Take A Hike!

Hike, Walk, Climb, Ramble, Stroll

Uncover the secrets hidden within Vermont’s lush forests, hidden lakes, and wooded streams. We’re hot on the trail to help you get to know Vermont from a different perspective with this diverse selection of the most stunning hikes in the Waterbury area. All hiking distances and times listed below are calculated based on a round trip.

This information is only intended to guide you in selecting a hike; be sure to consult maps and trailhead information prior, and take weather and other conditions into account before starting your trip. For more hiking advice, packing lists, an extensive array of guidebooks, maps, and supplies, consult the Green Mountain Club either online or at their visitor center on Route 100 in Waterbury Center.

Winooski River Footbridge: Long Trail, Easy & ADA Accessible

Winooski River Footbridge

The Long Trail

Distance: 224 feet

Difficulty: Easy & ADA Accessible

Estimated hiking time: 15 minutes

This suspension bridge was built by the Green Mountain Club in 2015 to help bridge a section of the Long Trail that crosses the Winooski River. The bridge is 224-feet long, offers views of the mountains and river below, and is wheelchair accessible from River Road.

Mount Mansfield Summit from the Top of the Automobile Toll Road, Easy

	Mount Mansfield Summit from the Top of the Automobile Toll Road Distance: 2.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Estimated hiking time: 2 hours Want to summit Vermont’s highest peak without putting in a day’s work? Head up the Mountain Road in Stowe and drive the four-mile Toll Road (open in summer only) to the top of Mount Mansfield for panoramic views of the Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and even Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The Long Trail traverses the alpine tundra along the ridgeline in which many people see a face and hikers can take a stroll from “The Nose” to “The Chin,” which at 4,393 feet marks Vermont’s highest point.

Mount Mansfield

Summit from the Top of the Automobile Toll Road

Distance: 2.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated hiking time: 2 hours

Want to summit Vermont’s highest peak without putting in a day’s work? Head up the Mountain Road in Stowe and drive the four-mile Toll Road (open in summer only) to the top of Mount Mansfield for panoramic views of the Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks, Lake Champlain, and even Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The Long Trail traverses the alpine tundra along the ridgeline in which many people see a face and hikers can take a stroll from “The Nose” to “The Chin,” which at 4,393 feet marks Vermont’s highest point.

Peninsula Nature Trail: Waterbury Center State Park, Easy & ADA Accessible

	Peninsula Nature Trail Waterbury Center State Park Distance: 0.5 mile Difficulty: Easy & ADA Accessible Estimated hiking time: 30 minutes This meandering trail along the shores of the park’s peninsula is ideal for young hikers, with ends of the trail located on either side of the boat launch. The path includes trailside signs that tell the story of legacy apple orchards, flora, fauna, and the geology along the trail. The park is perfect for families, featuring fishing platforms, a beach, grills, and restroom facilities. The trail and two fishing platforms are wheelchair accessible.

Peninsula Nature Trail

Waterbury Center State Park

Distance: 0.5 mile

Difficulty: Easy & ADA Accessible

Estimated hiking time: 30 minutes

This meandering trail along the shores of the park’s peninsula is ideal for young hikers, with ends of the trail located on either side of the boat launch. The path includes trailside signs that tell the story of legacy apple orchards, flora, fauna, and the geology along the trail. The park is perfect for families, featuring fishing platforms, a beach, grills, and restroom facilities. The trail and two fishing platforms are wheelchair accessible.

Cross Vermont Trail, Easy

	Cross Vermont Trail Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Easy Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes This mellow out-and-back stroll starts behind the State Office complex in downtown Waterbury and follows the Winooski River towards the Winooski Street bridge. It is the perfect way to end a summer evening after dinner at one of Waterbury's downtown restaurants.

Cross Vermont Trail

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes

This mellow out-and-back stroll starts behind the State Office complex in downtown Waterbury and follows the Winooski River towards the Winooski Street bridge. It is the perfect way to end a summer evening after dinner at one of Waterbury's downtown restaurants.

Mill Trail to Bingham Falls: Mount Mansfield State Forest, Easy

	Mill Trail to Bingham Falls Mount Mansfield State Forest Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Easy, but be aware of steep bluffs near the waterfall Estimated hiking time: 30 minutes This is a small trail with a big payoff, great for families or to visit with guests. With just a short, gradual hike into the woods, you’ll be rewarded with towering waterfalls that cascade into clear pools. Cool off in the thundering water’s mist or take a dip in the calm pools below on a hot day. The rocks can be slippery so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Mill Trail to Bingham Falls

Mount Mansfield State Forest

Distance: 1.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy, but be aware of steep bluffs near the waterfall

Estimated hiking time: 30 minutes

This is a small trail with a big payoff, great for families or to visit with guests. With just a short, gradual hike into the woods, you’ll be rewarded with towering waterfalls that cascade into clear pools. Cool off in the thundering water’s mist or take a dip in the calm pools below on a hot day. The rocks can be slippery so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Stevenson Brook Trail: Little River State Park, Easy to Moderate

	Stevenson Brook Trail Little River State Park Distance: 4.8 miles, with additional distances within the trail network Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours The Stevenson Brook Trail goes through Little River State Park and connects to several other trails. Once the site of a thriving settlement, you’ll spot the evidence of hillside homesteads, sugarhouses, barns, sawmills, and a cemetery, in the foundations, clearings, and stone left behind.

Stevenson Brook Trail

Little River State Park

Distance: 4.8 miles, with additional distances within the trail network

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours

The Stevenson Brook Trail goes through Little River State Park and connects to several other trails. Once the site of a thriving settlement, you’ll spot the evidence of hillside homesteads, sugarhouses, barns, sawmills, and a cemetery, in the foundations, clearings, and stone left behind.

Dalley Loop Trail: Little River State Park, Moderate to Difficult

	Dalley Loop Trail Little River State Park Distance: 2.8 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Estimated hiking time: 1-2 hours This loop is named for Dan Dalley, a Civil War Veteran who survived 16 battles and escaped capture once. He bought land along the Dalley Loop in 1875 and lived on a 68-acre subsistence farm on Ricker Mountain’s rocky hillside; the farm foundations can be seen on the Stevenson Brook Trail. This trail meanders gently up a logging access road, levels out, and then heads steeply downhill.

Dalley Loop Trail

Little River State Park

Distance: 2.8

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Estimated hiking time: 1-2 hours

This loop is named for Dan Dalley, a Civil War Veteran who survived 16 battles and escaped capture once. He bought land along the Dalley Loop in 1875 and lived on a 68-acre subsistence farm on Ricker Mountain’s rocky hillside; the farm foundations can be seen on the Stevenson Brook Trail. This trail meanders gently up a logging access road, levels out, and then heads steeply downhill.

Mount Hunger: Waterbury Trail, Moderate to Difficult

	Mount Hunger Waterbury Trail Distance: 4.4 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours Approach central Vermont’s Mount Hunger from the west on the Waterbury Trail. Cool off in the waterfall before you leave the woodland and get ready for an exhilarating rock scramble near the peak. At the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Mansfield, Waterbury Reservoir, and Groton State Forest.

Mount Hunger

Waterbury Trail

Distance: 4.4

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours

Approach central Vermont’s Mount Hunger from the west on the Waterbury Trail. Cool off in the waterfall before you leave the woodland and get ready for an exhilarating rock scramble near the peak. At the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Mansfield, Waterbury Reservoir, and Groton State Forest.

Camel’s Hump: Monroe Trail, Moderate to Difficult

	Camel’s Hump Monroe Trail Distance: 6.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours Known for its distinct silhouette that some say resembles a crouching lion, Vermont’s third highest peak offers breathtaking views of the Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks. Camel’s Hump is one of only three Vermont mountains with alpine tundra similar to growth from 1,000 miles to the north. The Monroe Trail winds up the eastern flank of the mountain. Look for the cemetery in which namesake Will Monroe is buried, and a plaque dedicated to the crew of a B-24 Liberator bomber which crashed there in mountain fog in 1944.

Camel’s Hump

Monroe Trail

Distance: 6.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours

Known for its distinct silhouette that some say resembles a crouching lion, Vermont’s third highest peak offers breathtaking views of the Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks. Camel’s Hump is one of only three Vermont mountains with alpine tundra similar to growth from 1,000 miles to the north. The Monroe Trail winds up the eastern flank of the mountain. Look for the cemetery in which namesake Will Monroe is buried, and a plaque dedicated to the crew of a B-24 Liberator bomber which crashed there in mountain fog in 1944.

Stowe Pinnacle Trail, Moderate

	Stowe Pinnacle Trail Distance: 3.6 Difficulty: Moderate Estimated hiking time: 2-3 hours This trail leads to a panoramic crest overlooking the Green Mountain range including the high peaks of Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump. Keep an eye out on the summit for the Stowe Pinnacle Dogs, a local pair of golden retrievers who have become the unofficial trail mascots.

Stowe Pinnacle Trail

Distance: 3.6

Difficulty: Moderate

Estimated hiking time: 2-3 hours

This trail leads to a panoramic crest overlooking the Green Mountain range including the high peaks of Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump. Keep an eye out on the summit for the Stowe Pinnacle Dogs, a local pair of golden retrievers who have become the unofficial trail mascots.

Mount Mansfield Ridge: Sunset Ridge Trail and Underhill State Park, Difficult

	Mount Mansfield Ridge Sunset Ridge Trail and Underhill State Park Distance: 6.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours Underhill State Park lies on the western slope of Mount Mansfield and of the Park’s four side trails, the Sunset Ridge Trail from the CCC Road is the most popular point to access Vermont’s Long Trail, which traverses the summit of Mount Mansfield. Follow the Long Trail north to “The Chin” of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point at just under 4,400 feet.

Mount Mansfield Ridge

Sunset Ridge Trail and Underhill State Park

Distance: 6.5 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours

Underhill State Park lies on the western slope of Mount Mansfield and of the Park’s four side trails, the Sunset Ridge Trail from the CCC Road is the most popular point to access Vermont’s Long Trail, which traverses the summit of Mount Mansfield. Follow the Long Trail north to “The Chin” of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point at just under 4,400 feet.

Long Trail South to the Chin: Mount Mansfield State Forest, Difficult

	Long Trail along Mount Mansfield South to the Chin, Mount Mansfield State Forest Distance: 4.6 Difficulty: Difficult Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours This section of the Long Trail approaches Mount Mansfield from Smugglers’ Notch. The trail heads south through the forest with a steep ascent near the Green Mountain Club’s Taft Lodge, one of the oldest and largest shelters in the Long Trail system. It follows through Eagle Pass and leads to the ascent of “The Chin,” Vermont's highest point.

Long Trail along Mount Mansfield

South to the Chin, Mount Mansfield State Forest

Distance: 4.6

Difficulty: Difficult

Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours

This section of the Long Trail approaches Mount Mansfield from Smugglers’ Notch. The trail heads south through the forest with a steep ascent near the Green Mountain Club’s Taft Lodge, one of the oldest and largest shelters in the Long Trail system. It follows through Eagle Pass and leads to the ascent of “The Chin,” Vermont's highest point.