Dorset, Vermont

Of the 10 trails at The Merck, The Wildlife Trail is a great hike through the forest that offers you the best way to see wildlife, streams and tracks. You can do the whole hike as a loop in about 2-2 1/2 hours or shorten it up with some shortcuts if you just want a quick hike. Great for family ...

The Lye Brook Falls Trail is a 4.7 mile hike through scenic trails just outside of Manchester Center, Vermont. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to go is during spring blooms or to see the fall colors. This hike is family friendly and fun for all ages. Dogs are allowed on this trail...

Looking for the best view in all of Poultney, Vermont? Look no further than Lake St. Catherine Mountain. Located within Deane's Nature Preserve, this fast and easy hike tops as one of the best views and camping spots for the little time and energy needed to reach the summit. Only 30-45 minutes fr...

This 1.6 mile round trip hike starts from the Ice Beds parking lot in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont.  The trailhead is close to the parking lot entrance, following the blue-blazed trail.  Be sure to read the signs, as the far trailhead is a hike to the cliffs, not the ice beds. Af...

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids.  Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in...

The hike to Hamilton Falls is an enjoyable 6.8 miles roundtrip voyage through gorgeous forest scenery alongside a babbling brook. Be sure to visit the upper and lower falls! This trail is kid and dog friendly, so why not bring both?! If you are visiting the falls in the summer, bring a towel and ...

The Mile-Around Woods in Bennington, Vermont, offers a moderate hiking trail that spans approximately 1.33 miles. The trail is circular, providing a continuous path through the woods. The terrain is varied, with some flat sections and others that are slightly hilly, making it suitable for interme...

A great loop for the summer, Woodford is also amazing when winter winter comes to the State Park. It also comes earlier than just about anywhere else in Southern Vermont. At 2,400 feet above sea level, this is an easy spot to find winter without spending a fortune at the local ski resorts. Woodfo...

The trail head (Bucklin Trail) is found a couple of miles up Wheelerville Road on the left. Wheerlerville is a dirt road that will be muddy in the spring and summer. The drive is long enough that you will think you did something wrong, but you haven't! the trail head will eventually pop up.The tr...

Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park is a unique collection of hiking trails and walking paths that meander more than 204 acres of fields, forests, gorges, cliffs, and gardens. The best way to explore these enchanting trails is to pack a picnic and lace up your hiking boots for a full-day ramble. ...

There are a few options for this mountain. The route described is the easiest approach and therefore the nicest for a sunset hike. Starting at the trailhead on Shelving Rock Road the sign will read 2.5 miles to the summit. The trail is easy to follow and marked with blue discs. Gentle grade for ...

Parking is available at the end of Dacy Clearing Rd. There are great primitive campsites throughout the area. In winter and mud season you will have to park at the start of Dacy Clearing Rd which adds 1.6 miles each way. From the parking clearing, turn right passing through a gate. Soon you r...

Tucked along Route 9 in Wilmington, Vermont, Molly Stark State Park is home to one of the most satisfying short hikes in the southern Green Mountains: the climb to the Mount Olga fire tower. At just 1.8 miles as a loop, it punches well above its weight — rewarding hikers with a genuine fire tow...

Harriman Reservoir — also known as Whitingham Lake — is one of Vermont's largest bodies of water, stretching over 2,000 acres through the hills of Wilmington and Whitingham in the southern Green Mountains. Ward's Cove is one of the reservoir's quieter access points, offering a sheltered launch ...

Black Mountain is located on the Eastern side of Lake George and is the tallest mountain above Lake George. The trailhead is located on Pike Brook Road (off from Hulett's Rd, Route 6) in Clemons, NY. The parking area is about one mile up Pike Brook Road, on the right. This hike to Black Mountain...

The hike to beautiful Shelving Rock Falls is only a half mile and well worth the side trip if visiting the east side of Lake George.  Shelving Rock Road, the road to the parking area, is long, winding, and unpaved, but maintained pretty well and passable in a sedan. You'll want to take the road ...