For most of us, it takes some warming up before we can hike the 273-mile Long Trail end to end, so these shorter trails will get your blood pumping. OK, we might never hike the Long Trail end to end, but these 11 short and easy hikes in Vermont are all under three miles, have great views, and will get those muscles ready for some longer treks this year. Hey, we all have to start somewhere!
1. Mt. Olga, Wilmington
This roughly two mile hike is great in all seasons. You'll love hiking in Vermont with this loop hike with amazing views from the fire tower. For more info about the trail, check out the Alltrails webpage about the Mount Olga via Tower Trail.
2. Putney Mountain, Putney
This ridge line walk to a grassy summit is pretty easy, and it's paradise for birdwatching. Check out Putney Mountain on AllTrails for more details about the hike.
3. Mount Hor, Sutton
While it looks impossible, you can do this three mile trail in about one and a half hours.
4. Mount Tom, Woodstock
The short and easy Mount Tom Trail is a hike through the forest that is loaded with history and is one of those family-friendly hikes in Vermont that everyone will find enjoyable.
5. Gile Mountain, Norwich
This easy Gile Mountain Trail is one and a half miles and the views from the fire-tower are out of this world.
6. Robert Frost Trail, Ripton
This flat, one mile Robert Frost Trail has his poetry displayed along the route.
7. Owl's Head Trail, Groton
A short but steep hike to this lookout is worth the tired muscles. This is particularly stunning in the fall! To learn more, head over to Owl's Head Trail on AllTrails.
8. Eagle Mountain, Milton
This two-mile hike to Eagle Mountain will bring you to the highest point on Vermont's shore of Lake Champlain.
9. Moss Glen Falls, Stowe
This moderately short trail to Moss Glen Falls will bring you to a gorgeous waterfall giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
10. Stowe Pinnacle, Stowe
Although Stowe Pinnacle Trail is roughly three miles (3.7 to be exact) hike, it can be relatively strenuous. If you make it to the top, you'll see that it's clearly worth it.
11. Prospect Rock, Johnson
The rocky outcrop at Prospect Rock has some great views. The 2.0 mile isn't exactly easy the whole way, but doable even for kids. Check out our guide of Prospect Rock so you know what to expect.
Have you hiked any of these easy short hikes in Vermont? Which other hikes would you add to this list? Let us know below in the comments section.
And if you're up for going a little longer, check out these 18 hikes under 5 miles that everyone should take. No matter the length of the hike, make sure you use AllTrails+ before you head out, so you know what to expect and look for when you hit the trail!
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