Waitsfield VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Waitsfield, Vermont.
1. Wu Ledges Town Forest
SCENIC VIEWS AND CLIFFS
Wu Ledges Town Forest is a 145-acre forest owned by the Town of Waitsfield featuring extensive woodlands, diverse habitats, and beautiful cliffs. The trail network is rated as moderate difficulty with approximately 1.6 miles of trails leading to outstanding views of the Mad River, Mill Brook, and the Green Mountains. Its signature feature is a large outcrop with cliffs that provide spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.
2. Mill Brook Path
HEMLOCK FOREST TRAIL
Mill Brook Path takes hikers through a beautiful hemlock forest and deer yard in the Mad River Valley. The trail is relatively short but features moderately steep hills making it more vigorous than its length suggests, with narrow paths and a series of wooden footbridges crossing rocky terrain. Hikers will enjoy the pretty woodland setting as they navigate this rolling trail maintained by the Mad River Path Association.
3. Warren Falls
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
Warren Falls is one of the top outdoor destinations near Waitsfield, offering stunning cascading waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The trail to reach the falls is a short, relatively easy hike suitable for most skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear water, cliff jumping spots, and beautiful rock formations carved by the Mad River.
4. Camel's Hump via Monroe Trail
ICONIC SUMMIT HIKE
Camel's Hump via Monroe Trail offers hikers a challenging route to one of Vermont's most recognizable peaks. The trail climbs steadily through northern hardwood forests before emerging above treeline to panoramic views of the Adirondacks, White Mountains, and Lake Champlain. This strenuous hike rewards adventurers with a distinctive alpine summit experience on Vermont's third-highest mountain.
5. Camel's Hump via Burrows Trail
SHORTEST SUMMIT ROUTE
Camel's Hump via the Burrows Trail provides the most direct route to the iconic summit of one of Vermont's most beloved mountains. This moderately difficult trail gains elevation steadily through beautiful forest before opening up to spectacular 360-degree views from the distinctive hump-shaped peak. At 4.8 miles round trip, it's the shortest primary route to the summit, making it popular with hikers looking for an efficient but challenging mountain experience.
6. Lincoln Gap via Long Trail
FOREST AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Lincoln Gap via Long Trail is a 3.2-mile one-way hike in Green Mountain National Forest near Waitsfield. The trail follows a section of Vermont's famous Long Trail, offering beautiful forest hiking and occasional mountain views. Hikers will experience a moderate challenge with some elevation gain as they traverse this historic trail that runs the length of Vermont.
7. North Fayston Walk
PEACEFUL VALLEY STROLL
North Fayston Walk provides visitors with a peaceful strolling path through the beautiful Mad River Valley. The trail offers easy grades through mixed hardwood forests with gentle terrain suitable for most hiking abilities. Walkers can enjoy the serene Vermont countryside and pastoral views that characterize this quiet corner of the Green Mountains.
8. Vista Trail
REWARDING VALLEY VIEWS
Vista Trail in Waitsfield features challenging steep sections that lead to spectacular views of the Mad River Valley. The trail begins with easy grades through beautiful mixed hardwood forest before increasing in difficulty as it climbs to its viewpoint. With approximately 420 feet of elevation gain over a 2-mile out-and-back route, the rewarding panorama at the vista point makes the effort well worth it for hikers.
9. Mad River Greenway
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PATH
Mad River Greenway is a scenic path that follows along the banks of the Mad River through Waitsfield. This easy, accessible trail is perfect for walking, running, or a casual stroll with beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscape. Maintained by the Mad River Path Association, this trail connects various sections of the community while providing peaceful riverside recreation.
10. Mount Ellen Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN TREK
Mount Ellen Trail offers hikers a challenging route to the summit of one of the Green Mountains' 4,000-footers near the Mad River Valley. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest before reaching expansive views from the 4,083-foot summit that houses Sugarbush Resort's ski operations in winter. Summer hikers can enjoy wildflowers, potential wildlife sightings, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including nearby Lincoln Peak.