Mount Hunger Summit – Hogback Mountain loop from Barnes Hill

If you're looking for a truly demanding jogging route with immense rewards, the Mount Hunger Summit – Hogback Mountain loop from Barnes Hill delivers. This is a difficult 10.8-mile (17.4 km) route, packing in 3241 feet (988 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 2 hours and 45 minutes. Expect a significant physical challenge that often feels more like power hiking than jogging, especially on the technical sections. It's best suited for experienced, sure-footed individuals seeking panoramic views and a serious workout in the Worcester Range.

What to expect on Mount Hunger Summit – Hogback Mountain loop from Barnes Hill

This loop is a journey through varied and increasingly rugged terrain. You'll start in dense forests, transitioning from deciduous woods to conifers as you climb. The real highlight is the exposed, bald summit of Mount Hunger, offering exceptional 360-degree views of the Green Mountain Range, including Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield, and even the Adirondacks on a clear day. The Skyline Trail connecting Mount Hunger towards Hogback Mountain is a rugged ridge walk, often technical and potentially boggy, with numerous ups and downs and scrambling sections. While White Rock Mountain also offers impressive views, the overall route demands constant attention due to steepness, loose rock, and scrambling requirements, making it a challenging but incredibly scenic experience.

Planning your visit

While the route is named from Barnes Hill, common access points for a loop including Mount Hunger and White Rock Mountain are typically the Waterbury Trailhead or Middlesex Trailhead. Be aware that the trails in the Worcester Range are generally considered difficult and strenuous, and the upper sections to Mount Hunger's summit involve scrambling, sometimes with ropes. Good footwear with excellent traction is essential. Avoid mud season (April to Memorial Day) when trails can be closed or particularly fragile. For solitude and the best views, aim for early mornings or off-peak times on a clear day.

Trail details

• Distance: 10.8 miles (17.4 km)
• Elevation gain: 3241 feet (988 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes