There’s no better way to experience summer in the Mad River Valley, than adventuring through any of the many amazing hikes within the area. With dozens of trails to choose from, there’s something to find for all abilities. You don’t have to be an expert outdoorist to enjoy the breathtaking vistas or wooded trails here in the Valley. The outdoors is for everyone, and to enjoy nature, you just have to be in nature!
Today’s post features some of our favorite hikes in the Valley. These trails vary in length, elevation gain, difficulty, and scenery! There’s truly no bad hike in the beautiful Green Mountains, but it’s best to choose a trail best suited for you and your group. We don’t want anyone accidentally taking a wrong turn and having an impromptu 10 mile trek across the Long Trail…
Catamount and Harris Hill Trail Loop
Easy / 2.3 miles / 330 ft. elevation gain / Loop / ~1 hour
The Catamount and Harris Hill Trail is a great trail for all levels of ability. The vast majority of the trail is shaded making for a cool hike on a hot summer day. Access to the trail head is directly across from the Fayston School. You’ll cross the Chase Brook before entering the woods for a mostly flat hike along cross country ski trails. You can expect to find lush plantation including different types of fungi, maple trees and more! And keep an eye out for stories and fairy houses made by the Fayston School students!
Wu Ledges
Easy / 1.5 miles / 157 ft. elevation gain / Loop / ~40 min.
The Wu Ledges Loop Trail is a great easy hike with a high reward. It is a mostly wooded trail perfect for walking or running. After winding through a fairly open section of forest, you end up with a view of the Valley. There are some rocks you can sit on and take the view in from the edge of the tree line. From there, you can see the Mad River snake along Route 100 near Lareau Farm and Inn, with amazing views of the mountain range!
Sunset Ledge
Moderate / 1.5 miles / 400 ft. elevation gain / Out and back / ~45 min.
The Sunset Ledge out and back trail is the perfect evening hike! It’s an easy to moderate hike off of Lincoln Gap that starts off with a steep incline that eventually flattens out. While this trail is great any time of day, you will find it’s most popular at sunset. With a west facing vista, you’ll encounter widespread views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. If you’re heading out for a glimpse of the sunset, don’t forget to pack a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back!
App Gap to the Mad River Warming Hut
Moderate / 2.5 miles / 889 ft. elevation gain / Out and Back / ~1 hour 40 min.
The App Gap to Mad River Trail is a personal favorite of mine. It has everything I look for in a hike. Fun scrambles, flat areas, interesting scenery, and a great vista at the end! This is a great relatively short hike if you’re looking for a bit of a work out, but nothing that will eat up your entire day. There’s plenty of parking at the App Gap overlook (another great view spot!), you’ll then cross the road and follow the sign for Long Trail South. Because this hike follows the Long Trail, you can choose your own adventure and continue the trek, or stop and enjoy the view from the Mad River Glen lift!
Lincoln Peak via Sugarbush
Hard / 6 miles / 2,457 ft. elevation gain / Loop / ~4.5 hours
The Lincoln Peak via Sugarbush hike is not for the faint of heart. To journey up Lincoln Peak for that sweet 360 degree view, you follow some of our famous ski trails to get there. You’ll start at Super Bravo and head for Castlerock Runout before hanging a left for Lower Jester. You can than continue up Lower Jester, or follow Reverse Traverse for another switchback before making it to Allyn’s Lodge. From there, you’ll follow Jester to the peak! The views from the top are just as beautiful in the summer as they are in the winter. Don’t forget, you can choose your journey at Sugarbush, and pair a lift ride up or down from your hike!
Please remember to recreate responsibly. Respect the wildlife, stay on the trails, pack it in pack it out.
