Vermont’s breathtaking mountain scenery has always been a favorite for nature lovers. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall or the thrill of hitting the ski slopes, the rugged peaks of the Green Mountain State keep outdoor enthusiasts coming back year after year.
Among those visitors, you’ll find plenty of hiking fans who can’t resist the trails near our Vermont lodging. With options ranging from easy nature walks to more challenging treks, the Mad River Valley boasts some of the best hiking trails in Vermont. No matter your skill level, hiking here is the perfect way to fully connect with nature. Take in the seasonal colors, spot some wildlife, and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you make lasting memories on the trails.
Beginner Trails
Mad River Path: The name of the Mad River Path might seem a little misleading, as it’s actually a collective of 11 trails of various lengths. Ranging from under half a mile to as long as nearly 4 miles, all of these lovely nature walks are suitable for beginner hikers or those just looking for a more leisurely hiking experience. Some trails are even connected or relatively close to each other, so you can choose your own adventure.
The Lower Mountain Trails at Sugarbush Resort: Sugarbush offers a variety of hiking trails, and if you’re a beginner, you’ll want to check out the fun-sounding Lollipop Loop. One look at the trail map, and you’ll see how it got its sweet name! Another great option is the Super Bravo Loop. Both trails are marked as ‘Easy’ by Sugarbush Resort, and each is about a mile long. However, Super Bravo is a bit more of a challenge, as it crosses ski trails and has a bit more elevation, so keep that in mind when choosing. No matter which trails you pick, you’ll be treated to beautiful scenery—whether it’s the wooded areas, the peaceful Clay Brook, or the views of the resort’s ski grounds.
Moderate Trails
The Vista Trail via Warren Path: This out-and-back trail is a 2-mile round trip through a gorgeous hardwood forest. The distance may sound short, but the trail—partly created from an old logging road—intersperses a gradual elevation gain with a few more complex steep areas that will require all of a hiker’s attention. The reward for this challenging scramble is the surrounding scenery, satisfyingly craggy with plenty of intriguing boulders and a pretty rock bridge. The trail ends in an overlook that gives you a bird’s-eye view of Warren Village and the mountains—a stunning visual treat.
Molly Stark’s Balcony: Part of the famed Long Trail, this particular section is another moderately challenging trek that leads to a spectacular view. About 3 miles round trip, hikers will be treated to a vigorous climb through a rocky wooded area straight out of a fantasy film—as you can imagine, it’s especially gorgeous in autumn—that ends with a sprawling panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, including Camel’s Hump.
Advanced Trails
Camel’s Hump Trail (Huntington Side): Though the Duxbury side of the Camel’s Hump summit trail is closed (as of July 2024) due to catastrophic flooding, the 6-mile Huntington route is still available to take hikers up to the top of the area’s tallest mountain. Trails here are well-marked but can be rocky and slippery, so proceed with care.
It’s strongly recommended to take this loop trail in the counter-clockwise direction, as the half-mile near the top is very bouldery and therefore better traversed going upwards rather than down. This hike can take 5 hours or more, but it’s worth the effort for the interest along the climb and the spectacular views at the summit.
Selected Sections of The Long Trail: The Long Trail is, as the name might have you guessing, quite a lengthy trek—in fact, in its entirety, it’s a challenging month-long thru-hike that intersects the Appalachian Trail. No worries, though, for those hikers who want a taste of The Long Trail but can’t swing the full month commitment — they can still enjoy testing themselves on various sections.
We suggest checking out Segment Three of The Long Trail for those seeking a fun challenge. This intriguingly varied section of the trail takes hikers through some of the prettiest and most scenic areas around Waitsfield and provides both interesting climbing challenges and peaceful rest stops. It’s a good day hike, with the trailhead close to the Mad River and White Horse Lodges. If given sufficient notice, our staff is happy to help out with supply package storage and pickup from the trailhead at the end of a long day.
Cozy Comforts Post-Trail
No matter the level of your hike, when you return to one of our Vermont lodges, you’ll find everything you need to unwind and relax. From hot showers to laundry access, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, and plush queen beds, our rooms at Mad River Lodges are the perfect place for a cozy post-hike night. We look forward to seeing you during your next excursion!
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