Have You Hiked It?

From breaking in your first pair of hiking boots to preparing for another epic adventure, here are some nearby faves that will have you breathing in the fresh air in no time!

Easy:

Mount Philo:

​Short, sweet, and flat, the trail that runs up Mount Philo is perfect for anyone just getting their hiking career started, or someone more experienced looking for a refreshing Saturday morning trail run. Conditions are best from April to October, but the trail is open all year round. Pleasant vistas of Lake Champlain and wildlife sightings will keep you occupied as you cruise the gentle inclines. Trail type: Loop Trail length: 1.9 miles Elevation gain: 538 feet Pet-friendliness: Leashed pets allowed

Moss Glen Falls: ​

Think a waterfall hike sounds like a serious undertaking? Think again. A little longer than the Mount Philo Trail, the journey out to Moss Glen Falls makes for a good beginner day hike. The majority of the route is flat, though a short, steep incline about halfway through will leave you feeling victorious. The promise of the serene beauty of the water tumbling out of the forest and across the rocks is sure to motivate any hiker to get out and enjoy the trail. Trail type: Out and back Trail length: 4.2 miles Elevation gain: 613 feet Pet-friendliness: Leashed pets allowed

Intermediate:

Stowe Pinnacle: ​

Ready to kick it up a notch? The hike up to Stowe Pinnacle is a good next trail to tackle. You’ll get in some good elevation gain, allowing you to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Away from the clamor of major roads, wildlife is abundant. In the warmer months, wildflowers bloom along the path. This trail is sure to leave you feeling like it was worth the climb. Trail type: Out and back Trail length: 3.7 miles Elevation gain: 1,604 feet Pet-friendliness: Pets allowed

Mount Pisgah:

​If taking a dip in a cool mountain lake at the end of a hike sounds good to you, then Mount Pisgah Trail is a must. Strenuous at times, the views from the trail, which follows along the slope overlooking the water, won’t disappoint. Make sure to follow the signs to the North Lookout to appreciate the turquoise depths of Lake Willoughby spread out below. Trail type: Out and back Trail length: 4.1 miles Elevation gain: 1,653 feet Pet-friendliness: Pets allowed

Hard:

Hunger Mountain: ​

Don’t let the name intimidate you, but snacks ​are​ probably a good idea. The trail up to the summit of Hunger Mountain is difficult, complete with some rock scrambles and portions that grow slippery in the wetter months. A waterfall along the way and the sweeping panoramas from the top will be all the more enjoyable for the work you put in to get there. Trail type: Out and back Trail length: 4.4 miles Pet-friendliness: Leashed pets allowed

Burnt Rock: ​

This trail is ideal for taking some time away to listen to the sounds of water running through the forest and breathing in that mountain air. Be sure to wear your waterproof boots for this hike; the trail that winds up Burnt Rock Mountain crosses four streams and is typically muddy along most of the route. Down can be more difficult than up due to the wet granite and steep descents. The demanding nature of this hike means you’re more likely to have the trail to yourself. If you’re looking for a little solitude, this might be the one for you. Trail type: Out and back Trail length: 4.9 miles Elevation gain: 2,132 feet Pet-friendliness: Pets allowed

Challenge:

Camel’s Hump via Forest City Trail: ​

Feeling like it’s time to leave the comfort zone behind? Get ready to tuck the third highest peak in Vermont under your belt. There are a few different approaches to the summit, but we recommend heading out from the Burrows Trailhead on the Forest City Trail before transitioning to the Burrows Trail. On cloudless days, not only will you enjoy vistas of Mount Mansfield and Mount Washington, but you’ll be able to see clearly over the Canadian border. Trail type: Out to a loop and back Pet-friendliness: Leashed pets allowed

Mount Mansfield via Hellbrook Trail:

​Don’t let the short length of this trail fool you—this technically difficult route will have you out of breath in no time. Make sure your hands are free, as this hike may sometimes be more vertical than horizontal. Reaching the highest point in the state is no small thing, but the views won’t be easy to forget. Rugged, rocky, and sometimes near-vertical, the trip to “The Chin” is recommended for those who enjoy the hardest parts of the trail as much as the vantage point at the end. Trail type: Loop Trail length: 3.7 miles Elevation gain: 2,683 feet Pet-friendliness: No pets allowed From the gentle slopes of Mount Philo to the demanding climb up to The Chin, there is a nearby trail for every experience level. Be sure to keep a record of your adventures on a Have You Hiked It Checklist, available at Footsloggers, to secure a copy of our limited edition hiking journal.