Green Mountain Hiking Trail Travel Guide
Introduction
Green Mountain Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United States. The trail offers a breathtaking view of the Green Mountains of Vermont, and it is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and history buffs. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that you can enjoy on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail.
Top Attractions
Mount Mansfield
The highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield, is a must-visit attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The peak offers an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and there are several hiking trails that lead to the summit. The Long Trail, which runs the length of Vermont, passes over Mount Mansfield’s summit.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour is another popular attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. You can take a tour of the factory and learn about the ice cream making process. You can also sample some of the company’s most popular flavors.
Hidden Gems
Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Smugglers’ Notch State Park is a hidden gem on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The park offers several hiking trails, including the popular Sterling Pond Trail, which leads to an alpine pond. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
Huntington Gorge
Huntington Gorge is a hidden gem on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The gorge is a natural swimming hole and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The gorge is also a great spot for fishing.
Food Scene
The Skinny Pancake
The Skinny Pancake is a popular restaurant on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The restaurant serves crepes, salads, and sandwiches, and has a great beer selection.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a popular brewery on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The brewery is known for its Heady Topper beer, which is considered one of the best beers in the world.
Budget-Friendly Tips
One of the best ways to save money on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail is to camp instead of staying in a hotel. There are several campgrounds along the trail, and they offer a great way to experience the outdoors while saving money. You can also save money by bringing your own food and cooking your meals instead of eating out.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking
Kayaking is a popular outdoor activity on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. There are several rivers and lakes in the area that are perfect for kayaking.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is another popular outdoor activity on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. There are several trails in the area that are perfect for mountain biking, including the Kingdom Trails, which are considered some of the best mountain biking trails in the world.
Historical Landmarks
Shelburne Museum
The Shelburne Museum is a historical landmark on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The museum is home to several collections, including American folk art, quilts, and furniture.
Ethan Allen Homestead
The Ethan Allen Homestead is another historical landmark on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The homestead was the home of Ethan Allen, a hero of the American Revolution.
Family-Friendly Activities
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a great family-friendly attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The center is home to several exhibits, including an aquarium and a science center.
Montshire Museum of Science
The Montshire Museum of Science is another great family-friendly attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The museum is home to several interactive exhibits, including a science park and a planetarium.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
Farm to Table Dinners
Farm to table dinners are a great off-the-beaten-path experience on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. Several farms in the area offer dinners that feature locally sourced ingredients.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Hot air balloon rides are another great off-the-beaten-path experience on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. Several companies in the area offer hot air balloon rides, which offer a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Natural Wonders
Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls is a natural wonder on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, and they offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is another natural wonder on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The gorge is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, and it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Green Mountain Hiking Trail is not known for its nightlife, but there are several bars and clubs in the area that offer a great night out. The Red Square in Burlington is a popular spot for live music, while the Three Needs Taproom in Montpelier is a great spot for craft beer.
Local Markets
Burlington Farmers Market
The Burlington Farmers Market is a great local market on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The market features locally grown produce, artisanal bread, and handmade crafts.
Montpelier Farmers Market
The Montpelier Farmers Market is another great local market on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The market features locally grown produce, artisanal bread, and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is a great destination on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the summer.
Sandbar State Park
Sandbar State Park is a great beach destination on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
Cultural Immersion
Vermont Symphony Orchestra
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is a great cultural attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The orchestra performs throughout the state and offers a wide range of music, from classical to pop.
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is another great cultural attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The center hosts a wide range of performances, including theater, dance, and music.
Art and Music Scene
Burlington City Arts
Burlington City Arts is a great art attraction on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The center features several galleries and hosts several art events throughout the year.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is a great music venue on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The venue hosts a wide range of music, from indie rock to hip-hop.
Walking Tours
Church Street Marketplace
The Church Street Marketplace is a great walking tour on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The marketplace features several shops, restaurants, and street performers.
National Life Building
The National Life Building is another great walking tour on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The building features several murals and sculptures and is home to several businesses.
Architectural Marvels
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is an architectural marvel on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The farm features several historic buildings, including a mansion and a carriage house.
Montpelier State House
The Montpelier State House is another architectural marvel on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The building is home to the Vermont state government.
Historical Sites
Calvin Coolidge Homestead
The Calvin Coolidge Homestead is a historical site on the Green Mountain Hiking Trail. The homestead was the birthplace and childhood home of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States.