11 Best Hikes & Views in Vermont; All Levels

Wondering about the best hikes and views in Vermont?! Check out these 11 top hikes in Vermont chosen for their stunning views and/or waterfalls!

Included in this list are Vermont’s 5 high peaks (the only mountains above 4,000 feet), along with more moderate hikes spread throughout the state and also shorter waterfall trails.

woman smiling on top of mount abraham hike in vermont with green mountains and blue sky — Atop VT’s 5th tallest mountain, Mount Abraham

Living in New England all my life and hiking regularly in the last decade-plus, I’ve spent a lot of time visiting and hiking in VT..

best views in vermont atop killington in summer

It’s one of my favorite states to visit with its charm and true wilderness feel especially within the almost 400,000 acres of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest!

The hikes chosen and compiled here are both within and outside the Green Mountains.

Mount Abraham
View on way up to Killington Peak
View on way up to Mount Mansfield

Several of these hikes include hiking along the Long Trail, which runs along the spine of the Green Mountains and is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States!

Table of Contents

So what are the 11 best hikes in Vermont with amazing views?!

1. Mount Mansfield, Underhill

If you’re looking to challenge yourself you must put the tallest mountain in Vermont on your list!

I can still remember the day we climbed Mount Mansfield. It was a warm summer day and I was with people much faster than me.

But once above the treeline, if people have to wait for you at least they’re waiting with a view! 🤩

man and woman on top of the best hike and tallest mountain in vermont — at the top of Mansfield ⛰

on the way up…
are we almost there?!
come get lost in the views up here! Viewing platform on way to the top

And lots of views there are atop and on the way up Vermont’s tallest mountain.

I highlight a few routes different routes in my detailed post about hiking Mount Mansfield. So take a look and take your pick!

Earn amazing 360-degree clear views and bragging rights about hiking the tallest mountain in VT! 🙂

Miles: choose from 3 different hikes up Mansfield ranging from 4.5 miles to 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,555 feet and up
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: some routes, yes, but not the Long Trail to Hazelton Trail with it’s ladders and steep climbs
Special features: Tallest mountain in Vermont at 4,393 feet! ⛰

2. Camel’s Hump, Waterbury

Ahhh, so much beauty awaits you atop the third-highest mountain Vermont. I’m jealous of the person who does this hike next! 🙂

At 4,083 feet, Camel’s Hump is Vermont’s third-highest mountain but it has views that rival them all!

woman on top of mountain with two dogs at sunset in vermont — Sunset from top of Camel’s Hump ⛰🐶🐶

Admiring the views…
Gorgeous views all around!

Wide open 360-degree views, we’ve hiked here a couple of times but the most memorable was for sunset in the summer of 2023.

I loved the views facing west all the way to Lake Champlain in the distance where you can see the sun go down.

My post all about hiking Camel’s Hump offers 3 different routes you can choose to get you to the top of this VT high peak!

Miles: choose from 3 different hikes up Camel’s Hump ranging from 4.7 miles to 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,280 feet and up
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: yes, no ladders or super technical parts but dogs must be in shape and be able to navigate steep sections on way up and down
Special features: Vermont’s 3rd highest peak! Wide open 360-degree views ⛰

3. Mount Ellen, Starksboro

I loved hiking here in the start of July when the wildflowers were all in bloom! 🌸

While there aren’t 360-degree views atop Mount Ellen like the first two hikes on our list, the flowers here made this hike very memorable for me.

Ellen is tied with Camel’s Hump for Vermont’s 3rd highest peak (both at about 4,083 feet) and its summit is more wooded with just one clear shot facing southeast.

green summer views from mount ellen in vermont — You must visit at the start of July!! :))

You’ll get the most views from standing atop Sugarbush Ski Resort which extends across Mount Ellen.

Out of all of Vermont’s 5 peaks above 4,000 feet, Ellen’s climb is the most gradual with the least amount of “scariness” or steep parts. It is quite the workout but nothing technical about the climb making it great for someone new to the high peaks.

Miles: 7.6 miles for Jerusalem Trail to Mount Ellen
Elevation Gain: 2,585 feet elevation gain
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Tied with Camel’s Hump for VT’s 3rd highest peak! ⛰

4. Killington Peak, Killington

Come climb Vermont’s second-highest peak at 4,229 feet!

It actually surprises me that Killington is second behind Mount Mansfield since the hike isn’t as difficult as the lower peaks like Abraham or Camel’s Hump.

I’ve done Killington a few times; twice in the summer, once in the fall, and once in winter.

Each season has its perks and beauty and even though Killington doesn’t have full 360-degree views at the top (more like 270!) I would love to hike it again.

My favorite part of Killington is all the views you see as you hike up. If you do this hike, be sure to turn and see what’s behind you! Or you could catch it on the way down. 😉

Something unique about Killington is that most of the trail is a wide-open path up ski trails.

So while it’s labeled as ‘hard’ on AllTrails, there is nothing technical about it – no scrambles, just steady walking uphill!

Miles: 4.1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,604 feet elevation gain
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Vermont’s 2nd highest peak! ⛰

5. Mount Abraham, Lincoln

To finish out Vermont’s 5 high peaks, come climb the fifth tallest mountain in VT; Mount Abraham! Or Mount Abe as it’s sometimes called.

Located in VT’s Green Mountains and at about 4,006 feet tall you’ll love the sweeping views at the top of Abraham.

views from mount abraham in vermont with green mountains all around on a summer day

Rocky steps coming down the trail..
Bauer on his way up…
we made it!

The 360-degree view (and the wind!) will definitely make you feel like you’re on top of the world here. 🌎💚

There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of Abraham but we took the classic Long Trail assent which is the one linked in the title above.

According to AllTrails, this is one of few alpine zones in the state, so be sure to stay on the established path to help protect the sensitive plant life! 🌿

Miles: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,735 feet elevation gain
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Vermont’s 5th highest peak! ⛰

6. Mount Pisgah, Orleans

Wow, if there ever was a top, must-do hike in Vermont – let it be this one!

Though not as tall as all the high peaks mentioned above, the multiple views you have overlooking Lake Willoughby make this hike a top 10 hike in New England for me.

Winter Hiking Gear List: 10 Essentials for the Snow!

mount pisgah hike in vermont in winter — Lake Willoughby, Vermont

It’s far up there in VT, north of the capital Montpelier and north of St Johnsbury. Heck, it’s almost in Canada!

You’ll start the walk from VT Route 5A and walk between two ponds. The trail then enters the woods and heads uphill.

The first overlook (and one I love so much!) is just a mile from the start, and then another view overlooking Lake Willoughby another mile from here.

From that final viewpoint there are amazing views of the lake and looking north into southern Quebec. Put this one on your list!

Miles: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,653 feet elevation gain
Level: Hard
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Views overlooking the amazing Lake Willoughby

7. White Rocks Recreation Area Ice Beds Trail, Wallingford

A short hike with a jaw-dropping view in the southern half of VT!

We first visited this one in the fall and wow, was it spectacular! 🍁🍂

white rocks recreation area hike in vermont in the fall

While it’s only a short walk, there are two big viewpoints and opportunities for photos here.

This hike is located in the 22,624-acre White Rocks Recreation Area. Established to preserve and protect “existing wilderness and wild values and to promote wild forest and aquatic habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, opportunities for primitive and semi-primitive recreation, and scenic, ecological, and scientific values.”

At just 1.6 miles round trip, put this hike on your Vermont hike list! 📝

Miles: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 536 feet elevation gain
Level: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Short hike with multiple beautiful views

8. Bingham Falls, Stowe

According to gostowe.com, “Bingham Falls has quickly become one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Vermont due to its easy access, impressive geology, and photographic nature.”

When we visited in the summer it was popular and crowded so I suggest visiting early in the day.

woman sitting by bingham falls in stowe vermont with green pool of water

Loved the heart shaped cutout in the rock!
Long exposure shot

While this is a really short walk to get to the falls it is a truly beautiful site.

With a cascade of about 40ft it’s not a super tall waterfall but it’s the setting and surroundings that make this a special snd must-visit hike in Vermont!

The water is a beautiful turquoise color, the plants a deep green, and the cliffs around the gorge are great platforms for pictures or relaxing by the pools.

Miles: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 157 feet elevation gain
Level: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Short hike with the magical Bingham Falls

9. Antone Mountain Loop in Merck Forest, Rupert

Antone Mountain is located in Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Southern Vermont just outside of Manchester.

If visiting Manchester or passing through southwestern VT this is a great hike to do! The whole place (Merck Forest & Farmland) is something to see in itself.

woman in blue jacket and two dogs on hike at merck forest in vermont

From when you park the car and start heading toward the trailhead you’re already rewarded with wide open views atop the elevated field and farmland.

There are other hikes to choose from here but Antone Peak is the tallest on the property at 2600ft and is officially part of the Northern Taconic Mountain range.

From the top enjoy the wide-open views of southern Vermont mountains and picturesque farmland below!

Miles: 5.1 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1,607 feet elevation gain
Level: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Walk amongst the scenic Merck Forest & Farmland center with sweeping views before you start the hike

10. Moss Glen Falls, Stowe

I loved exploring around Moss Glen Falls. As Vermont’s tallest waterfall with a single drop of 85 feet, this is a must-do hike in Vermont!

This waterfall is only about a 5-minute drive from Stowe’s historic Village so if you’re visiting Stowe this is a perfect hike to do.

You also don’t have to do the whole 5.2 miles as Moss Glen Falls is only about a quarter-mile from the trailhead!

Miles: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 951 feet elevation gain
Level: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Special features: Vermont’s tallest waterfall with an 85 foot cascade! 💦💦💦

11. Lye Brook Falls, Manchester

Enter the 18,122-acre Lye Brook Wilderness blue blazed trail along Lye Brook which after 2.25 miles leads you to the 125-foot high Lye Brook Falls!.

This is just one of the beautiful hikes in Manchester, Vermont. I loved Lye Brook Falls because it’s a true hike at 4.5 miles round trip that leads you to what feels like a secret waterfall in the middle of the woods, unlike other waterfall trails which can be pretty short.

woman sitting on rock in front of lye brook falls in manchester vermont

While there is a bit of elevation there’s nothing technical about the trail as it runs along old logging railroad grades and old woods roads.

According to the Forest Service site, “A century ago this area had been heavily logged, with railroads, charcoal kilns, and sawmills dotting the landscape. The land has reverted back to its natural state, but those wishing to explore can still find the remains of many of these turn-of-the-century industries.”