People don’t often think of Vermont when they think of hiking High Peaks … but they should!
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But first: What exactly is a High Peak? A High Peak is officially defined as any prominent summit that is 4,000 or more feet above sea level. By that definition, New Hampshire has 48 and New York has 46 (well, technically 42). Vermont? Just FIVE. On paper, that doesn’t sound like much of a contest.
HOWEVER… we’d argue that Vermont’s five 4,000-footers include some of the best day-hike summits in the Northeast — and unlike the NH48 or the Adirondack 46, the Vermont High Peaks is a goal you can realistically knock out in a single summer. No multi-year commitment, no obscure trailheads requiring hours of driving, no viewless peaks that feel like they were added to the list just to make it harder. Just five great mountains, all doable as day hikes, and all with great views.
Vermont’s High Peaks are strung together along Vermont’s Long Trail — the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, completed in 1930 and the original inspiration for the Appalachian Trail itself!
No two of Vermont’s five highest peaks are quite the same — each has its own vibe both along the trail and at the summit. Here’s a breakdown of their stats:
The Five Peaks at a Glance
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Elevation Gain | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Mansfield | 4,393 ft | ~5 mi loop | 2,555 ft | $5/person |
| Killington Peak | 4,241 ft | 7.4 mi out & back | 2,500 ft | Free |
| Camel’s Hump | 4,083 ft | 6.4 mi out & back | 2,585 ft | Free |
| Mount Ellen | 4,083 ft | 7.8 mi out & back | 2,588 ft | Free |
| Mount Abraham | 4,006 ft | 4.8 mi out & back | 1,735 ft | Free |
1. Mount Mansfield (4,393 ft) — The Crown Jewel
Underhill State Park | ~5 mi loop (Laura Cowles to Sunset Ridge) | 2,555 ft elevation gain | $5/person
Mount Mansfield is the highest point in Vermont and, in our opinion, one of the best hikes in the state. From the east, the summit ridge looks like an elongated human face with a Forehead, Nose, and Chin. The Chin is the summit.
There are three ways to get to Mansfield’s summit:
1) Hike the whole thing (what we did): There are several hiking routes to the Mansfield summit. Start at Underhill State Park and pay the $5 per person fee (bring cash). If you want a direct, steep, scrambly route up, the Laura Cowles Trail is a great option. Then take the Sunset Ridge Trail down, which is longer, more gradual, and has incredible ridge views on the descent.
2) Drive partway and hike a little: The Stowe Auto Toll Road is a 4.5-mile winding, mostly-unpaved scenic road from the Stowe Base Lodge to the Nose, open late May to mid-October ($38 + $14.50 for additional passengers in 2026; foliage dates are more expensive). From there it’s 2.8-miles round trip and another 1,000 feet of elevation hike up to the Chin.
3) Take the gondola and hike a little: The Stowe Gondola Skyride runs mid-June to mid-October ($44/person 13+ in 2026). It brings you up mid-mountain to the Cliff House Restaurant, where you can start the Cliff House Trail — a challenging 1.6-mile round trip with 800 feet of elevation leading to the Chin.
However you reach Mansfield, the alpine ridge, the 360-degree views, and the exposure at the top make Mansfield feel pretty epic!
2. Killington Peak (4,241 ft) — The Beast of the East
Bucklin Trail | 7.4 mi out & back | 2,500 ft elevation gain | Free
You may have heard of Killington being referred to as the “The Beast of the East.” As the largest ski resort on the East Coast, nearly A MILLION people visit Killington every winter. But hike it on “the off season” and you’d never know it! We’ve skied Killington more times than we can count, and hiking it gave us a new appreciation for the mountain. The trails are quiet and the views from the top are great.
The Bucklin Trail starts with a relatively flat first two miles before climbing more seriously to the summit, where panoramic views stretch across Vermont’s Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks, and New Hampshire’s White Mountains on a clear day.
Things to note: The Killington area has a notably high porcupine population — keep dogs close and on leash. There is a large dirt parking lot at the trailhead and the trail is free to hike.
3. Camel’s Hump (4,083 ft) — The Icon
Monroe Trail | 6.4 mi out & back | 2,585 ft elevation gain | Free
Camel’s Hump is probably the most recognizable peak in Vermont — its distinctive humped silhouette is featured on the Vermont state quarter, and it’s been a protected natural area since 1911. The rocky, exposed summit with 360-degree views is one of the best in the state.
The Monroe Trail from Duxbury is the most popular approach and the trailhead is about a 45-minute drive from Burlington. The final road to the trailhead is dirt but in good shape, with ample parking and porta-potties typically available. The trail involves some scrambling near the top, and the loop over the summit requires stepping carefully on only rock to protect the fragile alpine vegetation.
Things to note: Trails are closed during Mud Season to prevent erosion. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed above the treeline.
4. Mount Ellen (4,083 ft) — The Hidden One
Jerusalem Trail | 7.8 mi out & back | 2,588 ft elevation gain | Free
Mount Ellen is tied with Camel’s Hump for third-highest peak in Vermont. The Jerusalem Trail approach from Lincoln is the most common route to Ellen’s summit. It’s a solid 7.8-mile out-and-back with 2,588 feet of elevation gain. Part of the mountain’s eastern face is used for the ski trails of Sugarbush Resort, so you’ll spot the lifts along the way.
You can extend the hike by connecting to Mount Abraham along the ridge on the Long Trail. From the Jerusalem trail it’s an extra 6.4 miles for a 14.2-mile, 3,851-foot elevation gain day. For a shorter combination, start at the Lincoln Gap Trail, hitting Abraham first for a 12.3-mile, 3,047-foot day.
We did it the combination of Mount Abraham and Mount Ellen from Lincoln Gap. The connection from Abraham to Ellen can get really muddy after a rain and is a bit of a slog. It’s rewarding in a “glad we did it, probably won’t repeat it” kind of way. Next time, we’ll probably just hike each separately.
5. Mount Abraham (4,006 ft) — The Underdog
Long Trail via Lincoln Gap | 4.8 mi out & back | 1,735 ft elevation gain | Free
Mount Abraham is the shortest hike on this list with the least amount of elevation gain. The rocky summit has incredible 360-degree views perfect for sunset. The approach via Lincoln Gap Road has a fun claim to fame: the road to the trailhead includes the steepest paved mile in the United States. This area is also gorgeous in fall.
The trail itself involves some scrambling and is rooty and muddy in sections (…classic New England trail conditions). This is a great entry point into the Vermont 4,000-footers for anyone building up to the bigger peaks.
Tips for Hiking the Vermont 4,000-Footers
Respect Mud Season. Vermont trails at higher elevations such as these five close from snowmelt through end of May. Higher elevation trails take the longest to dry out, and a trail that looks fine at the trailhead can be a muddy mess further up. As a general rule, stay below 3,000 feet in April and May, and if the trail is so muddy you’re tip-toeing onto the vegetation to keep your feet dry, turn around. If you’re not sure, check Trail Finder, a helpful, free, interactive mapping site that keeps track of open vs. closed trails across Vermont and New Hampshire. Typically by Memorial Day Weekend, all trails are ready for hiking.
Protect the alpine vegetation. Above the treeline on Mansfield and Camel’s Hump, stay within the roped area and step only on rock. The fragile alpine plants that grow in these zones are rare and slow to recover from foot traffic. Keep dogs leashed above the treeline.
Start early. Parking at most of these trailheads is limited and fills up fast on weekends, especially during foliage season.
Bring layers. Summit conditions in Vermont can be significantly colder and windier than at the trailhead, even in the summer. The alpine zones on Mansfield and Camel’s Hump in particular can be exposed and breezy.
Download offline maps. Cell service is unreliable on most of these trails. Download AllTrails maps before you leave the house.
Check for ticks. Vermont has a significant tick population, especially on the lower trail sections. Do a thorough check after every hike to prevent Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses.
Bring cash for Mansfield. The Underhill State Park fee is $5/person and cash only.
When to Go
Summer (late June through August) is the most reliable window — trails are fully open and weather is generally good. Bugs are unpredictable, so bring your bugspray.
Fall (variable, mid-September through mid-October) is spectacular for foliage and the views from any of the five summits during peak color are hard to beat. The foliage brings a lot of visitors, so trails can be more crowded and parking can fill up fast. Start early or go midweek if you can.
Spring is largely off-limits due to Mud Season closures through Memorial Day. Once the trails open, late May and June can be lovely with good wildflower displays at lower elevations. Bugs are unpredictable here too, so bring your bugspray.
Winter is for experienced hikers with the right gear only. Conditions above treeline can often be dangerous in the winter. Mansfield in particular sees extreme wind and cold.
Where to Stay
- Killington area: Après Inn Killington, a super cute newly-renovated boutique motel located directly on Killington’s main access road. Or choose Killington Grand Hotel for a full-service experience with on-site restaurant, cafe, spa, outdoor heated pool, and easy access to Killington Resort year-round via a pedestrian foot bridge.
- Abraham and Ellen area: The Pitcher Inn is a charming escape full of cozy elegance, warm hospitality, and Vermont character. Your stay includes a full breakfast, featuring freshly made croissants that are legitimately the best we’ve ever had. There’s also an on-site spa. The Pitcher Inn is also a great base for an incredible Scenic Route 100 Waterfall Roadtrip! We can’t recommend this stay more highly!
- Mansfield and Camel’s Hump area: Outbound Stowe. Close to downtown Stowe and direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path. Stay in one of their iconic Scandinavian-inspired one bedroom cabins! Or camp at the Smugglers’ Notch State Park featuring 20 tent sites, 14 lean-tos, restrooms with flush toilets, hot/cold running water, and coin-op showers.
In conclusion
Vermont’s five 4,000-footers don’t get the same attention as the White Mountains or the Adirondacks, but as far as we’re concerned, they’re a particularly satisfying goal — and one that’s entirely achievable without burning a single day of PTO! Whether you knock them all out in one ambitious summer or spread them across a few seasons, the Vermont High Peaks will take you to some of the best views in the Green Mountain State — and will probably make you wonder why you waited so long to start climbing them! So get out there – the Vermont High Peaks are waiting!
