Best Trails in Vermont

Was actually a little harder than we expected, but it was a good workout. A little muddy if it has rained. Wear shoes with good tread, especially if it has rained. View from the top is good. A good hike.

Awesome hike but it is tough. I brought my three kids and they hated me for a little while afterwards. See my full write up. eastcoasthiker.com/trails/equinoxmountain

Really fun trail but goes up and down and very steep and rocky in some areas. Plenty of parking. Barely any mud!

My 6 and 4 year olds kids and I love this hike! It's challenging, but not too hard, with a great lake at the top!

Delivers as advertised/reviewed: a well marked and maintained wooded trail with excellent views from the rocky outcropping on the Deer Leap spur. I agree that this is more moderate than hard. The elevation gain on the AT is fairly modest. Deer Leap gets steeper but no more than you expect when you approach a summit, maybe less. If there’s any scrambling at all it’s on the Deer Leap trail west of the spur, the return portion of the loop if you’re looping clockwise. If you consult the elevation graph that accompanies the All Trails map, you will see that the highest point on the hike, the graphic peak, is on this portion, not at the overlook on the spur. I hadn’t read that graph and so, traveling clockwise around the loop, was surprised by the climb that followed my break at the overlook. There’s no such view at the actual top, but there awaits the satisfaction of achieving the full elevation gain. I’m 50 and in so-so shape, and, hiking alone and at a cautious pace, I walked this route in 4 hours. Assuming the same conditions — beautiful weather, a fairly dry trail — you could do it in 3 if you mean to.

great trail. plan on a long day and enjoy

I love this trail! Mossy, scenic, and tranquil at times and challenging at others. patches of moderate hiking mixed with short, steep, rocky climbs. a varied and beautiful alternative to the monroe trail.

A short but steep hike, crosses a small waterfall & an all around beautiful trail. the top is a fun scramble. can’t spend too long at the summit, it’s black fly territory. a fun challenge for those days when you’re feeling the push.

awesome hike. obviously a lot of uphill to see the lookout. the quarry alone was worth the trip. once the trail leasing to the lookout gets a little more action it'll be a little better. more of a deer path right now. but it's nice to see not so much human activity. that's the point of hiking I like anyway. the last stretch to the outlook is a little sketchy due to practically climbing steep "trail". I wouldn't say it's kid or pet friendly at that point. but well worth it if you're adventurous.

The views from the Chin are spectacular, but the cliff trail is no joke! It was hard at best and in spots a very steep climb. It was rewarding to complete though and, again, the summit is beautiful!!

We did this trail with our two dogs and our baby in the backpack. The first part of the hike was definitely no joke. There are two spots where you need to rock hop across, which with help was fine, but would have been very precarious with the baby on my back without the help. There are also quite a few nice spots the dogs could take a break in the stream. Were we to go again, we'd leave our senior pup home, the first half of the trail was definitely tough.

Steep the whole way fun up but rough coming down!

Awesome hike!

This was a fun trail. There were streams, a majestic looking forest in the lower section, a toilet near the shelter area (midway-ish), big rocky sections, and beautiful panoramic views from the summit. The caretaker is doing an outstanding job at maintaining this trail. I'm used to picking up trash along hikes, but I did not come across one piece of trash!!! It's rated as hard, but I would rate it as moderate. There are steep sections, and a rock scramble near the summit, but nothing too difficult for able bodies. I saw a family with kids (probably around 4 or 5 years old), there were a few babies in baby carriers, and lots of dogs. If it's wet, take caution as the rocks are slippery. Going down I gained a bit too much momentum, slipped and fell. Overall a great hike, my favorite of the three I've done while visiting from California. The other two were a hike to Sterling Pond near Stowe (cute town!) and a trail run to Owlshead in Groton (Groton Lake is beautiful and a nice swim after a run).

Steep trail with lots of stairs and rocks. Only 2.4 miles and totally worth the view at the pond. Great for kids and dogs. Was wet today but it just rained last night. Would definitely do it again.

great place for a quick hike with a dog!

Fun hike, and a good one for non-experienced hikers, but still makes for a good exercise at the steeper parts. The GPS coordinates from the All Trails app were accurate getting to the trail head.

Great hike. Beautiful view of the lake, but could use trail markers and a trail map at the beginning.

Great hike!

My kids and I had a blast. Weather was beautiful and perfect for the hike.

It's a short hike, but very steep. There was only a trickle of water today but it was still enjoyable. Only a few bugs for a short while. Lots of people today, parking lot was full.

Super easy trail with great views. I brought my 3 year old here and he did great. Enjoyable easy walk and the history of the trail was pretty cool too. North Bennington is a treasure.

Really cool hike with some spectacular views!

Great hike with amazing views! Love the trail as well as the more technical parts of the trail and the rock on top!