While this spiffy corner of the US is known for its bustling cities and charming coastal towns, its hiking trails just might be one of the northeast’s most refreshing draws. I’ve lived in New York for nearly all of my life, and have spent my years in search of the best trails here and in the surrounding states, from New Hampshire to Maine, Pennsylvania, and of course, upstate New York.
Sure, it depends on what you’re looking for, but typically, the best hiking trails are the ones home to amazing views from tall peaks, moss-covered waterfalls, hidden picnic spots, and welcoming mountain terrain, tailored to your skill and endurance preference. Some can be used best for exercise; others, a nature-filled reset with much needed breaths of fresh air. Most, though, lend a reason to travel somewhere new—to get a glimpse of a storied New England town that might not have already been on your radar or see a fresh corner of your home state.
For over five years now, a secret-weapon tool that has helped me plan for trail travel is AllTrails—a website and mobile app for vetting real-time trail conditions and finding those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trailheads based on the kind of adventure I want to embark on. I’ve used it for finding the X-marks-the-spot swimming holes and hidden-treasure hikes on day trips when the weather calls for it. The many filters, from regions to activities, make it easy to tailor to your preferences and turn a standard walk into an adventure.
Below, I’ve curated seven essential trails worth traveling for this spring, summer, and fall, all with routes you can save to your phone via AllTrails. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a full weekend adventure, these northeast hikes provide the perfect refreshing escape. Read on for seven New England and mid-Atlantic trails worth planning a trip around.
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Camel’s Hump via Long Trail Loop, Vermont
Tucked inside Vermont’s famed and gorgeous Green Mountain National Forest, this seven-mile trail takes you to the summit of Camel’s Hump, and up to an elevation of 2,667 feet. A sight for sore eyes, this trail loop will bring you to panoramic peaks, with views that include Killington Peak, Mount Mansfield (to the north), and Mount Washington (to the east). According to Alltrails experts, on clear days, you can even see into Canada. Sunsets here are also talked about by many, especially because it reflects over Lake Champlain in the distance.
Where to stay near Camel’s Hump:
