Nine Hidden Vermont Hikes to See Beautiful Fall Color
Fall hiking is great because the bugs are mostly gone, the heat (for the most part) is back in check, and you don’t need us to tell you about the beautiful views. We put together a list of hikes that can help you and your family get outside and discover new parts of Vermont. You won’t find Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, on this list – these hikes appeal to all skill levels.
Find yourself on a hike during the Vermont Maple 100? Tag us @vermonttourism and use the hashtag #vermontmaple100.
Here are hikes to explore around the state:
1. Libby’s Look in Richmond, Vermont
Tucked away off a dirt road in Richmond, Libby’s Look allows parking for two, maybe three, cars. A compact hike that takes about 45 minutes to an hour leads you to a summit that overlooks the small downtown and western slopes of Richmond. This also means you’ll see a lot of bright colors from the top. Grab a sandwich from the Richmond Market and head to the top with the kids —they’ll love the views.
2. Mount Pisgah in Westmore, Vermont
While not hidden, the trek over to this Northeast Kingdom gem is quite a road trip (with limited bathrooms and cellphone reception). Make sure you pack a filling lunch and protein-rich snacks because this is a calorie-burner. Just when you think you’re getting to the top, the last half-mile or so is full of switchbacks that send you back and forth until you get to the beautiful summit that overlooks area mountains. Take a break about halfway through to take in the beauty of Lake Willoughby.
3. Eagle Mountain in Milton, Vermont
Eagle Mountain is truly hidden in the woods of Milton. The parking lot leads you into a rolling field and eventually to a path that leads you to a couple of lookouts that overlook parts of Lake Champlain. This is a great trail for families, even those with pets, and takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. With ample parking, grab some friends and explore this hidden hike.
4. Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Vermont
Home to Vermont’s second-tallest waterfall, this is about a 20-minute hike that’s great for families (minus the relatively steep, but wide-open, access path). You can wade in the creek-like mouth of the falls and watch the falls roar from the top (safely behind a fence, by the way). And imagine the rush of the falls and the backdrop of oranges and reds. It’s a great little spot that leaves you time to explore one of Vermont’s most quintessential towns.
5. Snake Mountain in Addison, Vermont
There used to be a hotel at the top of Snake Mountain. The old foundation is still there before the hotel burned down. If it was still there, we’d book a week without hesitation. This hike is great to do with friends, family, or your dog. About 90 minutes to the summit, it’s relatively wide and easy to access, with few rocky parts. The summit provides a stunning view west to the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the valley with farmland below. If you think Mount Philo is crowded, head south and hike up Snake Mountain. Similar views—fewer people.
6. Elmore Mountain in Elmore, Vermont
About 20 minutes past Stowe, Elmore Mountain is a hike that has two personalities. One way up is steep, rocky, and sometimes wet. The other is still a little rocky, but much easier. There are scenic overlooks midway through the hike which provide a nice pause before your trek to the top. At the top, you’ll see an old fire tower with panoramic views.
7. Bromley Mountain Trail in Peru, Vermont
While not exactly hidden, since Bromley Mountain is well-known for its skiing in the winter, an off-season hike here at the peak of fall foliage reveals beautiful views of Stratton Mountain (another skiing and boarding destination) and incredible fall color. It can be challenging to traverse the rocky terrain toward the top and it’s a longer hike, but the views are entirely worth it.
8. Windmill Mountain in Townshend, Vermont
Looking for a 1.5-hour hike in southern Vermont? Windmill Mountain has a great summit that’s perfect for a family hike and has 180-degree views of the mountains and valley that are sure to shine bright this fall with beautiful views and deep, rich color.
9. Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, Vermont
This place has it all - maple syrup, cheese, jam, smoked meat and hiking. The trails are easily accessible and invite you to explore their 500-acre Vermont paradise. The farm is tucked away on a dirt road in Woodstock, Vermont that offers picturesque views of Vermont’s fall beauty along with an opportunity to learn how maple trees are tapped both with buckets and plastic tubing.
When you’re amongst the leaves on one of these hikes, tag us -- @vermonttourism and @vtagriculture and use the hashtag #vtmaple100.
Find yourself on a hike during the Vermont Maple 100? Tag us @vermonttourism and use the hashtag #vermontmaple100.
Here are hikes to explore around the state:
1. Libby’s Look in Richmond, Vermont
Tucked away off a dirt road in Richmond, Libby’s Look allows parking for two, maybe three, cars. A compact hike that takes about 45 minutes to an hour leads you to a summit that overlooks the small downtown and western slopes of Richmond. This also means you’ll see a lot of bright colors from the top. Grab a sandwich from the Richmond Market and head to the top with the kids —they’ll love the views.
2. Mount Pisgah in Westmore, Vermont
While not hidden, the trek over to this Northeast Kingdom gem is quite a road trip (with limited bathrooms and cellphone reception). Make sure you pack a filling lunch and protein-rich snacks because this is a calorie-burner. Just when you think you’re getting to the top, the last half-mile or so is full of switchbacks that send you back and forth until you get to the beautiful summit that overlooks area mountains. Take a break about halfway through to take in the beauty of Lake Willoughby.
3. Eagle Mountain in Milton, Vermont
Eagle Mountain is truly hidden in the woods of Milton. The parking lot leads you into a rolling field and eventually to a path that leads you to a couple of lookouts that overlook parts of Lake Champlain. This is a great trail for families, even those with pets, and takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace. With ample parking, grab some friends and explore this hidden hike.
4. Moss Glen Falls in Stowe, Vermont
Home to Vermont’s second-tallest waterfall, this is about a 20-minute hike that’s great for families (minus the relatively steep, but wide-open, access path). You can wade in the creek-like mouth of the falls and watch the falls roar from the top (safely behind a fence, by the way). And imagine the rush of the falls and the backdrop of oranges and reds. It’s a great little spot that leaves you time to explore one of Vermont’s most quintessential towns.
5. Snake Mountain in Addison, Vermont
There used to be a hotel at the top of Snake Mountain. The old foundation is still there before the hotel burned down. If it was still there, we’d book a week without hesitation. This hike is great to do with friends, family, or your dog. About 90 minutes to the summit, it’s relatively wide and easy to access, with few rocky parts. The summit provides a stunning view west to the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and the valley with farmland below. If you think Mount Philo is crowded, head south and hike up Snake Mountain. Similar views—fewer people.
6. Elmore Mountain in Elmore, Vermont
About 20 minutes past Stowe, Elmore Mountain is a hike that has two personalities. One way up is steep, rocky, and sometimes wet. The other is still a little rocky, but much easier. There are scenic overlooks midway through the hike which provide a nice pause before your trek to the top. At the top, you’ll see an old fire tower with panoramic views.
7. Bromley Mountain Trail in Peru, Vermont
While not exactly hidden, since Bromley Mountain is well-known for its skiing in the winter, an off-season hike here at the peak of fall foliage reveals beautiful views of Stratton Mountain (another skiing and boarding destination) and incredible fall color. It can be challenging to traverse the rocky terrain toward the top and it’s a longer hike, but the views are entirely worth it.
8. Windmill Mountain in Townshend, Vermont
Looking for a 1.5-hour hike in southern Vermont? Windmill Mountain has a great summit that’s perfect for a family hike and has 180-degree views of the mountains and valley that are sure to shine bright this fall with beautiful views and deep, rich color.
9. Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, Vermont
This place has it all - maple syrup, cheese, jam, smoked meat and hiking. The trails are easily accessible and invite you to explore their 500-acre Vermont paradise. The farm is tucked away on a dirt road in Woodstock, Vermont that offers picturesque views of Vermont’s fall beauty along with an opportunity to learn how maple trees are tapped both with buckets and plastic tubing.
When you’re amongst the leaves on one of these hikes, tag us -- @vermonttourism and @vtagriculture and use the hashtag #vtmaple100.