Appalachian Trail Vermont

Exploring the Appalachian Trail Through Vermont: A Scenic and Challenging Adventure

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a hiker’s paradise, stretching over 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine. While many sections of the trail are known for their beauty and ruggedness, the portion that crosses through Vermont stands out for its mix of challenging climbs, diverse terrain, and breathtaking vistas. With its beautiful forests, mountain ridgelines, and tranquil swamps, the AT in Vermont offers a delightful experience for hikers seeking adventure in the northern reaches of the trail. As one of the quieter, less-traveled sections, hiking through Vermont offers a unique and peaceful journey.

Mileage and Elevation in Vermont

The Appalachian Trail runs through Vermont for approximately 150 miles, offering a mix of moderate climbs, stunning ridgelines, and thick forests. The trail in this state traverses parts of the Green Mountains, a section of the Appalachian range that is known for its rugged beauty and high elevation.

Elevation: Vermont’s AT section is characterized by moderate to challenging climbs. The highest point on the AT in Vermont is Killington Peak, which rises to 4,241 feet. Though not as high as peaks further south in the AT, Killington and other summits, such as Mount Mansfield, provide a variety of demanding ascents that challenge hikers. In total, the trail covers several mountain ridgelines, with elevations ranging from around 1,000 feet to over 4,000 feet, leading to steep climbs, especially in the southern part of the state. The terrain’s elevation gain is considerable, requiring endurance and preparation.
Terrain: Vermont’s section of the AT is renowned for its varied landscape. Hikers will encounter a combination of dense forests, swamps, streams, rocky outcrops, and open ridgelines. The trail passes through stretches of hardwood forests, dense evergreen woods, and meadows, making it a truly diverse experience. While the climbs aren’t as brutal as some of the more mountainous sections in states like New Hampshire or Maine, the trail’s terrain remains rocky and technical, particularly along Killington Ridge and Mount Greylock. The trail also provides scenic views of lake valleys, offering a peaceful and serene hiking experience.

Terrain and Difficulty Ratings in Vermont

The difficulty level for hiking the Appalachian Trail through Vermont is rated as moderate to strenuous, depending on the specific section. The terrain is challenging, but not as extreme as the more mountainous areas to the north and south. The state offers a series of steady climbs, rocky ridgelines, and occasional swamps that test endurance, but without the brutal climbs of higher peaks in other parts of the AT.

Moderate Climbs: The AT in Vermont offers moderate climbs such as the ascent to Killington Peak and Mount Stratton, which provide scenic views at the summits. These climbs can be physically demanding but are not as steep as sections found further south. Expect steady, gradual ascents, with some technical terrain involving loose rocks and uneven footing. The Green Mountains also include some ridge walking with undulating terrain that can require stamina and careful navigation.
Rocky and Root-Laden Trails: The trail features some rocky outcrops and root-laden sections, particularly in the middle of Vermont. These parts of the trail can be slippery, especially when wet, and some sections will require hikers to scramble over rocks or step over obstacles like fallen trees. These technical sections may not be as frequent as in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, but they still require steady footing and attention.
Swampy and Wetland Areas: Certain parts of the trail, especially in northern Vermont, pass through swampy wetlands, which can be muddy or waterlogged in spring and early summer. These areas may involve careful footing, stream crossings, or longer stretches of muddy ground that can slow down hikers.
Rocky Outcrops and Ridge Lines: The ridge walking along Vermont’s AT provides some of the trail’s most scenic vistas, particularly along Killington Ridge and The Green Mountain Range. While the ascents aren’t as grueling as in some other states, the exposed ridgelines offer sweeping views of mountain peaks and the lush valleys below.

Best Time to Hike the Appalachian Trail in Vermont

The best time to hike the Appalachian Trail in Vermont is typically from late spring through early fall. However, the variable weather and challenging terrain mean that hikers should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions.

Spring (April to June): Spring brings a beautiful renewal to the Vermont landscape, with flowers beginning to bloom and trees coming to life. However, the trail can be muddy and wet, especially in the northern sections, where snowmelt creates swampy conditions and potentially difficult crossings. Spring is also the time when many of the streams and rivers will have higher water levels, making crossings more difficult. It’s best to plan for the later part of the spring season when conditions stabilize, and temperatures are milder.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak hiking season in Vermont, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. The forest is in full bloom, and the conditions are generally dry, making it easier to navigate the trail. However, Vermont’s climate can be humid, and certain sections of the AT can be prone to afternoon thunderstorms. The summer months also bring more visitors, so expect the trail to be busier, especially near popular spots like Killington Peak and Mount Mansfield.
Fall (September to November): Fall is arguably one of the best times to hike in Vermont, as the fall foliage turns the landscape into a stunning array of red, yellow, and orange colors. The cooler temperatures and less humid air make hiking more comfortable. This season offers some of the best views along the trail, with vibrant fall colors complementing the incredible mountain scenery. It’s a quieter time on the trail compared to summer, making for a more peaceful hiking experience. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and hikers should be prepared for cold mornings and the possibility of early snowstorms at higher elevations.
Winter (December to March): Winter hiking is not typically recommended for the average AT hiker in Vermont due to the harsh conditions in the Green Mountains. While the snow-covered landscapes can be beautiful, the terrain becomes much more difficult and dangerous. Snow can accumulate at higher elevations, leading to icy conditions and difficult navigation. Winter hiking in Vermont requires specialized gear, including crampons and snowshoes, and should only be attempted by experienced winter hikers.

Notable Highlights of the AT in Vermont

Despite being one of the less-traveled sections of the AT, the Appalachian Trail in Vermont is full of remarkable features and stunning natural beauty. Here are a few highlights that make hiking through Vermont especially memorable:

Killington Peak: The highest peak on the AT in Vermont, Killington Peak offers stunning views of the surrounding Green Mountains and valleys. The summit provides panoramic vistas of the trail’s southern portion and the surrounding wilderness, making it one of the best spots on the trail for breathtaking scenery. The climb up Killington is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering hikers one of Vermont’s finest views.
The Green Mountain Range: The AT runs through Vermont’s Green Mountain Range, a rugged stretch of mountains offering beautiful ridgelines, forested paths, and alpine meadows. The ridgelines provide some of the most scenic views on the AT in Vermont, with sweeping panoramas of valleys and distant peaks.
The Lye Brook Wilderness: Located in the southern part of Vermont, the Lye Brook Wilderness Area is a pristine, remote section of the trail. This area offers a mix of dense forest, stream crossings, and tranquil spots to rest and take in the natural beauty.
The Towns and Shelters: Along the way, hikers can visit small Vermont towns like Manchester Center, which provide resupply opportunities and a chance to rest in a charming, rural environment. Additionally, the AT shelters in Vermont, including Lye Brook Shelter and Sucker Brook Shelter, offer cozy places to stay and meet other hikers. These shelters are often in scenic locations, making them excellent places to rest after a challenging day on the trail.

The Appalachian Trail in Vermont offers a unique and rewarding experience for hikers. With its diverse terrain, moderate climbs, and stunning scenery, this section of the AT provides a balance of challenges and rewards. Whether you’re hiking through dense forests, ascending mountain ridgelines, or soaking in the views from Killington Peak, Vermont offers some of the most picturesque and tranquil spots on the entire Appalachian Trail.

The best time to hike in Vermont is during the summer and fall, when the weather is most predictable, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. However, Vermont’s unpredictable weather can present challenges, and hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for an adventure, the Appalachian Trail through Vermont is sure to provide a memorable, enriching experience.