The Most Amazing Viewpoints in Vermont

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Vermont is a state that benefits from amazing viewpoints. In any season, seeing the landscape of Vermont from above is exquisite. Hiking trails to high points are an adventurous way to get some exercise with a reward on top. In this article, I share some of the overlooks in Vermont that totally affirm the beauty of the Green Mountain State.

I’ve grouped my favorite viewpoints of Vermont regionally. I describe one more challenging summit climb and one shorter hike for each region. For people who want an alternative to hiking, I’ve also noted which viewpoints are accessible by car.

Vermont Viewpoints in All Seasons

When is the best time to visit Vermont’s viewpoints? Most people will agree that the height of the fall foliage season is amazing. The view of a flaming forest of color from atop a peak is the reason both locals and tourists head up high in September and October. The trails will be crowded in the fall so hike early to get ahead of the leaf searching throng.

Spring brings mud season so the access roads to trailheads may be a quagmire. The trails may be muddy as well. Higher elevations will still have snow. Taking all that into account, it’s still a beautiful time to hike. The buds popping open, waves of migrating warblers, and spring wildflowers make this a great hiking season. You can even forage for wild edibles en route.

Hiking to viewpoints in the summer is pleasant. Climbing a peak for a summit lunch is fun for the whole family. Choose a day with moderate temperatures. Make sure you bring an extra layer because it’s chilly on top. Since storms move it quickly, bring a rain jacket and turn back if lightning threatens. Bug spray is nice to have too.

Winter is one of my favorite times to scale a peak for a view. The crowds are gone and it’s just the chickadees keeping you company. Make sure you have brushed up on your winter hiking skills before you go. Equipment you will need besides layers of warm clothing are microspikes or snowshoes depending on the snow depth. Trekking poles help in the winter to get up and down icy trail sections.

Outdoor Pro Tip: Not only do hiking poles reduce stress on knees and hips, but they also help with balance. For icy conditions, stream crossings, and rock-strewn trails, trekking poles are essential. They also help going uphill as you can develop a rhythm with the poles that allows a micro rest on each step. However, hiking poles are not necessary for every hike. Leave them home for easy hikes. Attach them to your backpack and use your natural balance when scrambling on boulders or cliffs. If you want to invest in trekking poles, look for adjustability, lightweight, and foam grips. I’ve used my Black Diamond trekking poles on climbs ranging from Kilimanjaro to the Italian Alps to winter ascents in North America.

Viewpoints in Southwest Vermont

Mt. Equinox

Mt. Equinox in Bennington county is the highest mountain in the Taconic Range. It’s also the highest mountain in Vermont with a toll road. The name for the mountain may come from a derivation of the Native American name, “Akwanok” or “Ekwanok”, which means the very top of a place.

The hiking trail to the summit starts at the back of the Equinox Hotel in Manchester Village. Start on the Red Gate trail until it joins the Blue Summit Trail to the top. The 6.5 out and back hike is very continuously steep and arduous. I climbed it in November and there was some ice on the trail at higher altitude. The hike offers a good workout as the trail winds through several ecosystems. There is a marked spur trail to a spring if you need to resupply water. It’s a great feeling when you reach the top via your own power.

If you want don’t want to use your own power, you can find the Skyline Drive at the tollhouse on Route 7A in Sunderland. It’s a little over 5 miles to the parking lot on top. The toll road is open roughly from Memorial Day to November. The toll is $20 for a car and driver with $5 extra for each passenger.

Even if you drive to the summit, you can hike out to Lookout Rock. The half-mile out and back trail leads to a breathtaking view of the Valley of Vermont that runs all the way to Rutland.

Prospect Rock

For an easier hike to a viewpoint in Southeast Vermont, try Prospect Rock. The 3.1 mile out and back trail follows an old jeep road so it’s wide enough to walk with a friend–either regular or furry. We saw families with kids enjoying the hike too.

The trailhead is at the end of Rootville Road in Manchester. Park along the road near the water tank. The first mile is continuous uphill and then it gets more gradual. Look for waterfalls on the right side of the trail. There is a beautiful flume waterfall that’s worth a closer look.

The side spur trail to Prospect Rock is on the right at the intersection with the white-blazed Appalachian/Long Trail. Some hikers do miss the turn, so keep on eye out for it. The panoramic views over the valley and the town of Manchester are framed on the other side by Mount Equinox. The overlook is definitely worth the hike up.

Viewpoints in Southeast Vermont

Mount Ascutney

The Abenaki name for the mountain is Kaskadenak (pronounced: Cas-Cad-Nac), which means “mountain of the rocky summit” or “wide mountain”. An attempt supported by local indigenous tribes to rename the mountain Mount Kaskadenak was overturned in 2018. Ski trails from the former Ascutney Mountain Resort that closed in 2010 can still be seen. When it was open I remember some wild times skiing on the iciest ski trails in New England.

There are four main trails to the summit. There are also trails on the summit to explore and find the perfect viewpoint. A sweeping view of the Connecticut River Valley and north to Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield is the reward for climbing Mount Ascutney.

The Weathersfield Trail is well used in the winter. Winter hikers use snowshoes to reach the summit after 2.9 miles. Watch for Little Cascade Falls along the trail.

To experience two sides of the mountain, do a loop on the Brownsville and Windsor trails. Ascend on the Brownsville Trail to the summit. It will join with the Windsor trail near the top. After soaking in the views, descend the way you came until you reach a junction. Continue to follow the Windsor trail down to the trailhead. Since the trailheads of the trails are about 1 mile apart on Route 44A and Route 44, either spot a car or take the pleasing walk along the road to your car. You can admire the mountain along the way. The whole loop is 6.9 miles including the road walk.

Nearby Mount Ascutney State Park has tent and RV campsites spread out through the woods. The Futures Trail begins at the campground and reaches the summit after 4.6 miles of hiking.

Mount Ascutney summit trails

The alternative of driving the toll road to the top can be enjoyed if you want a short hike. The toll road costs $4 for adults, $2 for kids. There are plenty of trails to explore on the summit. By using the 1.7-mile loop hiking trail on the top of Mt. Ascutney, you pass the observation tower, launching areas for hang gliding, and the sweet view from West Peak.

Hogback Mountain

The view from the top of Hogback Mountain is said to extend 100 miles. On a clear day, you can see three states. Mount Monadnock dominates the eastern view. To the south, the Holyoke Range is on the distant skyline. If you are curious about viewpoints in Massachusetts, click over to this post.

The Most Amazing Viewpoints in Western Massachusetts

You can drive to the Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook. It’s right off the road along Route 9 between Brattleboro and Bennington. There is plenty of parking, a country store, and usually loads of people admiring the view.

If you want to hike from the scenic overlook, there are a number of trails. The Hogback Mountain loop is 2.6 miles. While the best views are at the parking areas, hiking up Hogback Mountain is a fun adventure.

Viewpoints in Central Vermont

Mount Mansfield

The spine of the Green Mountains running the length of Vermont yields numerous viewpoints. Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont at 4393 feet, is the centerpiece.

A number of trails will bring you to the different high points on Mansfield. A map of trails is here. The viewpoints are named after head parts–Chin, the Adams Apple, the Nose, and the Forehead. If you look at the Mt. Mansfield ridgeline, you will understand why they are so named.

Many hikers will choose the Long Trail to reach the summit in a 4.8-mile out-and-back climb. The trailhead is located on Route 108 north of the Stowe Mountain Resort.

I like the slightly less traveled Sunset Ridge Trail that starts from Underhill State Park on the other side of the mountain from Stowe. This popular trail that takes you directly to the Chin, the true summit. It’s a strenuous hike up the prominent west ridge of Mt. Mansfield but the views on top are 360 degrees of gorgeous. The estimated 6.5-mile up-and-back follows the CCC Road up to the trailhead sign for Sunset Ridge. If you want to save your knees, don’t be tempted to descend on the Laura Cowles Trail–it’s way too steep. Even so, don’t forget your hiking poles for the descent.

The view from Mount Mansfield is other worldly on a clear day. You can see the major mountain ranges in Vermont and the surrounding states and Canada. There is fragile alpine terrain that is quite rare in New England. Humans and dogs fastidiously staying on the trails will protect it.

People with mobility challenges are still able to see the beauty of a Mount Mansfield summit. A drive up the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road gets you near the summit with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It’s $25 per car plus $9 for each passenger. You can also take the Stowe Gondola Skyride at $28 adults/ $19 kids. Both are seasonal so check before you go.

Stowe Pinnacle

For a bit easier hike than Mount Mansfield, visit Stowe Pinnacle. The 3.7- mile out and back hike is steep in places, however stone steps help with the elevation gain. It’s particularly busy in the fall, for good reason. Fall foliage is second to none up high above the iconic town of Stowe.

Views from Stowe Pinnacle encompass the Lamoille Valley, Mount Mansfield, and Camel’s Hump. You might get to see Baylor and Sampson, known locally as the Stowe Pinnacle dogs. They are frequent visitors to the lookout. The trailhead for this viewpoint hike is on Upper Hollow Road.

For more ideas of outdoor adventures in Stowe, visit my post on

4 Outdoor Adventures in Stowe, Vermont You Will Love

Viewpoints in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

Mount Pisgah

If you are looking for a lofty view of the whole Willoughby Gap, Mount Pisgah near Westmore is the peak to climb. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Vermont. I discovered why when I hiked the four-mile out-and-back South Trail to the Mount Pisgah summit. The trailhead is located off Route 5a just before you get to the lake. There is parking on both sides of the road.

The trail is consistently steep. However, the trail is well maintained with rock stairs in many places to ease ascent and descent. Even so, I was very happy to have my hiking poles to save my knees.

The hike up the South Trail runs along the west-facing cliffs of Mount Pisgah. Your first stop at Pulpit Rock gives the first unobstructed views of Lake Willoughby and Mount Hor. The cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor frame the Willoughby Gap, a magnificent natural feature that can be seen from many highpoints in the Northeast Kingdom.

The summit is anti-climatic but, by continuing on the North Trail, you can visit the three lookouts. Each lookout has views of Wheeler Mountain, a classic climbing area in Vermont, plus the aqua blue splendor of Lake Willoughby, and the mountains of southern Quebec.

Burke Mountain

I found some amazing hiking trails atop Burke Mountain that wound around to unveil views of peaks as far away as the White Mountains and the Adirondacks.

The scenery on the Red Trail and the Profile Summit Trail was superb. The scratch-and-sniff smell of fir trees along the trail added to the magic. The Red Trail starts at the Burke Mountain Shelburne base lodge parking lot off Mountain Road. It’s about 3 miles to the summit.

Vermont’s classic toll roads show up again on Burke Mountain. For $5 a trip or $15 for unlimited trips, you can drive up to trails on top of Burke Mountain ski hill. The auto road to the summit was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935. Hikers can either hike or drive up this toll road to explore the ridgeline trails.

The trail system near the summit is part of Darling State Park. Find the summit trails at the back of the parking lot beyond the big ski lift on top. Take the Profile Trail around until you find the fire tower. You can climb the tower for views in all directions. Also, an ADA-accessible trail to a scenic vista starts from the upper parking lot.

Besides viewpoints, there are other thrilling outdoor adventures in the Northeast Kingdom. Hop over to this post to find out.

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Best Outdoor Adventures

Accommodation Recommendation: If you are staying overnight in the Northeast Kingdom I recommend this fabulous Air BnB. The Shelburne Suite is located close to the Kingdom Trails and the cycling epicenter of East Burke. Hosts Richard and Fran can direct you to all the exciting outdoor adventures in the Northeast Kingdom. Fran even makes homemade bread for their guests. I love it when AirBnB hosts pamper you with wonderful amenities. Fresh eggs, snacks, local beer craft beer, good coffee, and locally crafted soap were provided in the Shelburne Suite. What’s not to love? If you are new to Air BnB, use this link to get up to $65 off accommodations and experiences.

Viewpoints in Northwestern Vermont

Eagle Mountain

This gem of a tiny mountain is nestled near Lake Champlain in Milton. Eagle Mountain is a fun climb for the whole family. In season this area preserved by the Lake Champlain Land Trust has wildflowers galore.

To get to the viewpoint, follow signs for Hoyt Lookout. Here sweeping views of Lake Champlain are at your feet. You can continue on to the summit, but the best vista is the Hoyt Lookout.

There are two trailheads–one is off Cold Spring Road while the main parking area is off Henry Road. Here is the trail map.

Niquette Bay State Park

Niquette Bay State Park is a hidden gem tucked away on Malletts Bay in Colchester. Surely, you will want to visit the sandy beach when you hike in this state park. But there are also some incredible vistas on the Island View loop trail. The striking view of Mt. Mansfield on one side of the loop is matched in beauty by a glimpse of the Lake Champlain islands on the other side.

To get to the viewpoints, use the well-marked trails to navigate to the Island View loop trail. It’s easy enough to wander through all the wooded trails in an afternoon. Just don’t miss the Island View loop if you want superb views. The trail map is here.

If you are interested in 25 hikes close to Burlington, visit my post on

Day Hikes in Northern Vermont

Wrap up of Viewpoints in Vermont

It makes sense that a state that boasts the Green Mountains, the Taconic Mountains, and the Northeast Highlands would have many awesome viewpoints. I’ve given you a peek at the peaks with views that are my favorites. Have a great time exploring these. And leave your favorites in the comments.

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