The Green Mountain Valley has some spectacular hiking and walking trails for all experience levels. You’ll enjoy exquisite views of Vermont, our small towns and villages dotting the landscape. Stop in Rochester on your way to the trail for lunch “to go” and picnic on top of the world!

 

Click here to download a quick reference brochure for day hikes in the area.

 

 Hiking Hints

  • White 2” x 6” paint blazes mark the Appalachian and Long Trails (AT/LT). Other trails are marked with blue blazes. Cross-country ski trails are marked with blue diamonds and snowmobile trails with orange or green signs.
  • During any season beware of hypothermia, especially during wet weather. Learn the symptoms before you go hiking. Take plenty of clothing, even during the summer.
  • Pack out what you pack in! Please Leave No Trace and help keep our National Forest clean by carrying out your cans, bottles, wrappers and other trash.
  • Campfires are permitted, but if you have a small backpacking stove, please use it, especially at shelters or other frequently used camping areas. This minimizes the need to cut trees and reduces forest fire hazards.
  • Boil water taken from any stream or spring for at least 5 minutes before using it for cooking or drinking. A variety of pathogens can inhabit remote streams or spring water.
  • Take a map and compass with you. Topographic maps and more detailed trail maps are available at the Supervisor’s Office in Rutland, or Ranger District Offices in Manchester, Middlebury and Rochester, Vermont. Many local stores also have topographic maps available.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Be aware of the time of year in which you are hiking. During hunting season, wear highly visible clothing.
  • Use caution when hiking in wet, steep, or icy terrain. Proper foot gear is a must.
  • Unfortunately, cars parked at trail-heads are sometimes vandalized. We recommend you remove all valuables from the car. Also be aware that porcupines vandalize vehicles, chewing on wiring, hoses, belts, etc.
  • Please avoid blocking roads or gates with your vehicle.
  • Please observe trail closures posted to protect wildlife or to protect hikers from unsafe conditions
  • Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.

 

For more information about recreational opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest be sure to visit the Ranger Station just off Rt. 100 located about 4 miles north of the Rochester Town Center.

image001Rochester Ranger Station
Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont 

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Open Saturdays May 29th through October 9th

99 Ranger Road
Rochester, VT 05767

Phone: (802) 767 – 4261