Vermont is a fabulous state for outdoor activities, especially hiking. And, for those who are not experienced hikers or who are looking for an easier, milder hike, this list of mountain hiking trails in Vermont for beginners is right up your alley. Try out these great, moderate hikes in any season and enjoy some leisurely hiking while still capitalizing on beautiful summit vistas.
- Mount Philo Trail (Charlotte)
Robert Gullo/alltrails
Alyssa Thomas/alltrails What makes Mt. Philo a great trail for beginners is that it is a swift two-mile loop with views from the summit and fascinating nature in the wooded areas. There is also a chance of seeing wildlife, which is always a plus when you are on a hike. The trail is said to be moderate in its difficulty, but it is very manageable for beginner hikers.
- Mount Mansfield Nose to The Chin via Long Trail (Stowe)
Carlo Rossi/alltrails
Dennis Bellamy/alltrails The Nose to Chin hike via the Long Trail on Mt. Mansfield is a shortcut to get great views from the peak. To get to this spot, head up Toll Road, located off of the Mountain Road in Stowe. This hike is only possible from spring to fall due to the unsafe road conditions during the winter. The trail is great for a relaxed hike since you will be hiking along the ridge of Mt. Mansfield. The loop is just under three miles and is rated moderate.
- Owlshead Mountain Trail (Groton)
Lisa Bilowith/alltrails
Kim Joyce/alltrails Owlshead Mountain trail is another moderate to easy hiking option, one with beautiful views of nearby Lake Groton and Kettle Pond, along with vibrant wildflowers, that is, if you make the hike in the springtime. The loop is just over 3 miles.
- Wheeler Mountain Trail (Barton)
Megan Rose LaPorte/alltrails
Lisa Bilowith/alltrails The longest trail on the list is Wheeler Mountain Trail at just over four miles. The trail, however, is quite steady and easy. There are many wide lookouts and wildlife on the trail, making it a great place to take a slow-paced hike while enjoying Vermont’s scenic landscapes.
- Putney Mountain Hawk Watch (Brookline)
Melissa Looman/alltrails
Courteney Clark The Putney Mountain Hawk Watch trail is little trafficked and boasts exceptional views. Come during the spring or summer and spot countless hawks and other types of birds. This fun, easy hike rounds out our list of the five best hikes in Vermont for beginners.
We hope these trails will inspire you to take one of these simple and enjoyable hikes. All of these mountain hiking trails are great for all skill levels, and you won’t have to hike for hours to get great views of the superb Vermont landscape.
Robert Gullo/alltrails
Alyssa Thomas/alltrails
What makes Mt. Philo a great trail for beginners is that it is a swift two-mile loop with views from the summit and fascinating nature in the wooded areas. There is also a chance of seeing wildlife, which is always a plus when you are on a hike. The trail is said to be moderate in its difficulty, but it is very manageable for beginner hikers.
Carlo Rossi/alltrails
Dennis Bellamy/alltrails
The Nose to Chin hike via the Long Trail on Mt. Mansfield is a shortcut to get great views from the peak. To get to this spot, head up Toll Road, located off of the Mountain Road in Stowe. This hike is only possible from spring to fall due to the unsafe road conditions during the winter. The trail is great for a relaxed hike since you will be hiking along the ridge of Mt. Mansfield. The loop is just under three miles and is rated moderate.
Lisa Bilowith/alltrails
Kim Joyce/alltrails
Owlshead Mountain trail is another moderate to easy hiking option, one with beautiful views of nearby Lake Groton and Kettle Pond, along with vibrant wildflowers, that is, if you make the hike in the springtime. The loop is just over 3 miles.
Megan Rose LaPorte/alltrails
The longest trail on the list is Wheeler Mountain Trail at just over four miles. The trail, however, is quite steady and easy. There are many wide lookouts and wildlife on the trail, making it a great place to take a slow-paced hike while enjoying Vermont’s scenic landscapes.
Melissa Looman/alltrails
Courteney Clark
The Putney Mountain Hawk Watch trail is little trafficked and boasts exceptional views. Come during the spring or summer and spot countless hawks and other types of birds. This fun, easy hike rounds out our list of the five best hikes in Vermont for beginners.
Do you have any hiking suggestions? Leave a comment and share it with us.
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Address: 5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445, USAAddress: WCAX-TV Antenna, Toll Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USAAddress: Groton, VT, USAAddress: 431 Wheeler Mountain Rd, Barton, VT 05822, USAAddress: 399 Putney Mountain Rd, Brookline, VT 05345, USA
