Region: Central Vermont
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Thundering Falls Boardwalk
From the River Road parking area follow a 900 foot long, 3-5 foot-wide, boardwalk, and stone dust path. This trail goes along a portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT) to Thundering Falls. The boardwalk crosses over the Ottauquechee River and through the open Ottauquechee River floodplain. The trail then ascends to a viewing platform overlooking…
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Thundering Falls to Kent Pond
This hike follows the Appalachian Trail over the Thundering Falls Boardwalk, past the impressive Thundering Falls. Continue past the waterfall over moderate terrain to the edge of Kent Pond. Follow the trail as along the edge of the pond, ending at Rt. 100 (2.4 mi). Return on the Appalachian Trail to River Rd. Thundering Falls…
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Shrewsbury Peak Trail
Shrewsbury Peak is a wonderful day hike option that may have fewer crowds than nearby Killington and Pico Peak. From the Shrewsbury Trail parking lot on North Shrewsbury CCC Road, follow the Shrewsbury Peak Trail past Russell Hill Shelter and gradually then steeply climb to the summit of Shrewsbury Peak (3720’) for 1.8 mi. At…
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Pico Peak
From the Deer Leap/Pico Peak parking area on Route 4, take the Sherburne Pass Trail south gradually climbing for 2.7 miles to Pico Camp, a small four-sided shelter. Ski trails allow for nice views along the way. Note that the trail crosses a few ski trails and service roads, which can be confusing; follow the blue blazes. From Pico Camp, follow the Pico Link trail for 0.4…
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Killington Summit via Bucklin Trail
Killington (4235′) is the highest peak in the Coolidge Range. The Bucklin Trail is located on the western side and is the most direct approach to the summit. At Brewer’s Corners parking lot navigate to the Bucklin Trail. The trail gradually follows an old road for about 2 miles before leaving the road and…
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Deer Leap Trail
The Deer Leap Trail is a relatively short but rugged hike to the top of a rock outcrop with impressive views of the Coolidge Range and Sherburne Pass. The trail starts on the north side of Rt. 4, at the east end of the Inn at Long Trail parking lot. Note that it is suggested to park across Rt. 4 as there is more space available. Be very cautious crossing the road…
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Maine Junction via AT/LT
The Long Trail (LT) and Appalachian Trail (AT), two long distance hiking trails, overlap in Vermont from Massachusetts for roughly 100 miles. The AT splits off from the LT in Killington at what is known as the Maine Junction. Starting at the AT/LT VT Rt. 4 parking lot, cross US-4 (please note that this is a very busy road). Follow Long Trail North for 1.0 mi towards Willard Gap and Maine Junction with the Appalachian Trail. Continue onto the Appalachian…
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Killington Summit via Sherburne Pass Trail
For a longer trip to the top of Vermont’s second-highest peak, take the Sherburne Pass Trail south from the parking lot at Rt 4. Pass Pico Camp (2.7 mi) and continue another 0.4 mi to an intersection with the Long Trail at Jungle Junction (3.1 mi). Follow the LT South as it gradually climbs for 2.3 miles to Cooper Lodge, the highest shelter on the Long Trail…
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Bamforth Ridge Shelter
From the parking area, hike south on the Long Trail. Cross a bridge over Gleason Brook (0.6 mi), then on to Duxbury Window, a beautiful lookout over the Winooski Valley with a bench (1.6 mi). Note that most of the hike is a gradual incline, but the trail is fairly steep for a short stretch just before the Window. Continue past the lookout…
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Camel’s Hump View Trail
This lollipop-style loop trail features multiple gorgeous views of Camel’s Hump, which are especially good as the leaves begin to fall in autumn. The trail also features several benches, which offer nice rest spots. From the sign at the parking lot, head out on the main path. Soon you will come to a split where…