The best walks and hikes in Green Mountain And Finger Lakes National Forests

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in both the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests, but they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times. This is especially important in the Finger Lakes National Forest, where trails may pass through active pastures with grazing cattle. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.

Absolutely. The Green Mountain National Forest is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A very popular option is the hike to Lye Brook Falls, which follows an old logging road to one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont. The trail is a moderate 4.4-mile (7.1 km) round trip.

For a family-friendly outing in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the Burnt Hill Loop is a great choice. It's a relatively easy 3.8-mile trail that offers a unique mix of woodlands and open pastures with scenic views. In the Green Mountain National Forest, the Robert Frost National Recreation Trail is an easy, accessible 1-mile loop that is perfect for all ages.

For panoramic views, the climb up Bromley Mountain is very rewarding. The summit is open, offering wide-ranging vistas of the surrounding landscape. The trail is a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) round trip and is considered a moderate challenge.

The peak time for fall foliage is typically from late September to mid-October. During this period, the hardwood forests of the Green Mountains and the hills surrounding the Finger Lakes are ablaze with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Trails with open vistas or those surrounding ponds and lakes offer particularly stunning scenery.

Yes, the Lookout Rock, Mount Equinox, & Equinox Pond loop is a fantastic and challenging circular route. This 7.4-mile (11.9 km) hike in the Green Mountains offers varied terrain, from the serene Equinox Pond to the rewarding views from Lookout Rock, before a strenuous climb up Mount Equinox.

Both forests offer excellent backpacking options. The Green Mountain National Forest contains long sections of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, which is the oldest long-distance trail in the US. The Mount Abraham via Long Trail route can be part of a longer trek. In the Finger Lakes, the Interloken Trail provides a 12-mile path suitable for an overnight trip.

There are over 100 designated hiking trails across the two forests. These range from short, easy nature walks to challenging multi-day backpacking routes, covering over 900 miles of terrain in total.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained trails, the variety of landscapes from rugged peaks in Vermont to the rolling pastures in New York, and the sense of tranquility found within the dense forests.

The forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife. You might spot white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, and a variety of bird species. The Finger Lakes National Forest is particularly noted as a great place for birding, especially for grassland birds. For more information on viewing sites, you can check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website: Watchable Wildlife.

For a strenuous but rewarding climb, consider the Stratton Mountain trail. This 6.9-mile (11.2 km) route involves a steady ascent of over 1,600 feet (508 m) to the summit, where a fire tower provides 360-degree views of the Green Mountains.