The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Camels Hump State Forest

Our guide features four carefully selected family-friendly hiking routes in Camels Hump State Forest. These range from easy strolls to more moderate adventures, ensuring there's something for every family's comfort level.

The trails in Camels Hump State Forest offer a diverse experience. You'll find paths traversing dense birch, maple, and red spruce forests, with some routes featuring gentle inclines and others with more substantial elevation gain and rocky sections, especially as you approach higher elevations. Many family-friendly options focus on more gradual and well-maintained paths.

Yes, for a truly easy and accessible option, consider the Appalachian Gap to Sunnyside Warming Hut via Long Trail. This route is approximately 2 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for little legs. The region also offers the 0.8-mile Camel's Hump View Trail, which is universally accessible and provides excellent views of the mountain from a lower elevation.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Camels Hump State Forest, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Always remember to pack out any waste.

Spring, summer, and fall are all wonderful for family hiking. Spring brings lush greenery, while summer offers warm weather perfect for exploring the diverse forests and mountain streams. Fall is particularly spectacular with vibrant foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, but requires appropriate gear and caution due to snow and ice.

While many trails in the region are out-and-back or connect to longer point-to-point sections of the Long Trail, you can often create shorter loop experiences by combining different trail segments. For example, the Long Trail: Appalachian Gap to Stark Mountain offers a moderate out-and-back option that can be enjoyed as a shorter segment for families, with the option to turn back at any point.

Parking is typically available at designated trailheads, such as those for the Monroe Trail (Duxbury side) and Burrows Trail (Huntington side), as well as at Appalachian Gap. These areas usually have clear signage. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots can fill up quickly.

Public transport options directly to the more remote trailheads within Camels Hump State Forest are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. It's advisable to check local transit services for routes to nearby towns, from which you might need to arrange a taxi or ride-share to reach specific trail access points.

Generally, no specific permits are required for day hiking on the trails within Camels Hump State Forest. However, it's always good practice to check the official Vermont State Parks website for any updated regulations or specific requirements, especially if planning an overnight trip or visiting during peak seasons.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views from higher elevations, the peaceful forest environments, and the well-maintained trails that make for an enjoyable family outing. The distinctive profile of Camel's Hump Mountain itself is a frequent highlight.

Absolutely! The most iconic feature is the majestic Camel's Hump Mountain with its distinctive double-humped profile. The uppermost regions feature a rare and fragile alpine tundra ecosystem. You'll also encounter diverse forests, protected waterways, and mountain streams. For those interested in history, remnants of a B-24 Liberator bomber crash and a cemetery can be found near the Monroe Trail, though these might be on more challenging routes.

Yes, for a gentler experience, consider the Appalachian Gap to Sunnyside Warming Hut via Long Trail, which has a relatively low elevation gain. Additionally, the 0.8-mile Camel's Hump View Trail is universally accessible and designed for a less strenuous experience, offering great views without significant climbing.