A perfect introduction for newcomers to Vermont who want to climb some mountains

The Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont is an excellent little book for anyone who’s in Vermont or going to Vermont and wants to get a taste of the hiking trails throughout the Green Mountains. Not written in as quite as much detail as Appalachian Mountain Club trail guides for the White Mountains next door in New Hampshire, the Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont does a respectable job of identifying and describing hikes up many of Vermont’s mountains.

In a short 91 pages, Jared Gange provides a quick, but thorough introduction to hiking in Vermont.

What You’ll Get In The Book

Gange starts with an introduction that goes over basic hiking concepts and some information particular to Vermont. Specifically, he gives some information on Vermont mountains, expected travel times when comparing mileages, a basic guide to hiking equipment, some guidelines for travel in Vermont’s mountains and information on the maps available in Vermont.

Following the introduction, Gange delves into the various areas of Vermont and the mountain hikes available in those regions. The areas that he covers include:

The Mount Mansfield Region
Mt Hunger and the Worcester Range
Camel’s Hump
Mad River Valley and Mt. Abraham
Middlebury and Brandon
Killington
Mt. Ascutney and Okemo
Manchester and Stratton Mountain
The Bennington aarea
Groton State Forest
The Northern Frontier
The Northeast Kingdom

Take it from someone who spent four years of college in Vermont, that just about covers any area of Vermont that you may find yourself in.

Each chapter focuses on a specific area. Mountains and trails are identified and several hikes are described for access to those mountain peaks. Simplified maps of each region are also provided in each chapter. These maps, while somewhat detailed, should be supplemented with either USGS maps or more detailed trail maps from the various trail organizations in Vermont. The descriptions of each trail are basic and straightforward. The go over the major trail intersections you will come across and the major hurdles on each trail. The descriptions are quite accurate (having hiked many of the trails described) and anyone should have no problem understanding and following the descriptions. In addition to the descriptions, mileages are given, as are directions to the trailhead from the nearest large town or highway.

Following the chapters on the various regions, Gange then provides information on Vermont’s Long Trail and the Catamount Ski Trail, both of which are long distance trails that travel throughout Vermont. Following on these quick reviews of the Long Trail and the Catamount Ski Trail, Gange provides information on the various state and federal agencies who manage forestland and trails in the state, places to obtain USGS maps in Vermont, information other maps available, a list of other guide books for Vermont and finally a list of hiking and trail organizations that are active in Vermont.

The book itself is quite small (it could probably fit in your back pocket) and is well suited to bring along on your hike.

Black and white photographs are included throughout the text, often of the various mountain peaks or of enjoyable areas along the various trails. Also included within the text as graphics are small advertisements. I’m guessing that since a small local press publishes this book, they use these advertisements to generate some additional revenue. The ads are non-intrusive and are hiking/outdoor related and can be useful to find resources throughout the area.

Who Should Get This?

New to the Vermont hiking scene and looking to climb some mountains? The Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont is a helpful introduction to the State. I picked up a copy soon after I first started college. I found that often, many trails and peaks throughout the state are hard to find (except for the major ones) and the Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont was a good resource for me to find those lesser known trails and peaks to explore.

Even if you have been to Vermont hiking before, the Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont will be a useful resource.

If you are looking for easy walks that don’t include climbing mountains, then you’re out of luck with this book. The Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont focuses solely on trails that run up Vermont peaks. These hikes are strenuous and only people in good physical shape should be attempting them.


So if you like hiking and want to start bagging some Vermont peaks, then the Hiker’s Guide To Mountains of Vermont is a great starting point.

Other Outdoor/Hiking/Camping Reviews

Magazines and Books
Backpacker Magazine / Outside Magazine / National Geographic Adventure / Hiker's Guide to the Mountains of Vermont / Hiking Guide to Mount Washington and Presidential Range / GPS Made Easy / AMC White Mountain Guide / Wilderness First Aid / Rescue from the Backcountry / Maine Mountain Guide / Day Hikes in Yosemite National Park

Destinations
White Mountain National Forest (NH) / Catskill Mountains (NY) / Acadia National Park (ME) / Bellayre Mountain (NY) / Hunter Mountain (NY) / Ski Windham (NY) / Burke Mountain (VT) / Catamount (MA) / Jiminy Peak (MA) / Whiteface Mountain/Lake Placid (NY) / Tuckerman Ravine (NH)

Retailers and Products
REI.com - Outdoor Gear / Dermatone Lip Pomade / Carmex Lip Balm / Kestrel 100 Wind Meter / Magellan GPS 315 / MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove / CamelBak StoAway Hydration Bladder / Petzl Tikka Headlamp / Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight Tent

Recommended: Yes