Hike Vermont: Fall Foliage

Welcome to Burlington! Your adventure will begin with an important welcome meeting at your hotel. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early, giving you a chance to stroll through Oakledge Park or the Church Street Marketplace. Once you’ve joined up with your group, you’ll head out to do a comfortable walk around a sustainable farm on the shores of Lake Champlain. There, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with views of Lone Tree Hill, Sheep’s Knoll and Butternut Hill. After lunch, drive to Warren, with a quick pit stop at one of the region’s iconic covered bridges. When you’ve checked into your lodgings, head to a group dinner at a local restaurant to end the day. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, head out for a double dose of hiking. While the Long Trail spans the length of Vermont, today you’ll only have to tackle a section on the flanks of Mount Grant. Stopping at a ledge offering views of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak, you’ll have a picnic lunch before heading back to your vehicle. Your next stop will be a serene lake and waterfall, where you’ll be free to go for a refreshing swim if desired. To end the day on a sweet note you’ll visit a maple farm, where you’ll be given a tour and a chance to sample the wares. (B/L/D)

Today’s a peak for many travellers! You’ll be tackling Mount Abraham, one of the five ‘4000-footers’ found in Vermont. While the walk will start out easy, it will get steep and narrow as you near the summit, so prepare for your mettle to be tested! The view at the top will be more than worth your while, as on a clear day you can see Mount Mansfield to the north, Mount Washington (New Hampshire’s highest peak) to the east, and maybe even Canada! If visibility is limited, you’ll still be able to bask in the glow of the dense surrounding forest. Descending past calming creeks, there’ll be another sweet treat waiting for you after the day’s efforts – namely a trip to the Ben and Jerry’s factory. Go on a tour of the iconic ice cream maker’s factory and be sure to have a taster or two. (B/L/D)

After the efforts of the previous days, today will get off to a relaxing start. Enjoy a big breakfast followed by a short wander to the Moss Glen Falls – a photographer’s favourite! Drive along the stunning Stowe Scenic Auto Road on your way to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain. There, you’ll again hike along the Long Trail to the top of the Chin, Vermont’s highest point. It’ll make for a lunch spot like no other, as you pause for a picnic and soak in the awe-inspiring views. Head back to Stowe, where the afternoon is all yours. Feel free to wander around the historic downtown, settle in at a local brewery, cidery or winery or soar through the sky with an optional a canopy zipline. (B/L/D)

The final hike of your Vermont voyage takes you along the Pinnacle Trail to Stowe Pinnacle, providing a viewpoint that’ll give you room to reflect on just how far you’ve come. You’ll be able to scan the skyline for Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump and the Worcester and Sterling Mountain Ranges, taking in the awe-inspiring magic of the Green Mountains. When you’re ready you’ll head back down and find a spot for a picnic lunch. Ease into the end of your adventure with a stop at a cider mill, where you can toast your terrestrial triumphs with a glass of apple cider or satiate a sweet tooth with some baked goods. Then, head back to Burlington, where your adventure will end. If you’d like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent. (B/L)