Belvidere VermontHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Belvidere, Vermont.
1. Belvidere Mountain via Forester's Trail
SUMMIT WITH FIRE TOWER
Belvidere Mountain is a prominent peak in northern Vermont that offers a great hiking experience to a fire tower maintained by the Green Mountain Club. The trail is 4.6 miles round trip (2.3 miles each way) and is considered moderate to advanced in difficulty. From the tower, hikers can enjoy spectacular views that include the Green Mountains south to Camel's Hump, Big Jay and Jay Peak to the north, and on clear days, the White Mountains to the east.
2. Long Trail to Belvidere Mountain
CLASSIC VERMONT HIKING
The Long Trail provides access to the summit of Belvidere Mountain, offering hikers a quintessential Vermont hiking experience. This trail section is part of the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States and offers moderate to advanced hiking with varied terrain. Hikers are rewarded with outstanding views of northern Vermont from the fire tower at the summit, which stands at 3,360 feet elevation.
3. Frank Post Trail to Belvidere Mountain
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN ASCENT
The Frank Post Trail offers another route to the summit of Belvidere Mountain with its rich history and remarkable views. This moderate to advanced trail connects with the Forester's Trail and provides hikers with a journey through northern Vermont's diverse forest ecosystem. The trail leads to the fire tower summit where hikers can see the interesting landscape that includes an inactive asbestos mine at the eastern base of the mountain, once an economic cornerstone of northern Vermont.
4. Lincoln Gap via Long Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN PASSAGE
Lincoln Gap via Long Trail is a 3.2-mile one-way hike in the Green Mountain National Forest near Belvidere. This trail offers a moderate challenge with significant elevation gain as it traverses through dense Vermont forest. Hikers are treated to spectacular views from multiple outlooks along the way, making it one of the best hikes in the area.
5. Kingdom Heritage Trail
WORKING FOREST EXPERIENCE
The Kingdom Heritage Trail offers an immersive 20-mile journey through a working forest from Island Pond to Lewis Pond Overlook in Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. This moderate to advanced trail, opened in 2019 after 20 years of collaboration, takes hikers across Bluff, Middle, and Gore Mountains. The trail is protected by easement as part of the conservation of 132,000 acres of forestland, offering a genuine Vermont wilderness experience.
6. Bluff Mountain Community Trail
ACCESSIBLE SUMMIT VIEWS
The Bluff Mountain Community Trail is a moderate 1.2-mile path that leads to a summit with impressive views of Burke Mountain and East Mountain. This accessible trail in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom offers a perfect day hike for those looking for a shorter but rewarding outdoor experience. The trail provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of northern Vermont without committing to a full-day excursion.
7. Jay Peak via Long Trail
RIGOROUS MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
Jay Peak via Long Trail presents a rigorous 1.7-mile climb to the summit with panoramic views of Champlain Valley, Quebec, and the Northeast Kingdom. This advanced trail tests hikers with steep sections and challenging terrain but compensates with some of the most breathtaking vistas in northern Vermont. For those seeking an alternative to hiking, the mountain also offers an aerial tram ride during summer months.
8. Belvidere Fire Tower Loop
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT
The Belvidere Fire Tower Loop is a hidden gem in Vermont that combines multiple trails for a comprehensive mountain experience. This moderate to advanced loop trail ranges from 4.9 to 8.8 miles depending on the chosen route and culminates at a fire tower with outstanding views. From this vantage point, hikers can see Camel's Hump, Big Jay, Jay Peak, and on clear days, into Canada and the White Mountains.
9. Lockwood Brook Trail
SERENE WOODLAND PATH
The Lockwood Brook Trail crosses through beautiful Vermont woodland on the approach to Belvidere Mountain. This moderate trail features several stream crossings including the larger Lockwood Brook, offering natural beauty and the soothing sounds of running water. The path eventually connects with other trails in the network, making it a versatile option for hikers exploring the Belvidere area.
10. Belvidere Saddle via Long Trail
MOUNTAIN RIDGE JOURNEY
Belvidere Saddle via Long Trail offers hikers a journey to a significant trail junction in the northern Green Mountains. This moderate trail section leads to Belvidere Saddle, where multiple trails converge including the historic Long Trail and the Forester's Trail. From the saddle, hikers can either continue to the Belvidere Mountain summit or explore other trail options, making it a strategic point for planning longer hikes in the region.