Vermont

Reach Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail, then add an easier stop at Quechee Gorge. The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance trail in the US, and its rocky…

Reach Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail, then add an easier stop at Quechee Gorge. The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance trail in the US, and its rocky footing rewards sturdy shoes.

Why Vermont's trails stand out

Vermont packs a lot of hiking character into a small state. Its backbone is the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the US, running over rocky, green mountain ridges that feel wild without being remote for days at a time. You can test yourself on a high summit one day and choose a short, scenic gorge walk the next. That mix of a serious mountain climb and an easier scenic stop is exactly what makes a Vermont trip work for mixed groups.

What to do, step by step

1. Make Mount Mansfield, reached by the Long Trail, your main hike if you want the full mountain experience.
2. Check conditions and your route before you go, and allow plenty of daylight for rocky footing.
3. Wear sturdy shoes, since the Long Trail's rocky surface rewards good grip and ankle support.
4. Add Quechee Gorge as your easier stop, for big scenery without another full climb.
5. Balance the days: one demanding hike, one gentler outing, and time to enjoy the small towns between them.