Best Places to Hike in Vermont and Why Our Community Loves Them
One of the things that makes Vermont so special isn’t just the scenery, it’s the way our community connects to it. Whether you’re a lifelong Vermonter or new to the area, it becomes clear pretty quickly that hiking here is more than a hobby. It’s part of the culture, the rhythm of life, and a big reason people fall in love with living and working in this state.
Working within the UVM Health community, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply our teams value balance, time outdoors, and the opportunity to recharge. It comes up often in conversations, and with trails like these so close by, it’s easy to understand why.
The Icons: Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump
If you spend time talking with local hikers, these two peaks come up almost immediately. They’re challenging, memorable, and deeply connected to Vermont’s outdoor identity.
Mount Mansfield
Height: 4,393 feet, the tallest mountain in Vermont
Location: Mount Mansfield State Forest near Stowe, in the Green Mountains
Distance from UVM Medical Center (Burlington): About a 35‑minute drive
Typical hike length: 5–8 miles round trip, depending on route
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,800–3,700 feet
Average hiking time: 5–6 hours for a full summit hike
Why it’s loved: Alpine tundra, dramatic ridgeline hiking, and sweeping views across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks on clear days
Mount Mansfield is widely seen as a rite of passage for serious Vermont hikers and a bucket‑list experience for those new to the area.
Camel’s Hump
Height: 4,083 feet, the third‑highest peak in Vermont
Location: Camel’s Hump State Park, between Huntington and Duxbury
Distance from UVM Medical Center (Burlington): About 40 minutes
Distance from Porter Medical Center (Middlebury): About one hour
Typical hike length: 4.8–6 miles round trip, depending on trail
Average hiking time: 4–6 hours
Why it’s loved: An undeveloped summit, rugged climbs, panoramic 360‑degree views, and a profile visible from miles away
Camel’s Hump’s wild character and iconic silhouette make it a local favorite for those seeking a classic Vermont summit experience.
Easier, Everyday Favorites
Not every hike needs to be an all‑day commitment. These trails are popular for their accessibility, flexibility, and big views relative to the effort required.
Mount Philo
Height: 968 feet
Location: Charlotte, within Mount Philo State Park
Distance from UVM Medical Center (Burlington): About 25 minutes south
Typical hike length: 1.5–2.1 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Around 600 feet
Average hiking time: 45–90 minutes
Why it’s loved: Panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains with minimal time commitment
Mount Philo is a go‑to option for families, sunset hikes, and quick after‑work resets.
Snake Mountain
Height: About 1,287 feet, the highest point in Addison County
Location: Addison and Weybridge, within the Snake Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Distance from UVM Medical Center (Burlington): About 45 minutes
Distance from Porter Medical Center (Middlebury): About 20 minutes
Typical hike length: 4.5–5.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Around 1,000 feet
Average hiking time: 2–3 hours
Why it’s loved: Wide‑open summit views over farmland, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks
Snake Mountain surprises many hikers with how expansive the views feel for a relatively moderate effort.
Sterling Pond
Location: Smugglers’ Notch near Mount Mansfield State Forest
Distance from Burlington: About 45 minutes northeast
Typical hike length: 2.2 miles round trip, out‑and‑back
Elevation gain: Around 938 feet
Average hiking time: 1.5–2 hours
Why it’s loved: A tranquil alpine pond surrounded by cliffs and forest, with a big payoff in a short timeframe
Sterling Pond feels peaceful and immersive, making it a favorite for half‑day adventures and visitors alike.
The Long Trail: Vermont’s Legacy
Total length: Approximately 272 miles
Route: Runs north to south through Vermont, from Massachusetts to Québec
Distinction: The oldest long‑distance hiking trail in the United States
Typical thru‑hike time: 20–30 days
Shared mileage: More than 100 miles overlap with the Appalachian Trail
For many who join the UVM Health community, the Long Trail becomes part of their Vermont story, whether through short section hikes or a long‑term personal goal.
Why This Matters for Community and Well‑Being
Hiking in Vermont isn’t just about exercise. It’s about connection, to the land, to each other, and to a more intentional way of living. For those working in health care, having accessible outdoor spaces nearby plays a meaningful role in managing stress, maintaining balance, and recharging.
Whether it’s:
a morning hike before a shift
a shared summit with coworkers
or an evening walk with family
the outdoors becomes a natural extension of everyday life here.