Backroads | Vermont Walking

Vermont Walking

In Vermont, country lanes lend themselves brilliantly to easygoing ambles, and charming inns extend warm welcomes. With its classic villages, unspoiled landscapes and enduring hospitality, Vermont in the fall lives up to its star billing. Visit early, when the palette is glorious emerald with a splatter of bronze and gold. Or wait until the canopy glows like a sunburst. Either way, a ramble through this landscape is an experience not to be missed.

Day 1 Montpelier

Meet in Burlington Shuttle to Montpelier, stopping en route for a leisurely walk in Mount Mansfield State Forest, past weathered stone walls, orchards and stands of birch, maple and pine.

Days 2-3 Stowe

Meander through picturesque Stowe, with its charming steepled churches and covered bridges Hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield for spectacular views from the highest point in Vermont Visit a local glass-blowing studio Traverse open meadows and woodland trails near the Trapp Family Lodge—the family settled here after fleeing Austria because it reminded them of their beloved homeland Stop in at Stowe’s most renowned and tasty landmark, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream parlor.

Days 4-6 East Burke

Shuttle to Craftsbury Common, a storybook New England village Join historian David Linck to explore old carriage roads surrounding the town, passing old farmhouses, wooded mountains and pastures Visit Willey’s, the largest general store in Vermont Follow country roads and forested pathways along the Kingdom Trails, a network of more than 100 miles of trails throughout the area Ascend to Pulpit Rock on Mount Pisgah for views of the surrounding hills and sparkling Lake Willoughby.

NEW ENGLAND CHARM : Casual Inns

Inn at Montpelier (1 night): Set in the heart of the historic district, this 19th-century manor features antique-filled guest rooms and a grand wraparound porch complete with inviting Adirondack chairs.

Green Mountain Inn (2 nights): Built as a private residence in 1833 and now beautifully restored, this historic inn was once a stagecoach stop; amenities include a Jacuzzi and sauna.

Inn at Mountain View Farm (2 nights): This landmark farm estate—the finest example of classic barn architecture in Vermont—offers guest rooms adorned with country antiques, four-poster beds and handmade quilts.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

Level 1 2 Route Options Available
3, 3.5 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 2

Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
5, 5.5 miles
0 - 2000 feet elevation gain

Day 3

Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
3, 6 miles
500 - 1500 feet elevation gain

Day 4

Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
5.5 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
3, 4.5, 6 miles
500 - 1000 feet elevation gain

Day 6

Level 1 1 Route Option Available
2 miles
0 - 500 feet elevation gain

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level	Average Time	Average Distance
		Biking	Walking & Hiking
Level 1	2-3 hours	10-20 mile	2-5 miles
Level 2	2-4 hours	21-30 miles	5-7 miles
Level 3	3-5 hours	31-40 miles	7-9 miles
Level 4	4-6 hours	41-55 miles	9-11 miles
Level 5	5-7+ hours	56-75+ miles	11-13+ miles

2008 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Trip praise

One of the greatest experiences of our lives. It took the beauty of Vermont coupled with the sensitivity, experience and the loving hearts of our leaders to make it happen. The group had great chemistry. We will cherish every memory.

Don A. - San Jose, CA