With spring around the corner, and a nice mild winter up north, right now is the perfect time to start planning a getaway with your family, friends or by yourself to the Green Mountains National Forest area of Vermont for a day or weekend of hiking.
Plan a fun day of hiking and taking in the beautiful scenery the area is so famous for, while giving your children an eco-friendly and healthy travel experience. You will find some of the oldest hiking trails in the Northeast in the Green Mountains National Forest, and a rich history along the Appalachian Trail. You will also find plenty of places to camp out if you plan to turn that day hike into a weekend getaway. With temperatures remaining cool to mild during the Spring, the weather is perfect for a trip to the mountains.
Remember, before going out on any hikes in the Green Mountain National Forest check your local weather forecast and with local ranger stations and District office’s for any update’s on hiking and trail conditions. The information you can find with local authorities can help you prepare for problems in wilderness areas, trails that may be impassable in places, or may have damage from recent storms.
Sherburne Pass Loop
Located along the Appalachian Trail, Sherburne Pass Loop is a 12.2 mile scenic hike that loops around and allows you beautiful views of the mountains, forest and waterfalls. This trail is the perfect hike for new and experienced hikers, and provides inclines and uphill hikes. The highest point on this trail is 1700 feet, and is considered a moderate hike that should take about 7-8 hours to complete.
You will find the trailhead is in the Town of Mendon on Route 4. Use caution when crossing Route 4 since it is a heavily traveled highway. This trail is perfect for you if you are into a more secluded nature hike as trees and rocks for climbing are plentiful around here. You will also pass by lakes and streams on your journey around the trail. Whether you plan to just spend the day hiking, or this is a stop along the Appalachian Trail for you, you will love the beauty this Vermont trail has to offer.
For more information and maps visit here.
Spruce Peak Trail
Another trail along the Appalachian Trail, Spruce Peak is a relatively moderate trail that is safe for first time hikers and family’s to explore. At it’s highest the trail reaches 593 feet, and can be rocky and narrow in some places. Watch for signs and keep to the trail to avoid accidents. You will find beautiful mountain views, cool winds from the south and seasonal streams all along the trail.
This area of woods was originally an old stage coach road that allowed travelers easy access to Manchester, Bondville, and Peru. When you reach the summit look out to the west for views of the Manchester Valley, Mt. Equinox and peaks of the Taconic Mountains. If you plan to camp out while on Spruce Peak trail there is areas to pitch a tent, or a rustic cabin that sleeps sixteen about 0.4 miles south of the peak.
For more information and maps visit here.
Contest Trail
If you’re looking for a short trail with a good amount of aerobic exercise, Contest Trail might be the right trail for you. The trail is 3.25 miles long, or loops around 5.5 miles, and reaches an elevation of 700 feet. While it is a nice uphill workout, the real treat is the end of the trail which leads to an abandoned field with amazing views of the Green Mountains that surround you.
The area is pretty wooded, and if you plan to camp out for the night there are places along the trail to stop. You should be in and out of this trail in about 1-1 1/2 hours. Watch for rugged surface areas in some places, and bears that can be seen throughout the area at certain times of the year.
For more information and maps visit here.
Skylight Pond Trail
I would recommend this trail if you are looking for an adventure and workout at the same time. Skylight Pond Trail can be rugged, and is classified as moderate to difficult in certain areas. But if you’re prepared to handle this trail you will be rewarded with natural beauty surrounding you. The trail follows an old woods road, crosses over two streams and takes you into the Breadloaf Wilderness. The total loop around in 5.2 miles and reaches an elevation of 1428 feet.
You can camp out along this trail, or spend the night at Skylight Lodge at the 2.6 mile mark. There is a $5 per person, per night fee to maintain the lodge. The total time on this trail would be 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours if you plan to make this a day trip.
For more information about this trail visit here.
