vermont
Looking for something different to do on your Vermont RV road trip? In addition to its beautiful hiking trails, Vermont is also known for its fantastic skiing locations. If you’re visiting in the winter, check out Jay Peak Resort, located in Northern Vermont (near the Canadian border). Jay Peak Resort even has an indoor waterpark (perfect for RV families!), golfing, and many other fun activities the whole family can enjoy any time of year.
Killington Resort is another popular skiing (and hiking) location in the center of Vermont. If you like outdoor recreational activities, you’ll surely find something you love while RVing in Vermont. It’s time to start planning your getaway!
You also get exclusive discounts from major retail, dining and entertainment venues and theme parks through RVnGOPerks.com. With all these restaurants to discover and many other attractions in Vermont, you’ll be able to enjoy a cheap and exciting vacation.