[quickdraw]

I've come to the conclusion that I enjoy nature walks in VT more than hiking.
I've been hiking around the state, I went up camel's hump yesterday, and it dawned on me that most hiking to at least middle elevations here is nothing but a series of rocks and tree roots. I don't really get to look around and enjoy the nature around me because my head is constantly down, analyzing rocks and high tree roots to see where my next step should be. I've done a lot of hiking in Colorado and Switzerland and have been able to look from side to side. Looking around from side to side here for more than a few seconds will result in a face-plant. The rocky trails also offer another challenge - rain.
It hasn't rained in a while here and there were still plenty of wet rocks up to Camel's Hump. Does anyone know of a nice trail with a rewarding view that is mostly dirt? Or is New England hiking mostly rock-hoppung. I enjoyed two things about my hike yesterday - arriving at the destination and arriving at parking lot.

[square peg]

If you don't mind hiking at ski areas there are usually service type roads zigzagging along the ski terrain. You'll always have a view!

[stevemorse]

go get a hiking guide thru the Adirondacks , take the ferry over the lake and hike till your hearts content. SOme of the best hiking in the world, take a nice day trip the Adirondacks are the place to HKE HIKE HIKE HIKE and HIKE!! I did it for a whole summer and fall, nothing beats the great North Woods. SOme are easy, some moderate, some killer. The payoff at the tops and the views are unsurpassable. The best part is you could be anywhere in Vt, just cross the lake and anywhere the hiking begins, hope on the trail have a nice lunch and enjoy the beauty of the great ADirondack Mountains. One beautiful hike, not hard great views is Heart Lake. GO GO GO>

[quickdraw]

Thanks Peg and Steve. I'll look into ski area trails.

Steve. Can you reccommend any trails with mostly dirt paths rather than rocks and roots? Maybe a hike with a view during the hike, not just at the top?

[RunawayJim]

Maybe it's just me, but whenever I go hiking, I never look side to side unless I'm stopped. Why would you not be looking where you're going while you're walking? That always has the possibility of a face plant.

[vter]

Try hiking to Silver Lake from Route 53/Lake Dunmore. It's basically an old road.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by RunawayJim

Maybe it's just me, but whenever I go hiking, I never look side to side unless I'm stopped. Why would you not be looking where you're going while you're walking? That always has the possibility of a face plant.

Well if you call it hiking, I just returned from walking the flume. It wasn't much of a hike, but the second half of that walk is a fairly unobstructed, flat dirt trail. I was able to look around and see the surroundings. I like the flume, spectacular scenery and low energy output.

[flu189]

Granted, Vermont for the most part is steep and rocky, but there are some very nice hiking trails which are less rigorous which allow for exploring decent destinations and views. As mentioned, old abandoned roads offer interesting excursions. There are several sources for hiking suggestions, such as the Green Mountain Club publications for day hikes and side trails to the Long/Appalachian Trail. The US Forest Service also provides trail information sheets on great day hikes within the Green Mountain National Forest. Also, check out the state forest and game management websites as those areas have great hiking opportunities.

[foxxtrot]

Most WMA have good VAST trails...check the state DNR page for WMA maps....more animals to see.

WEAR HUNTER ORANGE during SEPT - DECEMBER IN WMAs

I wouldn't want you to get shot by some Outta state M******* hunting deer after an all nighter beer binge with his buddies.

[GrnMtnFire]

Mt Philo....dirt and roads...short hike, but views are great....enjoy!