Classic Walks in Vermont

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Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Trip Code :

W06VM

Walk the Classic Countryside of Vermont

True to its namesake, Vermont is proudly known as the Green Mountain State. With a passion for nature and its great heritage, Vermont is famous for its spectacular fall foliage, renowned maple syrup, acclaimed breweries, and exceptional hiking trails. Vermonters have a long tradition of respect for their land amid a backdrop of mountains whose ridgeline follows the 'Long Trail', the nation's first through-hiking long-distance trail.

Your walking trip takes you through the famed Green Mountains, which are primarily forested though offer breath-taking scenery from the well-maintained trails. Take a riverside stroll through historic villages, walk through forest and open hillsides past maple-sugaring areas, and to classic Vermont covered bridges.

You'll spot a variety of birds and other wildlife as you hike a section of the famous 'Long Trail' which stretches nearly 300 miles from Massachusetts to Canada. Please note: some sections of this walk require scrambling over exposed granite to reach the summit of Mt. Abraham. This is a challenging walk which isn't possible to complete in bad weather; in this case, take a day to relax at your inn or explore the local village along shorter paths.

You'll stay in fantastic, traditional inns, full of New England charm and warm hospitality. Many are historical houses, surrounded by farmland or gardens and tranquil ponds, serving hearty country breakfasts.

Add extra nights in Burlington, a small yet diverse lakefront city surrounded by scenic beauty, arts, and culture. Lake Champlain acts as the city's centrepiece where you can hop on a boat tour, go fishing, cycle along the shore's bike path, or simply enjoy the views from the marina. Don't forget to sample the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream which originated in Burlington in 1978!

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the quintessential New England charm of small-town America
Journey through the famous Green Mountains and along the renowned 'Long Trail'
A unique adventure to idyllic farms, historic villages, and classic Vermont covered bridges
Explore the vibrant and artistic city of Burlington, perched on the shores of Lake Champlain

What's Included

6 nights accommodation in high quality New England Inns
All breakfasts & walk day lunches
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Headwater navigation app
Luggage transfers between hotels
All lodging taxes and gratuities
Luggage transfers between hotels & car transfers as per itinerary
Transfer from first hotel in Burlington to first walking inn in Waterbury & from last hotel in Warren to Burlington Airport

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Dinners

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Day 2

3 km / 1.9 miles

Day 3

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 4

9 km / 5.6 miles

Day 5

9 km / 5.6 miles

Day 6

12 km / 7.5 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

After arriving in Burlington, take a local taxi to the beautiful Essex Culinary Resort & Spa (approx. 20mins). Once you’ve settled in, take advantage of the in-house spa or even one of their popular cooking classes. Enjoy your evening meal at one of the hotels two restaurants – The Tavern, a local take on pub fare or The Junction, a luxurious yet laid-back restaurant.

Overnight The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa, Burlington.

Enjoy a leisurely morning or explore some of Burlington before transferring to your next accommodation in Waterbury (approx. 30mins).

Take a gentle riverside walk which loops through the historic village of Waterbury, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. There are several restaurants and taverns just a short walk from your accommodation to choose from for your evening meal.

Overnight Old Stagecoach Inn, Waterbury.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a short transfer to the starting point of your walk where you’ll walk from the lovely hills of South Duxbury, along farm roads and seldom-used trails. Descend into Fayston through forest and open hillsides where you’ll see evidence of maple-sugaring and pass a swimming pond – a great place to stop for lunch. Continue along hilly country roads before reaching the peaceful Yellow Farmhouse Inn on the outskirts of Waitsfield.

Overnight Yellow Farmhouse Inn, Waitsfield.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave your inn and head directly for the historic village of Waitsfield where you’ll find an abundance of shops, a local food tasting store, a classic Vermont covered bridge, a brewery, and riverside park if you want to stop for a swim. As you leave the village walking up the side of the valley, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of the Green Mountains. Make your way back down to the valley floor and proceed to Hyde Away Inn.

Overnight Hyde Away Inn, Mad River Valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your walk with a gradual ascent into the wooded hills separating the towns of Waitsfield and Warren after crossing a wooden footbridge over the Mill Brook. You’ll journey along quiet, shaded paths that are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. After emerging from the forest, it’s a short road walk in the shadow of the mountains before arriving at your next inn where you’ll spend two nights.

Overnight West Hill House, Warren.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

A short transfer will take you up the Lincoln Gap where you’ll hike a section of Vermont’s famous long trail which stretches nearly 300 miles from Massachusetts to Canada. Pre-dating the Appalachian Trail, this is one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in the US, and one of the most challenging. Some sections require scrambling over exposed granite where you’ll emerge above the treeline and reach the summit of Mt. Abraham, offering 360 views as far as New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the expansive Lake Champlain. Descend via Mt. Lincoln and the top of Sugarbush ski resort before returning to your accommodation.

Please note, this walk is challenging, and therefore optional – it may also be difficult to complete in bad weather. You may choose to relax in the comfort of your accommodation or enjoy exploring the village.

Overnight West Hill House, Warren.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a lovely breakfast at your inn, you’ll be transferred back to Burlington airport for your flight home or to enjoy extra nights in this lovely city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

USA

Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.

Vaccination

USA

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa, Burlington

Situated on 18 acres of Vermont countryside, this culinary centred resort offers each guest an exceptional stay in comfortable rooms. Dine at one of their two onsite restaurants – The Tavern, a local take on pub fare or The Junction, a luxurious yet laid-back restaurant. You can even book a cooking class, taught by culinary experts behind their Junction Restaurant. When you’re not enjoying the food, relax at the spa with an outdoor and indoor pool, hot tub and gym.

Old Stagecoach Inn, Waterbury

Originally built in 1826, this historic inn is in downtown Waterbury and boasts traditional New England hospitality. Formerly a tavern, stagecoach stop and private residence, the house is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Within walking distance of many local restaurants and shops, this beautiful inn offers a relaxing stay with an extravagant full country breakfast, in addition to a cosy library bar and fireside parlour.

Yellow Farmhouse Inn, Waitsfield

Set on a former 550-acre dairy farm and tavern, the original building dates back to 1850. This beautiful inn has just 7 rooms with an adjoining 10-acre hobby farm from which their exceptional produce comes from including eggs and herbs featured in their delicious breakfasts. The rooms are calming and comfortable, as is the library where guests can enjoy reading or playing board games and puzzles. The light-filled indoor dining area has stunning views of the surrounding gardens and horse pasture.

Hyde Away Inn, Mad River Valley

Nestled in the Mad River Valley, this historic inn & tavern first opened in 1949 and has since been a haven to enjoy good food and a comfortable stay. The restaurant offers fresh produce from local farmers alongside a great wine list and micro-brews. The rooms are comfortable and casual, serviced by an exceptional hospitality team.

West Hill House, Warren

Located in the Green Mountains of Vermont surrounded by gardens and ponds, this inn offers the quintessential New England experience. With just nine guest rooms, you can expect comfort and tranquillity in addition to a 3 course breakfast and home-baked goods each day. Enjoy Vermont beers and wines at their unique Quaich Single Malt Scotch bar or relax in ‘The Commons’, three spacious rooms with playing games, reading chairs, and warm fireplaces. There are many restaurants and shops to explore nearby, you can also rent bikes or kayaks in the town centre.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability