Trailspotting

Gap Mountain, Troy NH

2026-09-20T11:12:41.857-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 670 to 810 feet
• Troy, NH | Monadnock Region
.

Mount Monadnock views from North Mountain.

Gap Mountain gives hikers two choices to reach the top, with routes approaching from both the north and the south. The two trails are nearly identical in length and elevation gain, and both offer a fantastic experience. We suggest choosing whichever trailhead is closest to you. On either path you can expect a mostly shaded woodland walk, capped off with a few short, rocky sections near the top.

North Mountain is the highlight of the hike. Its rounded summit features open views in all directions and plenty of room to wander around. Wild blueberry bushes blanket the top, and if you happen to visit in July or August they should be loaded with fruit. Bring a container to collect a harvest or just bring your appetite.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ North Trail to North Mountain 2.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 680 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ South Trail to North Mountain 2.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 670 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 3★ South Mountain Spur + 0.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 130 ft

$ Donation requested

The best view on the mountain is probably the view of nearby Mount Monadnock. You will find this viewpoint a tenth of a mile north of the North Mountain summit, taking only a short stroll to reach. Monadnock fills the horizon beautifully, making this the perfect spot for a quick snack and a photo.

South Mountain offers a different kind of summit. It's covered in trees and provides little in the way of scenic views, but it does mark the highest true point of Gap Mountain. Reaching the peak requires an extra half mile out and back along a spur trail marked on our map. Peakbaggers will want to make the detour, but everyone else can skip it without guilt.

Thankful for boardwalks along North Trail sections.

Just below the summit and a short distance off the south trail sit the abandoned, rusted remains of an old rope tow. It served a private ski hill for the landowner back in the mid twentieth century. A local trail expert pointed this hidden piece of history out to us, and we have marked it on our map and in our GPX download. On the map it can be made visible by using the Expand Map function.

Both trailheads feature moderate sized parking lots with portable toilets available. The trails and facilities are maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Donations to support their work are always appreciated and can be placed into the iron ranger boxes located at both trailheads.

Looking North. Panoramic views from North Mountain.

Looking towards the tree-covered South Gap Mountain.

Trail bridge on the South Trail.

Abandoned and rusted ski-tow mechanism close to South trail.

External links:
Gap Mountain at Forest Society

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mount Monadnock (4-8 mi)
4★ Miller State Park (3-8 mi)
4★ Cheshire Rail Trail South (20 mi)
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Mount Paugus, Albany NH

2026-09-18T10:37:13.361-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 7 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 2,200 to 2,700 feet
• Albany, NH | White Mountains
. 52WAV
Paugus South Peak views of Passaconaway & Whiteface.

Mount Paugus sits quietly in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Mount Chocorua, and tends to get overlooked by hikers heading for bigger names in the Sandwich Range. That's a shame, because this loop turns out to be one of the most enjoyable hikes you can experience in the area.

We chose a looping trail that begins on the side of Route 113A and combines Big Rock Cave Trail, Old Paugus Trail and a section of Lawrence Trail before returning down Cabin Trail. Starting out counterclockwise on Big Rock Cave Trail the going is surprisingly easy. The lower elevations are gentle and largely free of rocks - more of a pleasant forest stroll than a mountain climb. Before things get more serious, make a point of stopping at Big Rock Cave. It's formed from massive mansion-sized granite monoliths that tumbled down the mountainside long ago and formed a human-sized talus cave beneath.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Cabin Trail & Big Rock Cave Loop 7.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,700 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ Kelley Trail & Old Mast Rd Loop [Y] 8.1 mi loop, gain 2,480 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Bolles & Bee Line Loop [Y] 6.8 mi loop, gain 2,200 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking Y Yet to review

The trail stays mellow for a good while longer before the terrain finally steepens and turns rocky. Along the way you'll pass a rocky slide up a gully full of fallen trees that looks more intimidating than it actually is, partly because halfway up the trail takes a sharp right and thankfully detours away. An occasional moderately steep granite cap and a couple of modest scrambles remain to be tackled before you close in on the summit, but nothing to elevate this trail into a 'hard' category.

Mount Paugus' wide, domed South Peak is ringed with trees and offers only partial views, but walk just a short way to the south down its granite face, and unobstructed views reveal themselves. Perhaps the most impressive views are westward toward the pointed Mt Passaconaway. Distant views south also reveal the Belknap Mountains and rolling hills in between.

Counterclockwise up Big Rock Cave Trail first.

Worth noting is that Mount Paugus' actual summit isn't connected to any maintained trail. Some hikers like to bushwhack over for the bragging rights, but we opted to stay on trail this time around. We've marked the true summit on our map in case you're curious, and most people who do visit it approach from the west side of South Peak, where the trail passes closest.

Though a counterclockwise route of the Big Rock Cave and Cabin Trail loop is preferred to tackle the steeper climbs on the way up, coming back down the Lawrence Trail section does require some care. Loose, fine glacial till makes footfalls on the steepest trail angles a little uncertain. Once you're back on the Cabin Trail portion, things settle down again into an easy, uneventful walk back toward the trailhead.

We haven't yet hiked the Kelley Trail or Bolles Trail routes up Mount Paugus, but thanks to OpenStreetMap we're able to show both on our map and provide GPX downloads. Descriptions we've made above about the approaches to Mount Paugus' summit apply to both of these overlapping routes.

Investigating the Big Rock cave.

A pre-summit viewpoint on the Old Paugus Trail.

Better Whiteface & Passaconaway views just below the summit.

Distand southern views towards NH's Lake Region.

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mt Chocorua (7-10 mi)
4★ Mts Whiteface & Passaconaway (9-11 mi)
4★ Mt Israel (4 mi)
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Mount Peg, Woodstock VT

2026-09-17T12:56:14.730-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 1 mile part-loop
• Easy | Gain 340 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Southern Region
.

Mount Peg has the best view of Woodstock's hills.

Mount Peg sits right on the edge of Woodstock village, making it one of the easiest hikes in the area to walk to and knock out on a whim. The trail is mostly easygoing, winding through quiet woodland on dirt paths before finally breaking out of the trees into a sweeping summit meadow. Here, a panoramic vista opens up across the rolling hills surrounding Woodstock, highlighted by a striking view of Killington Peak to the northwest in the distance. It is a relaxed, grassy spot that offers a much more expansive and satisfying sense of space than the view at the end of the more popular nearby Faulkner's Trail.

Once you are done soaking in the scenery, you will find a picnic table and a couple of benches around a small fire pit, making it a comfortable place to sit and take a break before heading back down.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Mount Peg 1.4 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 340 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

This open, view-filled meadow is not technically the true summit of Mount Peg. The actual high point is a short distance away, tucked in the trees and unmarked. If you feel so compelled, you can reach it by following the road just west of the meadow for a bit. We have marked its location on our map for anyone who wants to tag the actual summit rather than just the viewpoint.

Mount Peg is a multi-use area, and hikers share the mountain with mountain bikers and, in winter, cross-country skiers. There is history behind that mix of uses, too. Long before it became a network of hiking and biking trails, part of the mountain was used as a golf course—despite the hilly terrain that seems like an odd fit for the sport. These days, the trails covered in this article are signposted as off-limits to bikes, so you should not have to worry about sharing the path with anyone on two wheels here, even though biking is common elsewhere on the mountain.

Three or four parking spots are available on the corner of Golf Avenue and Billings Place, and the trail begins a short distance up Billings Place. As this is a quiet residential area, please be extra considerate of local residents and do not obstruct driveways or roads.

Mostly in woodland, the trail offers lots of shade.

Sunlight on the trail, approaching the summit.

Green Mountain views. Killington on the right.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Faulkner's Trail to Mount Tom (3 mi)
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Marsh Billings Rockefeller NP, Woodstock VT

2026-09-17T10:09:37.564-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 650 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Central East Region
.

Enjoy the rolling Vermont scenery from Mt Tom's South Peak.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park sits just outside downtown Woodstock, Vermont. The park honors three visionaries connected to the land. George Perkins Marsh grew up here and later warned against the dangers of deforestation. Frederick Billings purchased the farm and put the ideas of Marsh into action by reforesting the hillsides. Laurance and Mary French Rockefeller eventually owned the estate and donated it to the National Park Service. Today, it remains the only national park unit dedicated to the history of American conservation.

This loop offers a fantastic snapshot of the park. It winds through quiet woodlands and open meadows, passes The Pogue as a serene pond tucked into the hillside, and climbs to the South Peak of Mount Tom. From the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping views over the rooftops of Woodstock and the surrounding hills.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Loop 4.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 650 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Most of the route follows wide, historic carriage roads built for the estate during its working farm era. They feature gentle grades and smooth surfaces, making them comfortable for most walkers, and heavy tree cover provides pleasant shade even on bright days. The only technical exception is the closing stretch, where the loop descends from Mount Tom via the Precipice Trail. This narrow, rockier section can get slippery in wet weather, though rebar posts and cable railings have been installed to assist hikers on steeper spots. If you prefer to avoid this challenge, you can simply double back the way you came from the South Peak. More trails are also available for those wanting to explore narrower trails off the carriage roads.

Mount Tom actually features two summits. The South Peak offers the best views, while the true North Peak sits a bit further along. The North Peak provides very little view, but it is a quick addition via the Billings Trail, which can be a bit overgrown in places, for hikers who like to bag summits.

Begin with a gentle walk up the wide Carriage Path.

The trailhead begins at the large shared parking lot for the National Park and the Billings Farm and Museum, just off Route 12. Exploring the park hiking trails is completely free. You can also easily combine your hike with a tour of the historic Billings mansion, which requires an entry fee or a valid national park pass, or a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum, which has its own separate admission fee.

For a different way up Mount Tom, the Faulkner Trail starts directly in the village of Woodstock and switchbacks up the hillside over about three miles. You can find that route covered in a separate review linked in the Trailspotting Nearby section below.

Great views all along the Pogue Lakeside Trail.

A dragonfly rests on grass by The Pogue.

A rare black bear sighting across the Maple Lot Meadow.

Mount Tom's South Peak Star illuminates at night across Woodstock.

Trail view of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller mansion.

External links:
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
Billings Farm & Museum website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Faulkner Trail to Mt Tom (3 mi)
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Faulkner Trail, Woodstock VT

2026-09-10T12:06:56.306-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 490 to 520 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Central East Region
.

The star on Mount Tom marks the trail's end.

The Faulkner Trail begins at the edge of Faulkner Park, just off Mountain Avenue in the picturesque town of Woodstock, Vermont. Roadside parking is available nearby, and the path officially starts at an informational kiosk toward the back of the park's mowed lawn.

The route is named for Marianne Faulkner, who created it in the 1930s as a memorial to her late husband, Edward Daniels Faulkner. Having experienced the gentle walking paths designed for cardiac health in the German spa town of Baden-Baden, she modeled these switchbacks on European designs to build a restorative nature trail for the entire community.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Faulkner-Precipice Loop 2.6 mi loop, moderate, gain 520 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Faulkner Out and Back 2.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 490 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

From the park, the path climbs the hillside through a series of broad, well-graded switchbacks. The gradient remains easy to moderate as it winds through the woods without ever feeling strenuous. Near the summit, the gentle grade gives way to a shorter, rockier stretch where steel posts and hand cables line the path to assist with foot balance on the uneven terrain.

At Mount Tom’s South Peak, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of downtown Woodstock, the surrounding hills, and the Ottauquechee River Valley. The peak is also home to the Woodstock Star, mounted on a frame facing the valley. Originally erected in the 1940s to welcome local troops returning from World War II, the star remains an iconic fixture today. In 2024, the Woodstock Rotary Club led an effort to replace its aging wooden frame with a sturdier metal structure, ensuring the star continues to glow over the village every evening.

Hillside switchback hiking through shaded forest.

Hikers have two primary ways to approach the trek. The simplest route is an out-and-back hike following the Faulkner Trail switchbacks both up and down for a predictable, gentle journey. Alternatively, hikers seeking more variety can turn the trek into a loop by descending via the Precipice Trail and Link Trails before rejoining the lower Faulkner switchbacks. The Precipice Trail is steeper and rockier than Faulkner, making it a little slippery when wet. From there, the Link Trails offer a rougher, backcountry feel with far less foot traffic.

Faulkner Trail is part of a larger network in the area. To the north, it connects into the trails of Billings Park and the Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, offering plenty of options for hikers who want to extend their day beyond Mount Tom's South Peak. Check out our 'Trailspotting Nearby' links for more information.

Faulkner Trail viewpoint close to the top of the trail.

Enjoy the rolling Vermont scenery from Mt Tom's South Peak.

External links:
Hiking Trails at National Park Service website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Okemo Fire Tower, Ludlow Mt VT

2026-09-09T15:04:48.477-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 6 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,940 feet
• Mount Holly, VT | Southern Region
.

Uninterrupted panoramic views from Okemo Fire Tower.

Perched high atop Ludlow Mountain (widely known as Okemo Mountain), the historic Okemo Fire Tower offers one of the most rewarding views in Vermont. Originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this impressive steel tower actively guarded the surrounding woodlands until around 1970. Today, the fully restored structure is open to hikers, where climbing to the unlocked cab delivers breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the Green Mountains.

The journey begins off Route 103 near Station Road and the active railroad tracks, where a recently expanded overflow lot doubles the parking capacity. As the peak’s only dedicated footpath, the Healdville Trail provides a peaceful ascent, operating entirely separate from the eastern slopes' bustling patchwork of ski runs and chairlifts.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Healdville Trail 6.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,940 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Marked with clear blue blazes, the Healdville Trail ascends the northern flank at a steady, enjoyable grade free of steep pitches or rough scrambles. While grand vistas are saved for the grand finale at the summit, the route delights along the way with exceptionally lush, serene forest scenery.

For those seeking a gentler approach, Mountain Road provides free vehicle access during the summer months, leaving just a short, easy stroll to reach the summit and experience the incredible tower views.

Verdant Healdville Trail stays moderate throughout.

A small waterfall on Healdville Trail.

Okemo Fire Tower atop Ludlow's Summit.

Climb another 60 feet into the fire tower cabin.

Beyond the tower for views down Okemo's South Face Lift.

Trailside shelf fungi along the route.

External links:
Okemo Fire Tower at National Historic Lookout Register

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ White Rocks Cliffs & Ice Beds (2-5 mi)
5★ Killington Peak (4-8 mi)
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Haystack Mountain, Wilmington VT

2026-08-30T13:07:52.480-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,030 feet
• Wilmington, VT | Southern Region
.

Rewarded with summit views across Southern Vermont.

Wilmington, Vermont sits at the southern edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, with Haystack Mountain rising just beyond the edge of town. It's close enough to reach from a quiet residential street, yet far enough to offer a genuine ascent into the woods.

Parking near the trailhead is tight, with just a handful of roadside spots tucked into the quiet Chimney Hill neighborhood. Space fills fast, so play nice with the locals, keeping driveways clear and observing posted road signs.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Haystack Mountain Trail 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,030 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The trail begins on a wide gravel service road just past a vehicle gate. This section climbs gradually through a hardwood forest, with Binney Brook running alongside part of the way. After just over half a mile, turn left at the no-trespassing signs and leave the gravel road for a narrower foot trail. The no-trespassing signs mark the boundary of Wilmington’s municipal watershed and do not apply to hikers on the marked path.

From here, the trail continues across dirt, roots, and granite with some occasional mud possible. The trail steadily gains elevation through a series of switchbacks as it climbs the ridge toward the upper mountain. Near the top, pay close attention to the trail junction. Turn right onto the short spur trail to reach Haystack Mountain's summit. Blaze through the junction and miss the turning, and your next stop will be Mount Snow some 3.7 miles away to the north.

Some rocks, roots and mild gradient on this forgiving trail.

The summit rewards you with a small, rocky, wide-open perch facing east, and the payoff is immediate. Below spreads the Deerfield Valley, with Wilmington and Dover laid out beneath you, and on a clear day Mount Monadnock stands out sharply on the New Hampshire horizon. Look down and you'll spot Haystack Pond tucked just below the summit, while Mount Snow rises up to the north.

Don't turn around at the main summit, though. A short rock scramble just beyond the peak leads to a secondary viewpoint facing south over Harriman Reservoir and into Massachusetts. This spot offers a completely different perspective, pairing shimmering water below with long, sweeping views to the south.

Wide panoramic views looking east from the summit.

Harriman Reservoir from a second summit vantage.

Forest fungi flourish in this fern-filled forest.

Short and easy enough for a family adventure.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mt Olga Fire Tower (1-2 mi)
4★ Shelburne Fire Tower (3 mi)
4★ Mt Greylock (3-7 mi)
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Luce's Lookout, Woodstock VT

2026-08-30T12:52:23.407-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 580 feet
• Barnard, VT | Central East Region
.

Climbing the steps to the rooftop lookout view.

Luce’s Lookout is a rustic private cabin perched above the Appalachian Trail north of Woodstock, and within the boundaries of the town of Barnard. Although the cabin sits on private property outside the official Appalachian Trail corridor, the owners generously allow visitors and thru-hikers to enjoy the site. Maintaining 'Leave No Trace' principles by packing out all trash, keeping pets leashed, and respecting the structure ensures this spot remains open to the public.

The trailhead for this hike is located on a sharp bend near the end of unpaved Green Gate Road, where a few roadside parking spots are available. Please park responsibly without blocking local driveways or road access. ! Note that Google Maps incorrectly directs drivers up Lakota Road - a correction for which we've submitted. Both OpenStreetMap and Apple Maps provide accurate directions to the trailhead.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Luce's Lookout 2.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 580 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The hike begins on an eroded logging road that climbs steadily from the start. Shortly into the climb, the trail intersects the Appalachian Trail at a signed Y-junction. Bear right to follow the AT southbound. When in doubt, stay on the widest path, which consistently leads toward the lookout.

After joining the Appalachian Trail, the terrain levels out briefly before climbing again. At a sharp left turn, a signed spur trail branches off to the right. Follow this short spur directly to Luce’s Lookout.

The spur terminates at a small, rocky clearing where the weathered wooden cabin appears. A steep exterior wooden staircase ascends to a rooftop observation deck, offering expansive views across the Green Mountains. Please treat the cabin with care, leave no trace of your visit, and respect the privacy of the surrounding land so future hikers can continue to enjoy this unique landmark.

A section-hiker on the Appalachian Trail.

Unending rolling hills viewed from Luce's Lookout.

Shooting into the sun for another landscape vantage.

Exercise care on the steep steps.

House Rules at Luce's Lookout.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Faulkner Trail to Mt Tom (3 mi)
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Mount Greylock, Adams MA

2026-08-30T12:37:30.495-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 7 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 640 to 2,280 feet
• Adams, MA | Western Region
.

Drive or hike to the Veterans War Memorial Tower.

Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts, rising above the surrounding Berkshire hills. Hikers reaching the summit find sprawling lawns, views stretching into four neighboring states on clear days, and two historic landmarks: Bascom Lodge and the Veterans War Memorial Tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over the peak, connecting Greylock's summit to extensive trail networks running north toward North Adams and south toward Cheshire.

Several trails ascend the mountain from various trailheads, guiding hikers along rushing brooks, scenic ridgelines, and old ski routes. For those who prefer not to hike, a paved auto road offers motorists and cyclists access to the same summit and views from May through October.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Gould Trail 5.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,140 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop 6.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,280 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 3★ Overlook Loop 2.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 640 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Hopper Trail [Y] 4.7 mi out & back, gain 1,100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Cheshire Harbor Out and Back [Y] 6.5 mi out & back, gain 1,920 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Haley Farm Route [Y] 8.8 mi part-loop, gain 2,540 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking Y Yet to review

At the summit stands the Veterans War Memorial Tower, a 93-foot granite structure erected in 1932 to honor Massachusetts residents who served in World War I. Its beacon shines at night and is visible for miles across the region. Visitors can climb the internal spiral staircase to observation windows near the top, which look out over the surrounding valleys and hills.

Just below the tower is Bascom Lodge, a stone and timber building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s using materials harvested directly from the mountain's slopes. The lodge serves seasonal meals and offers overnight accommodations. The open lawns surrounding the lodge and tower give hikers a comfortable place to rest before starting back down.

⬤ 4★ Gould Trail 5.7 mi 2,140 ft
Gould Trail follows a rocky single-track path beside Peck's Brook as it climbs toward the summit. Of the routes on Greylock, this is the one we enjoyed most, largely for the thick forest ambience and the sound of the brook flowing nearby.

A gradual ascent on the Bellows Pipe Trail.

⬤ 4★ Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop 6.5 mi 2,280 ft
Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop ascends via the Gould Trail and returns along the Bellows Pipe Trail. Bellows Pipe is a long, winding route graded primarily for skiers descending toward the adjacent Thunderbolt ski trail, rather than for uphill hikers. Although a climb up Bellows Pipe is gradual and mostly featureless until it steepens near the top, using it for a low-impact descent and pairing it with Gould Trail creates a varied loop that avoids a repetitive out-and-back trek.

⬤ 3★ Overlook Loop 2.5 mi 640 ft
Overlook Loop winds across the upper western flanks of Mount Greylock. Despite its name, the trail offers only a single, partial viewpoint along the way. The section passing Rockwell Pond stands out as the main highlight. Named after a state official rather than the famous artist, the pond sits in a tranquil forest setting that seems tailor-made for a painting. For those driving the auto road, Rockwell Pond is also easily accessible via a short walk from a nearby parking pull-off.

Open seasonally, spiral stairs ascend to panoramic views.

Room for solitude when admiring summit views.

CCC-built lodge in the signature National Park Rustic style.

Don't miss the picturesque Rockwell Pond.

External links:
Mt Greylock State Reservation website
Bascom Lodge website
Mts Williams, Fitch & Greylock at AllTrails (12 mi 2,990 ft)
Mts Saddle Ball & Greylock at AllTrails (7.5 mi 1,740 ft)

Trailspotting nearby:
3★ Gobble Mountain (3 mi)
4★ Lenox Mt & Pleasant Valley (3 mi)
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Hancock Fire Tower, Brodie Mt MA

2026-08-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,100 feet
• New Ashford, MA | Western Region
.

The former Hancock Fire Tower on Mt Brodie.

Likely of interest only to tower completionists, the hike up Brodie Mountain caught our attention when we set out to map every Massachusetts fire lookout tower accessible by trail. The Hancock Fire Tower has kept watch over northwestern Massachusetts since 1923, though it recently fell out of service and now functions primarily as a frame for radio and microwave equipment.

The tower stands on East Mountain, which at 2,595 feet is curiously taller than the 2,152-foot summit of Brodie Mountain three miles to the north. Locating the unmarked trailhead is slightly unorthodox: it sits along a short farm track just off Williamstown Road. The linked driving directions lead directly to this intersection, where you can drive up the track to a wooded clearing.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 3★ Hancock Fire Tower 3.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Be aware that there are no signs marking the trailhead, the path, or the tower itself, and the trail crosses several private property parcels. While we encountered no signage in this area and suspect the route is primarily used for tower maintenance, public access is not officially designated. If you choose to attempt this hike, do so at your own risk, stay strictly on the trail, and respect private property. If you encounter 'No Trespassing' postings or are asked to leave, turn back immediately.

The hike ascends along a rough, gravel-covered service road beneath a shady forest canopy before merging with a power line corridor leading to the summit. As the trees thin along this straight-line stretch, you will enjoy clear eastward views toward Mount Greylock, particularly on the return journey.

At the summit of East Mountain, the former fire tower - with cabin still intact - is the first structure you encounter. Beyond it sits a tall green pole with the yellow lettering "Brodie Mt." partially obscured by radio hardware. Also, we were briefly startled by some unusual deep noises that we imagined to be those of a territorial bear, but turned out just to be from the slow rotation of the massive wind turbines that are strung along Brodie Mountain's peak. Tall tree growth at the summit unfortunately limits the chances for additional views and prominent signage restricted us from investigating for further viewpoints.

Begin on a service trail under woodland cover.

More mountain furniture atop Brodie Mountain.

Returning views towards Mount Greylock.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Greylock (3-7 mi)
4★ Lenox Mt & Fire Tower (3 mi)
3★ Savoy Fire Tower (0-1 mi)
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Mount Norwottuck, Amherst MA

2026-08-26T11:23:18.287-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 730 to 1040 feet
• Amherst & Granby, MA | Western Region
.

Views towards Long Mt, from Rattlesnake Knob.

Mount Norwottuck rises in Mount Holyoke Range State Park, nestled between the towns of Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts. Standing at 1,106 feet, it is the highest peak in the Holyoke Range. Hikers can choose between a direct out-and-back route to the summit or a loop that includes the Horse Caves. An optional out-and-back spur to Rattlesnake Knob adds variety and ends at another scenic viewpoint.

All trail options begin at the Notch Visitor Center, which offers ample free parking. The grounds feature a picnic area alongside a visitor building equipped with drinking water and clean, flushing restrooms.

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⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck 3.4 mi loop, moderate, gain 730 ft
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⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck & Rattlesnake Knob 5.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,040 ft
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⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck Out & Back 2.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 730 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

The 2.7-mile out-and-back trail to Mount Norwottuck's summit is moderately easy, featuring mostly dirt and gravel paths with wooden steps along the steepest section of its 730-foot elevation gain. Navigation can be tricky near the start due to sparse trail signage, so carrying a GPS map is recommended.

Taking the 3.4-mile loop counterclockwise (which also covers 730 feet of elevation gain) introduces rockier terrain beyond the summit, including a short rock scramble before reaching the Horse Caves.

Northward views from Mt Norwottuck's summit.

Despite their name, the Horse Caves are actually a series of overhanging rock ledges. They were formed as soft sedimentary rock eroded underneath the ridge's basalt cap, creating hollows deep enough to shelter a horse and rider. Local lore suggests Daniel Shays and his followers hid here during Shays' Rebellion in the winter of 1786–87, when western Massachusetts farmers protested high taxes and debt enforcement following the Revolutionary War. While historical evidence is limited, the name stuck. Descending from the summit to the caves requires some light scrambling.

Near the Horse Caves, an out-and-back spur to Rattlesnake Knob adds 1.8 miles and 310 feet of elevation gain to the loop. Continuing just past the knob's true summit leads to a lookout with views stretching toward Long Mountain at the eastern end of the Holyoke Range.

Scrambling down between boulders to Horse Caves.

Views of Amherst from Mt Norwottuck.

Leave behind the loud quarry noises near the trailhead.

External links:
Mount Holyoke Range State Park website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Long Mountain (2 mi)
4★ Mount Toby & Fire Tower (3 mi)
4★ Provin Mountain (3 mi)
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Long Mountain, Amherst MA

2026-08-23T14:40:43.952-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 2 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 590 feet
• Amherst & Granby, MA | Western Region
.

Mt Norwottuck from Long Mountain's viewpoint.

For a quick outing, consider a short hike on Long Mountain. Sitting inside Mount Holyoke Range State Park on the border of Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts, this 920-foot peak is the easternmost summit in the Holyoke Range. It offers a quieter alternative to the park’s busier trails, such as Mount Norwottuck or the Seven Sisters ridge to the west.

The trailhead begins at a small pull-off on Harris Mountain Road, right where the road crosses the Amherst-Granby town line. From the parking area, the route to Long Mountain follows a section of the white-blazed 235-mile New England Trail. This section of path is also shared with the orange-blazed Robert Frost Trail and the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

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⬤ 4★ Long Mountain 2.3 mi out & back, moderate, gain 590 ft
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P Free parking

The hike features a quick, fun climb through a mixed forest of oak, hickory, and maple. While overall trail conditions are moderate, hikers will encounter a few steep sections with occasional loose rock underfoot. This is particularly true where the path crosses exposed traprock. Traprock is a dark basaltic rock found throughout the Holyoke Range that naturally fractures into stair-like ledges. Built-in wooden steps help hikers navigate the steepest stretches of the trail.

The path continues to the summit of Long Mountain and leads to an overlook offering views of the surrounding landscape. From this lookout, the ridgeline rolls gently to the west, with the expanse of the Pioneer Valley spreading out below.

Long Mountain is part of the 47-mile Robert Frost Trail.

Mostly easy trail, but with occasional steep sections.

External Links:
Robert Frost Trail on Wikipedia

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Norwottuck (3-5 mi)
4★ Mount Sugarloaf (2-4 mi)
4★ Sunderland Caves (2 mi)
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Lenox Mt & Pleasant Valley, MA

2026-08-22T08:10:15.896-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 970 feet
• Lenox, MA | Western Region
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Pike's Pond reflecting Lenox Mountain.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary sits on the slopes of Lenox Mountain. While the sanctuary features roughly seven miles of trails, the loop to Lenox Mountain’s summit and fire tower is its most demanding hike and actually crosses outside the sanctuary's official boundaries near the top. For the best experience, hike the loop clockwise starting from Pike's Pond via the Trail of the Ledges.

Heading clockwise puts the steepest section on the uphill leg, making it easier and safer to navigate. The Trail of the Ledges climbs steadily through hardwood forest, gaining most of its elevation in the final stretch toward the summit. While the trail includes a couple of brief rock scrambles, it shouldn't present any major difficulties for reasonably fit hikers.

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⬤ 4★ Pleasant Valley to Lenox Mountain 2.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 930 ft
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$ Entry fee per person

As it nears the top, the trail leaves Mass Audubon land and crosses onto adjoining conservation property. Before reaching the true peak at 2,126 feet, open ledges along the path offer a broad preview of the views to come.

Lenox Mountain has hosted a fire lookout tower since 1915, known as Richmond Fire Tower. The current structure, built in 1970, was decommissioned for lookouts in 1998 and is now fenced off to support communications equipment. Although the tower itself is closed to climbers, an outstanding viewpoint lies just past the summit. Looking northwest, the vista stretches toward the Taconic Mountains along the New York border, with the town of Richmond and Richmond Pond sitting in the valley below.

Early morning at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

For the return trip, the Overbrook Trail offers a gentler descent, following a stream drainage down the mountain. It re-enters sanctuary land before connecting with the Bluebird Trail for the final stretch back to the trailhead.

If you prefer a shorter hike with less elevation gain, Pleasant Valley offers several gentler options around its lower-elevation ponds and meadows. Near the trailhead, Pike's Pond features a flat, accessible loop suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it an ideal spot to watch for beavers and other wildlife activity.

Accessible wooden boardwalk borders Pike's Pond.

A clockwise route is the easiest approach.

Former fire tower, now just a communications structure.

Lenox Mountain summit views of the Taconic Range.

External links:
Pleasant Valley at Mass Audubon website
Lenox Tower at Forest Fire Lookout Association website

Trailspotting nearby:
3★ Gobble Mountain (3 mi)
3★ Savoy Fire Tower (0-1 mi)
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Bancroft's Castle, Groton Fire Tower, MA

2026-08-20T09:17:06.766-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 1½ mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 180 feet
• Groton, MA | Northeast Region
.

Views of Bancroft's Castle tower through the trees.

Rising above the trees on Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts, a stone tower looks like the remains of a medieval fortress. It isn't. In 1906, Groton native General William Bancroft, a former mayor of Cambridge, began building a retirement estate on the hill. He named it Shawfieldmont and planned a grand mansion alongside a modest bungalow, but ran out of money before the larger house could be built.

The project was abandoned, but the bungalow remained and took on a second life. It was repurposed as a sanitarium in 1918 and later served as a social hall for the Groton Hunt Club through the 1930s. A Fourth of July firecracker accident in 1932 burned down much of the structure, leaving behind the stone framework that locals now call "Bancroft's Castle."

The trail begins at the large parking lot for the Gibbet Hill Grill, just outside Groton center, making this a welcome short hike after an indulgent meal at the restaurant. From the lot, the path crosses rolling fields, passes a tranquil pond, and enters a shaded stretch of woods parallel to Lowell Road as it ascends toward the castle.

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⬤ 4★ Bancroft Castle & Gibbet Hill Fire Tower 1.5 mi out & back, easy, gain 180 ft
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P Free parking

While some hikers attempt to shorten the trek by parking in roadside turnouts along Lowell Road closer to the hill, these spots are unofficial and vehicles are reportedly ticketed. Parking at the Gibbet Hill Grill remains the safer, hassle-free option for visitors.

The castle ruins sit about 0.4 miles from the trailhead, where visitors can explore the grounds and step inside parts of the remaining stone structure, including the base of the tower. Just beyond the castle, the trail climbs further uphill, opening to westerly views of sweeping pastureland and distant mountains. Satisfied with the vista, many hikers turn back here, often unaware that another landmark lies further along the path.

Continuing past the overlook leads visitors to the Groton Fire Tower, a 68-foot steel structure at the summit of Gibbet Hill that is still staffed during fire season. Because foot traffic thins out past the castle, it is easy to miss if you don't know it's there. During our visit, we were lucky enough to find the cabin occupied. After calling up to the lookout operator, we were invited up to chat and enjoy 360-degree views over northern Massachusetts, a far wider and higher vantage point than anything visible from the castle grounds below.

Hiking parallel to Lowell Road under woodland shade.

Exploring the dilapidated Bancroft Castle remains.

Rolling pastoral views from the meadows on Gibbet Hill.

Gibbet Hill Fire Tower is mostly hidden from view.

When occupied, the lookout may invite you up.

External links:
Bancroft's Castle at Wikipedia
Gibbet Hill Grill restaurant website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Nashua River Rail Trail (12 mi)
4★ Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (15 mi)
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White Rocks Cliffs & Ice Beds, VT

2026-08-17T16:06:58.554-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 530 to 1,780 feet
• Wallingford, VT | Southern Region
.

White Rocks Cliffs, best viewed from Ice Beds Trail.

The striking quartzite talus slopes of the White Rocks Cliffs are a signature landmark of southern Vermont, offering hikes to two distinct destinations. Climb to the cliff tops for sweeping distant views, or cool off at the curious ice beds at the base of the talus field, where deep crevices trap winter ice well into the warmer months, creating refreshing drafts and chilly boulders perfect for a cooling break.

We recommend starting at the large parking area in the free White Rocks Day Use Area, which serves as the trailhead for both destinations. If your primary goal is scaling the cliffs, consider hiking the Ice Beds Trail first, at least as far as the two viewpoints, to get a full appreciation for the mountain you're about to climb.

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⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail 3.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,250 ft
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⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Long Trail 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,410 ft
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⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail 1.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 530 ft
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P Free parking

⬤ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail
Preferred cliffs route, lots of parking.
From the trail sign for the Keewaydin Trail at the far end of the main parking lot, follow the path as it curves around the northeastern side of the cliff face. Early on, you'll spot the cascades of Bully Brook on your left. The path soon reaches a junction with the combined route of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Make a mental note of this junction for your return, then continue upward. The incline along this stretch remains moderate without any steep scrambles, which also makes the eventual descent easy on the knees.

At the top, you'll find a clearing in the forest littered with small stones. Here you'll leave the main trail and head west and downward toward the cliff overlook, following the blue blazes the whole way. The overlook spur descends slightly to a series of viewpoints along the cliff edge, offering wide views across the valley toward the Taconic Mountains, with the distant Adirondacks visible on clear days.

Trail gets rockier, but the ascent never gets steep.

⬤ Cliffs via Long Trail
Slightly longer route, limited parking.
This alternative route to reaches the same cliffs from a few roadside parking spots along State Route 140 where the Long Trail intersects with the road. Be sure to park entirely beyond the white line and check for posted restriction signs. From the roadside trailhead, head up the shared Long Trail and Appalachian Trail route towards the cliffs.

⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail
Unique spot, great viewpoints.
This trail also begins at the White Rocks Day Use Area. It can be tricky to follow in places, so watch closely for sporadic blue blazes on trees and rocks, and keep an offline digital map handy in case you get off course. The terrain features mostly continuous elevation changes with almost no flat stretches. Footing is often rocky, though a pine-needle carpet along parts of the trail provides some cushion.

Partial views reveal a precipitous drop.

We suggest all hikers at least visit the lookouts to appreciate the impressive view of the White Rocks Cliffs from below. From there, continuing on to the ice beds reveals a unique geological feature, where ice stays packed deep between the boulders well into summer, venting cold air and feeding a cold creek that trickles out of the talus field.

Scrambling onto the rock pile itself is optional and requires careful bouldering. Some hikers have even been known to clamber up the talus slopes to the cliffs above to complete a full circuit, but this an opportunity for only the most adventurous and isn't something weve tried.

Wide westerly view across Vermont's Green Mountains.

Alpine-like moss and gnarled trees above the White Rocks talus.

Ice Beds: creek-cooled rocks at the base of the talus field.

External links:
Keewaydin Trail to White Rocks Cliffs at US Forest Service
White Rocks Ice Beds at US Forest Service
White Rocks Mountain (2,683 ft) at Peakbagger

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Killington Peak (4-8 mi)
4★ Bromley Mountain (5-6 mi)
4★ Lye Brook Falls (4 mi)
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Mt Olga Fire Tower, Marlboro VT

2026-08-12T12:50:45.450-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 280 to 530 feet
• Marlboro, VT | Southern Region
.

Hanging out atop the Mount Olga Fire Tower.

The summit of Mount Olga is capped by a fire lookout tower with an open cabin for hikers year-round, offering expansive views of Mount Snow, the Deerfield Valley, and the Green Mountains on clear days. It's a short hike for a big reward, and we describe three different routes to reach it.

The Molly Stark State Park Loop is the classic approach and starts at a trailhead with bathrooms and picnic tables, though a state park fee applies. From the Hogback and Mt Olga Trailhead Parking on Molly Stark Trail Road, parking is free but there are no facilities on site. The presence of the Hogback Mountain Country Store and Vermont Distillers sitting just across the road might compensate however. Both Tower Trail routes begin here.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Molly Stark State Park Route 1.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 520 ft
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⬤ 4★ Tower Trail Out and Back 1.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 280 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ 4★ Tower Trail Loop 2.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 530 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

$ *State Park fee P **Free parking

⬤ Molly Stark State Park Route
Beginning across from the park office, this route crosses a trail bridge over a small brook and climbs gradually through forest on a series of switchbacks. The woods shift to spruce and fir near the top. A short spur off the main loop leads to the summit and fire lookout tower before the trail continues back down to the park.

⬤ Tower Trail Out and Back
The shortest route to the summit, climbing steadily from the Hogback trailhead through mixed forest. Watch for old ski lift equipment still standing in the woods, left over from a ski area that operated on the mountain until 1987.

Beginning the loop out of Molly Stark State Park.

⬤ Tower Trail Loop
Follows the same Tower Trail up from the Hogback trailhead, then completes a loop back down by a different route. Slightly longer and with a bit more elevation gain than the out-and-back, it passes the same ski lift ruins along the way.

Whichever trailhead you use, the routes converge at the base of the fire lookout tower. This is a steel structure originally built at Townsend State Forest and moved to the Mount Olga summit in 1955. An open-grille decked series of steps to the top aren't the best choice for anyone uneasy with heights, but the payoff at the top is likely worth the effort for all.

Looking up at the summit's lookout tower.

Open grille decking on the stairs to the cabin.

The cabin provides excellent Southern Vermont views.

Old ski lift structures on the Tower Trail.

External links:
Molly Stark State Park website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mt Haystack (4 mi)
4★ Mt Greylock (3-7 mi)
4★ Lye Brook Falls (4 mi)
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Island Line Trail, Burlington VT

2026-08-08T15:00:44.930-04:00

• 5-star trails
• 6 to 27 mile options
• Easy | Minimal gradient
• Burlington, VT | Northwest Region
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Cycling the causeway north of the city of Burlington.

The Rutland Railroad engineers who drove a line straight into Lake Champlain in 1899 were solving a freight problem, not planning a recreational trail. Built to shorten the route toward Canadian markets and bypass a competing line, the corridor never turned a reliable profit. Following a strike in 1953, passenger service was discontinued and the line was abandoned altogether in 1963. After sitting unused for decades, local advocates converted the historic right-of-way into the Island Line Rail Trail, linking downtown Burlington to the Champlain Islands.

While the full trail spans over 13 miles from Oakledge Park south of downtown Burlington to South Hero Island, this review focuses on its most remarkable stretch - the 3.2-mile northern section running from the free parking near Airport Park to the south dock of the seasonal bike ferry.

⬤ Asphalt ⬤ Hardpack ⬤ Road

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⏹ 5★ Island Line Causeway 3.2 mi each way, easy, minimal gradient
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⬤⬤⬤ Island Line Rail Trail 13.4 mi each way, easy, minimal gradient
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Expand map for more parking

On clear days, the causeway provides open, uninterrupted views in all directions. Looking east, Vermont's Green Mountains rise up, with Mount Mansfield — the state's highest peak — prominently visible on the horizon. To the west across Lake Champlain, the Adirondack skyline traces the New York shoreline. Because there is virtually no tree cover along this stretch, both mountain ranges remain visible for nearly the entire crossing.

The hardpack, crushed-stone surface is firm and manageable on most breeds of bicycle, though loose stone can gather in patches, particularly after severe storms. Minimal elevation gain makes for an easy ride, but once on the causeway proper, the trail is completely exposed, offering open water views and providing no shade for the remainder of the route.

The Causeway section begins in the shade.

Near South Hero Island, a 200-foot cut breaks the causeway to allow boat traffic to pass through Lake Champlain. During peak season, cyclists and pedestrians can ride the donation-funded bike ferry across the gap to complete the full route. The ferry crossing takes only a few minutes, operating daily through the summer and on weekends and holidays in the spring and fall. Even when the ferry is not running, the causeway is well worth the trip, as reaching South Hero Island beyond the gap is not necessary to experience the best section of the trail.

Three free parking areas sit close to the causeway, and the primary highlighted route begins at the closest lot. If that lot is full, head for Airport Park (directions), which offers a large parking lot, public restrooms, a playground, and picnic areas. Open our expanded map to see all free and paid parking options along the entire trail - complete with driving direction links - so you can choose the ideal starting point for your trip.

⚠ Trail Conditions: Hardpack surface from Airport Park and along the causeway. Minimal elevation gain.

Woodland recedes and lake and mountain views take over.

Looking east towards Mount Mansfield.

A remnant of the reason this trail exists.

Span this gap in the trail with the seasonal bike ferry.

Donation based ferry for pedestrians and cyclists.

External links:
Island Line Bike Ferry at LocalMotion.com
Island Line Rail Trail at TrailLink
Island Line Rail Trail at Wikipedia

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mount Mansfield (5-8 mi)
5★ Stowe Pinnacle (3 mi)
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Stowe Pinnacle, Stowe VT

2026-08-04T10:10:54.747-04:00

• 5-star hike
• 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 1,060 to 1,560 feet
• Stowe, VT | Northwest Region
.

Stunning views from the summit of Stowe Pinnacle.

Stowe Pinnacle tops out on open granite caps, with peaks and valleys of northwestern Vermont visible in nearly every direction. Mount Mansfield's ridgeline runs along one stretch of the horizon, and Camel's Hump rises above the Worcester Range along another. Below, the Lamoille Valley spreads out in a patchwork of farm fields and forest, with the town of Stowe at its center.

Stowe Pinnacle can be reached by either of two trails of similar length, starting from different trailheads. We're fans of the Pinnacle Meadow Trail for its variety of terrain and views: it opens into a meadow early on before returning to the woods, giving hikers a break from the tree cover part way up. The route known as the Pinnacle Trail, by contrast, remains under forest canopy throughout and has an additional 500 feet of elevation gain to reach the same summit.

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⬤ 5★ Stowe Pinnacle Meadow Trail 3.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1060 ft
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⬤ Stowe Pinnacle Trail [Y] 3.3 mi out & back, gain 1560 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking Y Yet to review

Both trails merge about a mile below the summit, and from that point the remaining climb is the same regardless of which trailhead you started from. This stretch includes a couple of short, steep, rocky sections where hikers work over and around boulders. Footwear with good traction is an advantage here, and it's worth taking even greater care when conditions are anything other than dry, since the rock can be slick even with a light rain or morning dew.

Near the top, a sign points toward a side path marked as a vista point. We found it to be mostly overgrown, with the view largely blocked by vegetation, so it's not much of a loss to skip it and continue straight to the spectacular summit instead.

The easier Meadow route offers more trail variety.

Short, steeper rocky sections on both routes.

Steps near the summit. | Resting dragonfly.

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mount Mansfield (5-8 mi)
5★ Island Line Trail (5-8 mi)

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Mount Mansfield, Stowe VT

2026-07-29T15:19:22.060-04:00

• 5-star hikes
• 5 to 8 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 2,550 to 2,930 feet
• Stowe & Underhill, VT | Northwest Region
.

South view from Mount Mansfield's ridgeline

Not to be outdone by New Hampshire, which lost theirs in a rockfall in 2003, imaginative Vermonters claim to have their own ‘Man In The Mountain’ in Mount Mansfield near Stowe, which is also the highest point in the entire state. When viewed from the east, Mount Mansfield’s summit ridgeline is said to form the outline of a reclining human face. Its named high points run north to south: the Forehead, Nose, Upper and Lower Lip, Chin, and Adam's Apple. The Chin, at 4,393 feet, is Mount Mansfield’s highest point.

Mansfield’s peaks stretch beyond the treeline, revealing granite ledges and alpine tundra that offer superb panoramas across Northwestern Vermont, and across Lake Champlain to the jagged, distant skyline of the Adirondack mountains.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Maple & Sunset Loop 7.6 mi loop, hard, gain 2,880 ft
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⬤ 5★ Sunset Ridge Out & Back 5.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,550 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

⬤ 5★ Ridgeline Route 2.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 740 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ Long Trail (East) Out & Back [Y] 5.3 mi out & back, gain 2,840 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions***

⬤ Long Trail (East) & Haselton Loop [Y] 6.1 mi loop, gain 2,930 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions***

$ *State Park fee $ **Toll road P ***Free parking Y Yet to review

Mount Mansfield can be approached either from the east, near the town and ski resort of Stowe, or from the west, beginning at Underhill State Park, which is the most popular option.

Beginning at Underhill State Park on the western flanks of Mount Mansfield, hikers are split on the route they choose to reach the summit. Though a direct out-and-back route on the Sunset Ridge Trail is very popular, the more adventurous hiker might want to try a counterclockwise route that includes an ascent on Maple Ridge.

Approaching the top of the exhilarating Maple Ridge Trail.

⬤ 5★ Maple & Sunset Loop 7.6 mi 2,880 ft
Most picturesque. Two hard moments.
We think the Maple Ridge route is the most varied and picturesque of the two routes up the western flanks, but apprehensive hikers may be concerned about two areas on the trail that make us categorize the route as 'hard'. The first is a 15-foot granite wall that takes a little effort to climb, but a slope to the wall and a well-positioned crack make it only mildly technical. Young children and people with mobility problems will definitely want to avoid this section, however.

The second hurdle on Maple Ridge is less of a problem – a four-foot gap between rocks that hikers need to jump across. There's no precipitous drop here, just a six-foot-deep pit between the rocks. We reckon this feature is no harder than many stream crossings that hikers frequently have to overcome.

The loop trail also provides a complete ridgeline walk of Mount Mansfield – from the Forehead to the Chin. Unfortunately, the Nose is adorned with communications masts and is off-limits to the public, but there are plenty of other great vantage points along the ridgeline.

Continue to the summit, the Chin, which marks the mountain’s highest point, before returning to the junction with Sunset Ridge Trail and heading back to the trailhead across more granite ledges and rocky terrain. Expect shade for the first two miles and the last mile-and-a-half of the route.

The Chin (4,393 ft) is the tallest Mt Mansfield peak.

⬤ 5★ Sunset Ridge O&B 5.4 mi 2,550 ft
Shortest route but still plenty to see.
Many hikers opt for this shorter out-and-back route from Underhill State Park to Mansfield’s summit, and they are well rewarded for it.

The trail remains rocky throughout, though after 1.3 miles of hiking the forest recedes and loose rock gives way to large granite slabs. Some slabs are slick with traffic and pitched at angles, so it's important to choose good footwear for this hike, preferably at a time that hasn't seen wet weather in a few days.

A brief spur trail to Cantilever Rock is worth a visit, to marvel at the granite shard that seems to hang precipitously off a cliff edge, ready to drop at any moment, but has likely been there for thousands of years.

Two hikers carefully descending Sunset Ridge Trail.

⬤ 5★ Ridgeline Route 2.5 mi 740 ft
Hike the summit from the toll road.
It’s gratifying to know that less vigorous hikers can also enjoy the heady heights of Vermont’s tallest peak, either by simply admiring the views at the end of the auto toll road or by tackling this out-and-back hike to the highest of Mount Mansfield’s features. The hike to the Chin is no cakewalk – expect plenty of rocks, uneven ground, and uphill sections as you work your way to the summit.

The auto toll road is accessible from the east side of the mountain, closest to the town of Stowe. For information about toll road fees, see the link at the foot of this article.

Short spur to Cantilever Rock on Sunset Ridge Trail.

Face in profile. Forehead to the left, Chin to the right.

External Links:
Underhill State Park website (West trails)
Stowe Resort Auto Toll Road
Sunset & Long Trail Loop (6.1 mi 2,670 ft) at AllTrails

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Stowe Pinnacle (3 mi)
5★ Island Line Trail (5-8 mi)

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Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls OR

2026-07-21T22:45:14.734-04:00

• 5-star hikes
• 1 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 200 to 1,260 feet
• Silverton, OR | Oregon
.

View from the trail behind the South Falls.

As Oregon’s largest state park, Silver Falls State Park is located about 25 miles east of Salem. At the heart of the park is Silver Creek Canyon, famous for its waterfalls and well-maintained trail system.

The canyon's basalt cliffs were shaped millions of years ago by massive lava flows that originated in eastern Oregon and swept all the way to the Pacific Coast. Looking closely at the rock faces reveals distinct layers of lava from separate volcanic events. Over millennia, softer sedimentary rock sandwiched between these hard basalt layers eroded away, creating deep overhangs. The park's trails take advantage of these natural alcoves, allowing hikers to pass directly behind several cascading waterfalls.

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⬤ 5★ Trail of Ten Falls 7.7 mi loop, moderate, gain 1260 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Trail of Ten Falls Short Loop 4.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 840 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 5★ South Falls & Maple Ridge 2.6 mi loop, moderate, gain 400 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 5★ South Falls Loop 1.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 200 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

$ State Park fee

Routes into the canyon begin with a gentle descent through a dense canopy of Douglas firs into a lush understory of ferns and moss. As the trail switchbacks lower, it offers continuous views of South Falls before leading hikers behind the water itself. Paths are mostly natural dirt with occasional rocky patches, and sections near the spray can be slick year-round.

All four routes described in our article begin at the South Falls day-use area. While it features a very large parking lot, it still fills to capacity on most weekends. The well-appointed trailhead area includes restrooms, drinking water, EV charging stations, and a playground, along with a gift shop and a small cafe.

Hike behind South Falls, one of the parks' most impressive cascades.

⬤ Trail of Ten Falls
Full loop with all ten falls.
This complete Canyon Trail and Rim Trail loop passes all ten named waterfalls in clockwise order from South Falls: South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Drake Falls, Middle North Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls. At 177 feet, South Falls is the tallest in the park, and the trail passes directly behind it just minutes from the trailhead. Lower South Falls, Middle North Falls, and North Falls, which plunges into a broad grotto, also feature walk-behind sections.

Between waterfalls, the trail undulates along the canyon floor and climbs toward the rim in several places, accounting for the cumulative elevation gain despite the lack of any single steep climb. Short spur trails add optional out-and-back trips to Upper North Falls (about 0.5 miles round trip) and a viewpoint above Winter Falls.

⬤ Trail of Ten Falls Short Loop
Eight falls, skips the two spurs.
This route follows the same Canyon Trail and Rim Trail corridor but omits the spur trail to Upper North Falls and the extended leg to Winter Falls. This cuts roughly 2.8 miles and 420 feet of elevation gain from the full loop while still taking in eight waterfalls, including all four walk-behind cascades. It rejoins the main route along the Rim Trail for the return leg.

Expect moderate trails with rocky, sometimes wet sections.

⬤ South Falls & Maple Ridge
Two of the best falls, quiet return leg.
Starting from the South Falls trailhead, this loop descends the Canyon Trail past South Falls and continues to Lower South Falls, which is the route's second walk-behind waterfall at 93 feet. Rather than heading deeper into the canyon, the trail turns back at Lower South Falls and returns via the Maple Ridge Trail, a quieter path through second-growth forest along the south side of South Fork Silver Creek that avoids retracing the canyon floor.

⬤ South Falls Loop
Hike behind the impressive South Falls.
The shortest option on the map, this loop descends from the South Falls Lodge parking area to the base of South Falls, passes behind the cascade, crosses the footbridge below, and climbs back to the trailhead on the opposite bank. Covering the single most-visited stretch of the park, it can be completed in well under an hour—making it an ideal choice for visitors on a tight schedule or hiking with young children.

Second cascade is the picturesque Lower South Falls.

Waterlogged path behind Lower South Falls.

Longer routes reward with even more views and waterfalls.

External Links:
Silver Falls State Park website

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McCall Point, The Dalles OR

2026-07-16T09:20:48.500-04:00

• 5-star hike
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,010 feet
• The Dalles, OR | Oregon
.

Views beside the trail near Rowena Crest Overlook.

The Columbia River Gorge cuts through the volcanic Cascade Range, exposing layers of basalt laid down by massive lava flows from Eastern Oregon millions of years ago. Following a geologic fault line, the Gorge features a stark asymmetry. The Oregon side to the south boasts near-vertical basalt walls, while the Washington side to the north presents a more sloping, stepped profile. This distinct geological character is on full display from the McCall Point Trail.

The hike to the summit begins adjacent to the Rowena Crest Overlook. Reached by a short paved road, this viewpoint provides sweeping eastward views over the Gorge before you even take a single step on the trail. Roadside parking at the overlook is free.

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⬤ 5★ McCall Point Trail 3.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,010 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

From here, the route climbs into the Nature Conservancy’s Tom McCall Preserve along an otherwise easy trail made moderate only by its 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Well-graded switchbacks ensure the incline remains modest throughout the climb.

Ascending through open grassland, most of the route is exposed to the sun and elements, offering only occasional pockets of shade under scattered oak and pine trees. However, this open landscape rewards hikers with near-constant views. Stepped basalt cliffs, rolling grassy slopes and the river below appear early on and remain in sight for most of the journey. In the spring, the lower meadows erupt with a vibrant blanket of balsamroot and lupine.

Setting out for McCall Point.

The surrounding volcanoes provide a spectacular backdrop to the climb. Looking north, the snow-capped peak of Mount Adams is barely visible from the trailhead but reveals itself fully as you ascend the trail. As you approach the summit, Mount Hood comes into view to the southwest, and on a clear day, your gaze can even stretch northwest to the distinct, truncated silhouette of Mount St. Helens.

This stretch of the Gorge is famous for strong, sustained winds, and you will often see kiteboarders and windsurfers carving through the river far below. We hiked on a notably blustery day and expected the wind to be a challenge the entire time. Surprisingly, the heavy gusts were concentrated at the trailhead and overlook; once we got moving on the trail itself, the wind eased significantly and presented no real difficulty for the rest of the hike.

Annually, 10 million tons of cargo float the Columbia River.

Mount Adams rises above the landscape as you ascend the trail.

Looking eastward into the Gorge from upon high.

Tangents:
• Official: The Nature Conservancy

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Siltcoos Lake Trail, Dunes City OR

2026-07-10T21:56:17.725-04:00

• 3-star hike
• 4 mile part-loop
• Easy | Gain 630 feet
• Dunes City, OR | Oregon
.

The coastal fog adds atmosphere to the Siltcoos Lake Trail.

The title of this trail is something of a misnomer since the route will lead you only to partial views from the edge of Siltcoos Lake. However, there's still plenty to enjoy if you like a verdant forest hike, and even more on days when coastal fog drifts in to provide a dramatic, atmospheric mood.

Located on hills between US-101 and Siltcoos Lake, this journey begins on an old logging road before narrowing into singletrack. Watch out for notches cut into the sides of large stumps, especially along the north side of the loop, which are signs of century-old logging activity. Loggers once wedged boards into these notches to create platforms from which to saw down the trees, with the added height letting them cut above the trees' wider, harder base. The stumps are large enough that the notches are easy to spot once you know to look for them.

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⬤ 3★ Siltcoos Lake Trail 3.8 mi part-loop, easy, gain 630 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ National Forest paid parking

Trail conditions are mostly easy with only modest elevation gain. The surface underfoot is a mix of packed dirt and roots, with some uneven sections. Occasional boardwalks have been constructed to cross potential marshland. There's a side trail branching off the south side of the loop, unlikely to appear on your map, that leads to a single lakeside campsite.

Five small primitive campsites and an outhouse can be found where Siltcoos Lake Trail meets the water's edge. You may like to investigate more than one, to find the better views of Siltcoos Lake. These campsites can be reached on the trail by foot or bicycle, or by paddling in from the water. The Forest Service website lists these campsites, but mentions no reservation system, suggesting access is first-come, first-served.

Parking at this National Forest site requires a day-use permit that should be purchased in advance using the Recreation.gov app or website (link below). Accepted annual passes include the Northwest Forest Pass, the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, and the National Interagency Annual Pass (also known as the America the Beautiful Pass).

Hiking the moderately easy forest trail.

Eerie, translucent Ghost Pipes emerge from a mossy forest floor.

A view across Siltcoos Lake from one of the campgrounds.

Hard to believe this was clear-cut 100 years ago.

Tangents:
• Official: US Forest Service
• Recreation.gov: Advance Day Pass
• AllTrails Public: Siltcoos Lake Trail

Trailspotting Nearby:
• 4★ Tahkenitch Dunes (7 mi)
• 4★ Heceta Head & Hobbit Beach (1-4 mi)
• Show Area Map

Tahkenitch Dunes, Reedsport OR

2026-07-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 7 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 560 feet
• Reedsport, OR | Oregon
.

Don't miss the short spur to the Three Mile Lake overlook.

This seven-mile hike in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a showcase for the wild shoreline landscapes of the central Oregon coast. Set out on a counter-clockwise route along the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail through dense, shady woodland, and you will soon find yourself among moderate dunes that lead toward an expansive sandy beach.

To protect the nesting areas of the diminutive snowy plover, dry sand beach areas are off-limits to recreation during spring and summer. However, there is still plenty of room for hikers along the firm, wetter sand closer to the ocean's edge. An alternative inland route that shortcuts the beach excursion is also available.

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⬤ 4★ Tahkenitch Dunes Trail 6.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 560 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ National Forest parking fee

Pick up the Three Mile Lake North Trail for the second half of the hike. An initial climb up some soft sand dunes leads onto firmer terrain, back into the shade of increasingly dense vegetation, and eventually, tall evergreen trees. We recommend a brief side trip early on this trail to the scenic overlook that looks down the length of Three Mile Lake, which, curiously, we measured at less than two miles in length. Apparently, the lake's name is something of a historical relic — it originally referred to its distance from the mouth of the Umpqua River, which has since shifted, leaving the lake with a name that is three miles in length only.

Half of the loop is under cover of vegetation.

This loop of the Tahkenitch Dunes is mostly along firm ground, with only a couple of moderately brief sections of soft sand, plus an oceanside walk along wet sand. Around half of the trail is shaded.

The start of the hike is located at the Tahkenitch Campground and Day Use trailhead. Parking at this National Forest site requires a day-use permit that should be purchased in advance using the Recreation.gov app or website (link below). Accepted annual passes include the Northwest Forest Pass, the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, and the National Interagency Annual Pass (also known as the America the Beautiful Pass).

Hiking across one of two soft sand sections.

A mile long beach section along the ocean's edge.

Beach driftwood within the protected snowy plover habitat.

External Links:
• US Forestry Service
• Advance Day Pass from Recreation.gov

Trailspotting Nearby:
3★ Siltcoos Lake Trail (4 mi)
4★ Heceta Head & Hobbit Beach (1-4 mi)
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Drift Creek Falls, Lincoln City OR

2026-07-07T14:21:29.727-04:00

• 5-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 420 to 490 feet
• Lincoln City, OR | Oregon
.

A suspension bridge provides an awesome vantage point.

Tucked into the Siuslaw National Forest east of Lincoln City, this out-and-back route along the Drift Creek Falls Trail leads hikers across a steel rope bridge that spans a 100-foot-deep gorge to reveal spectacular views of the nearby Drift Creek Falls.

The trail heads downhill from the trailhead through shaded second-growth forest, switchbacking its way to the bridge. The grade is consistent rather than steep, so the return ascent is manageable, though noticeably more strenuous than the easy walk down.

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⬤ 5★ Drift Creek Falls Trail 2.7 to 3.0 mi out & back, easy, gain 420 to 490 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ National Forest parking fee

The steel suspension bridge remains reassuringly sturdy underfoot, even though it sways slightly from the footfalls of other hikers crossing the span. Looking back offers the first views of the impressive 66-foot waterfall that spills over columnar basalt to the creek below. While Drift Creek Falls is most impressive during mid to high-water flows, visitors should keep in mind that the falls can be less dramatic during the low-flow periods of summer.

Beyond the bridge are additional waterfall vantage points, and continuing to the bottom of the trail reveals further creekside views of both the falls and the suspension bridge. This extra section adds 0.3 miles and 70ft elevation gain to your journey.

Hike through dense forest to reach the falls.

The trailhead can be reached by vehicle either from US-101 to the west or OR-18 to the north. Expect miles of paved, winding road that is partly single-track, with plenty of passing places. Approaching from OR-18 includes a brief unpaved section, but pavement resumes shortly after.

Parking at this National Forest site requires a day-use permit that should be purchased in advance using the Recreation.gov app or website (link below). Accepted annual passes include the Northwest Forest Pass, the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, and the National Interagency Annual Pass (also known as the America the Beautiful Pass).

100 feet above Drift Creek.

Two views of the sturdy, 240 foot long suspension bridge.

Creekside view at the end of the trail.

External Links:
• US Forestry Service Page, Brochure
• Advance Day Pass from Recreation.gov

Trailspotting Nearby:
4★ The Thumb (3-5 mi)
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Mt Burdell Preserve, Marin CA

2026-01-24T13:28:00.001-05:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 620 to 1,260 feet
• Novato, CA | San Francisco Region
.

A mix of grass and woodland in this Open Space Preserve.

The 1,627-acre Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve in northern Marin County offers rolling hills blanketed in grassland and punctuated by oak woodlands. Set among expansive views that cross the North Bay hills, the preserve's highest terrain also rewards hikers with sweeping vistas that stretch out into San Pablo Bay.

On our springtime visit, we were rewarded with lush green meadows awash with wildflowers and even spotted a coyote moving through the fields, seemingly unfazed by our presence. We also spoke to several birdwatching enthusiasts who consider the park's varied habitats ideal for identifying feathered creatures of all sizes.

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⬤ 4★ Eagle Rim Loop 5.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,260 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Middle Burdell Loop 3.4 mi loop, easy, gain 620 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

We recommend two looping routes that showcase the preserve's character. The first is an easy three and a half mile loop that sticks to wide, easy trails and utilizes the Middle Burdell Fire Road to cut across the park. Expect open meadows and a forested section that passes Hidden Lake.

Our favorite route, however, is a 5-mile clockwise loop that reaches close to the crest of Mount Burdell's ridgeline on the Eagle Rim Trail and descends into a dramatic steep-sided gully on the Old Quarry Trail. Expect a couple of moderately steep sections with loose material, heading down this trail.

Plenty of free roadside parking is available along San Andreas Drive, close to the trailhead marked on our map. Please be mindful of posted signs and respect the privacy of nearby residential neighborhoods.

Descending the slopes of Old Quarry Trail.

Springtime wildflowers, particularly on higher trails.

A coyote moves through the grassy meadow.

More grassy hillside meadows to hike through.

External Links:
Marin County Parks

Trailspotting Nearby:
4★ Mount Barnabe (5 mi)
4★ EastPeak Mt Tamalpais (1 mi)
4★ Muir Woods Tourist Club Loop (5 mi)
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