Vermont’s Green Mountains rise right outside the door here, and the Mad River Valley holds some of the best hiking in the state. Whether you want an easy walk before dinner or a full day on the Long Trail, you’re never more than a short drive from a trailhead. Below is our full guide to hiking near our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, organized by difficulty so you can pick the right trail for your day. If waterfalls are more your speed, check out our guide to Vermont’s best waterfalls for a few nearby detours worth building into your hike.

Easy Walks Near the Inn

The Mad River Path is a collection of connected trails running through Warren and Waitsfield, and it’s the easiest way to get outside without much planning. The Warren Path itself offers two options: a one-mile out-and-back route through Eaton Town Forest, passing striking boulders and a natural rock bridge, or a shorter half-mile stretch connecting Brooks Recreational Field to Warren Village.

For something along the water, the Riverside Park to Snowmaking Pond Loop covers 2.5 miles, following the Mad River and circling Sugarbush Resort’s snowmaking pond. You’ll pass through forested sections with river access for swimming, plus connections to the larger trail network if you want to extend the walk. Parking is available at Riverside Park and the Wabanaki Recreational Area.

If you only have twenty minutes, the Cloud Water Farm Trail is a short 0.3-mile path on the Mad River Path that runs alongside a sustainable agroforestry farm with its own river access.

Blueberry Lake, just a few minutes from Warren, is another easy option. The forested trails here are ideal for beginner and intermediate hikers, looping gently through the woods with views of the lake and surrounding hills the whole way. It’s a good pick for a leisurely afternoon or a short hike before dinner back at the inn.

Moderate Day Hikes

Once you’re ready for some elevation, a few trails nearby offer real payoff without an all-day commitment. These trails help you understand why hiking is always one of the best things to do in Vermont!

The Vista Trail picks up from the north end of the Warren Path. It’s steep for its half-mile length, but it rewards you with sweeping views of the village and the mountains around it.

Sunset Ledge, reached from Lincoln Gap, is a classic on the Long Trail. The ascent is gradual, and it’s especially popular in the fall when the valley below glows with color. Plan on about an hour for the round trip, with a rocky, moderately steep stretch near the top.

At Mad River Glen, the Stark Mountain Trail climbs 2.5 miles from the base of the ski area, following the old work road beneath the resort’s single chairlift. You’ll pass a small waterfall on the way up before the trail meets the Long Trail near the summit, with panoramic views of the Green Mountains waiting at the top. It’s also a good spot to watch for deer, moose, and migratory birds. If you’d rather stay closer to Sugarbush, see our full guide to hiking trails at Sugarbush Resort for trail-specific detail on that side of the valley.

Mount Abraham is the single most popular summit hike from our inn, and for good reason. Start by driving to the Lincoln Gap trailhead, just over five minutes away, at roughly 2,500 feet, so you’re already more than halfway up before you take a step. The trail runs through high mountain forest before turning rocky as you climb, with the steepest grades saved for the final push. At the 1.7-mile mark, you’ll pass Battell Shelter, a common overnight stop for Long Trail hikers, right at the junction with the Battell Trail. From the 4,000-foot summit, the view opens up across the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain to the west, with the White Mountains visible in the other direction.

The Green Mountain Club maintains this stretch of the Long Trail and its shelters, and their site is the best place to check current trail conditions before you go. Book your lodging first!

Advanced Hikes and Long Trail Segments

For hikers who want a full day or a genuine challenge, the Mad River Valley has plenty of terrain to earn.

Molly Stark’s Balcony starts from the Appalachian Gap trailhead, about twenty minutes from the inn. The 2.6-mile round trip gains over 500 feet, climbing to the flat ridge at Molly Stark Mountain’s summit before continuing to the balcony itself, where Camel’s Hump and the Worcester Mountains fill the view. Bring proper footwear; this stretch is steep in sections.

General Stark Mountain, also from the Appalachian Gap, is one of the more serious outings in the area. The 6.2-mile round trip typically takes four to five hours and includes steep terrain with ropes and ladders on the toughest sections. Sturdy boots, plenty of water, and layers for changeable mountain weather are all worth packing.

If you have a full day and want to see as much ridgeline as possible, the stretch from Lincoln Gap to Appalachian Gap along the Long Trail runs about eleven miles across the spine of the Green Mountains, crossing several peaks along the way. It’s a true backcountry experience and one of the most complete days of hiking in the valley.

Camel’s Hump is accessible via two main approaches: the Monroe Trailhead or the Burrows Trail, both leading to one of Vermont’s most recognized summits. Check Vermont State Parks for current parking and trail status before you go. This summit is also one of the best fall color viewpoints in the region, so if you’re timing a trip around foliage, take a look at our guide to Vermont’s fall colors for the best weeks to catch peak color.

Planning Your Hike From our Vermont Bed and Breakfast

However you spend the day on the trail, coming back to the inn afterward is part of the appeal. A hot shower, a glass of Vermont beer or wine in the common rooms, and a good night’s sleep before the next day’s adventure make our Vermont Bed and Breakfast a natural home base for exploring the Mad River Valley on foot. Ask us at check-in for current trail conditions or help matching a hike to your group’s fitness level and interests; we’re happy to point you toward whichever trail best fits your day. Book your stay and start planning your hiking trip in Vermont’s Mad River Valley today.