Top Five Hiking Trails In Green Mountain National Forest

Green Mountain National Forest, located in Vermont, is a mesmerizing paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Spanning over 400,000 acres, this forest provides the perfect blend of serenity, lush greenery, and rugged terrain that can make any hike memorable. 

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just beginning, there’s a trail waiting for you in this vast expanse. Let’s dive into the top five hiking trails in Green Mountain National Forest suitable for a range of hiking levels.

Top Five Hiking Trails In Green Mountain National Forest For Every Skill Level

Appalachian Trail (Segment)

Location in the Park: Southern section of Green Mountain National Forest.

Distance/Time to Complete: Approximately 150 miles through Vermont, though you can choose shorter segments to suit your timeline.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

Walking on the famed Appalachian Trail, even if it’s just a segment, is an achievement for many hikers. This particular section in the Green Mountain National Forest provides a wholesome New England hiking experience. As you navigate through dense hardwood forests, you’ll witness the subtle play of sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.

Numerous streams and brooks cross the path, their gentle murmurs accompanying you as you hike. The trail offers a varying terrain, from soft forest floors carpeted with fallen leaves to rocky outcrops challenging your balance and endurance.

Wildlife enthusiasts might spot deer, foxes, or even moose, while birdwatchers can revel in the diverse avian species calling this forest home. The trail’s elevation changes introduce you to a range of ecosystems, from cooler, moss-laden regions to sunlit clearings.

Blueberry Lake Loop

Location in the Park: Near the town of Warren.

Distance/Time to Complete: 3.2 miles, 1-2 hours.

Skill Level: Beginner.

Nestled near the quaint town of Warren, the Blueberry Lake Loop offers an idyllic setting for a relaxed hiking experience. While the trail’s length and relatively flat terrain make it accessible for all ages, its natural beauty ensures even seasoned hikers find joy in every step.

As you commence your journey, the calm waters of Blueberry Lake beckon. Reflecting the surrounding verdant landscape, the lake acts as a centerpiece for the trail. Depending on the time of year, the mirrored surface might capture the vibrant greens of summer, the fiery hues of fall, or the stark contrasts of winter. Ducks and geese are frequent visitors, often seen floating tranquilly or creating ripples that playfully distort the reflected world.

Moreover, the Blueberry Lake Loop isn’t just a summer destination. In the colder months, when snow blankets the ground, the trail transforms into a winter wonderland. The frozen lake, with its shimmering icy surface, offers opportunities for ice skating. 

Mt. Abraham Trail

Location in the Park: Starts at Lincoln Gap.

Distance/Time to Complete: 5.2 miles round trip, 3-4 hours.

Skill Level: Intermediate.

Ascend into the embrace of the Green Mountains as you venture upon the Mt. Abraham Trail. Originating at Lincoln Gap, this trek promises both challenge and exhilaration, culminating in a summit experience that many hikers dream of.

The initial stretch takes you through a dense coniferous forest, where the scent of pine and spruce pervades the air. Every footstep on the soft ground, cushioned by years of fallen needles, feels like a gentle touch upon nature’s carpet. As you climb higher, the forest occasionally opens up to reveal sneak peeks of the vistas awaiting at the peak.

The final stretch, leading up to the summit, can test your mettle with its steeper inclines and rocky terrain. But perseverance pays off. Upon reaching the top of Mt. Abraham, you’re greeted by a 360-degree panorama of the Green Mountains, an unbroken horizon of peaks and valleys.

Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

Location in the Park: Near the town of Ripton.

Distance/Time to Complete: 1.2 miles, 1 hour.

Skill Level: Beginner.

The Robert Frost Interpretive Trail is more than just a pathway through the woods; it’s a journey through poetic landscapes. Situated near the town of Ripton, where Robert Frost once lived, the trail pays homage to the poet’s profound connection with the natural world.

The terrain is gentle, but the experience is deep. As you wander along the path, you’ll encounter signposts bearing excerpts from Frost’s poetry. Reading his verses in the very setting that might have inspired them adds a surreal layer to the hike. The babbling of a brook, the rustle of leaves, or the shadow of a bird in flight — all come alive, both through your senses and through Frost’s words.

Mixed hardwood forests, with occasional clearings, create a dynamic backdrop. The changing light, filtering through the trees, dances upon the ground, much like the fluctuating moods in Frost’s poems. Wetland areas, with their reeds, frogs, and dragonflies, offer a stark contrast and hint at the region’s ecological diversity.

Sunset Ridge Trail to Mount Mansfield

Location in the Park: Northern section near Underhill State Park.

Distance/Time to Complete: 6.8 miles round trip, 4-5 hours.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

An ascent to Vermont’s highest peak via the Sunset Ridge Trail is nothing short of ethereal. Situated on the northern fringes of the Green Mountain National Forest and leading up to Mount Mansfield, this trail captures the heart, soul, and spirit of high-altitude hiking.

As you begin your journey, a deciduous forest greets you, its canopy alive with birdsong and sunlight. The trail gradually reveals the ridge, where the tree line starts receding, replaced by alpine shrubs and lichen-covered rocks. The starkness of this landscape, coupled with the expansive views on either side, is reminiscent of vast open spaces one might find in dreams.

Every twist and turn offers a new spectacle. On the eastern side, the rolling Vermont countryside stretches out, a patchwork of forests, farms, and meadows. To the west, especially during sunsets, the world transforms. The sky, painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, contrasts sharply with the darkening silhouette of the Adirondacks in the distance. 

Conclusion

Green Mountain National Forest is not just a hiker’s haven but a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unveiled. From serene lakeside walks to challenging mountain climbs, there’s a path for every soul. Lace up your boots, pack your RV rental, and embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Vermont’s most exquisite landscapes.