There are few better ways to experience the wonders of nature than to go for a walk in the woods. It’s a way to simplify your day, connect with the Earth, get some exercise and have some fun.

In northern Vermont, there are boundless opportunities to get out on a trail, away from the cacophony of civilization, and breathe in the enchanting landscapes of the Green Mountains. On the way, you’ll witness a wild diversity of flora and fauna, purling rivers and streams, plummeting waterfalls and majestic mountaintop vistas.

It’s good for the mind, body and soul, it’s virtually free of cost, and it’s all right outside your door.

The pages that follow provide a panoramic view of hiking culture in the greater Lamoille area. Be sure to use caution during this year’s heavy rains.

—Matt Kanner

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The Winooski River’s 15-mile journey through the heart of the Green Mountains is spectacularly scenic. Dark, stony cliffs and sharp, evergreen…

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There is nothing like a day hiking in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The intrinsic beauty of our little corner of the world begs to be explor…

editor's pick
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Hopefully the rain will eventually stop so we can begin to enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Time to load up the PowerBars, energy drinks …

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As part of Stowe Mountain Resort’s snowmaking system upgrade this summer, many areas have been marked and designated as construction sites. Th…

Careful treading over roots and mossy limbs, they could be wet.

Careful treading over roots and mossy limbs, they could be wet.

Kevin and Jill Wells (left) enjoy the scenic view from atop Camel’s Hump with friends Evelyn and Will Wetzel last fall after an arduous climb to the peak.

Kevin and Jill Wells (left) enjoy the scenic view from atop Camel’s Hump with friends Evelyn and Will Wetzel last fall after an arduous climb to the peak.

A marker at the summit of Camel’s Hump, proving that Jill Wells did, in fact, make it to the top.

A marker at the summit of Camel’s Hump, proving that Jill Wells did, in fact, make it to the top.

Jill D. Wells The Stowe Reporter.

Jill D. Wells The Stowe Reporter.

A spiritual guide to  Hunger Mountain.

A spiritual guide to Hunger Mountain.

Will Wiquist, executive director of the Green Mountain Club, right, and Matt Wels backcountry builder for the club, look over plans for the new Winooski River bridge.

Will Wiquist, executive director of the Green Mountain Club, right, and Matt Wels backcountry builder for the club, look over plans for the new Winooski River bridge.

The resulting structure will be a 224-foot suspension bridge, the longest bridge on the Long Trail.

The resulting structure will be a 224-foot suspension bridge, the longest bridge on the Long Trail.

The stretch of water where the bridge will be built.

The stretch of water where the bridge will be built.

Hiking camel back can prevent Dehydration, a big issue.

Hiking camel back can prevent Dehydration, a big issue.

Hikers should bring a packable wind and rain resistant jacket to be prepared for weather changes.

Hikers should bring a packable wind and rain resistant jacket to be prepared for weather changes.

Wearing boots with good traction is especially important in wet conditions, when stones and roots can be slick.

Wearing boots with good traction is especially important in wet conditions, when stones and roots can be slick.

Toasted cashews with dried white figs and apricots.

Toasted cashews with dried white figs and apricots.

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Dried apricots close up. Healthy life concept.

Fresh fruit with ginger and lime.

Fresh fruit with ginger and lime.

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For the day hike, I love food packed with healthy energy that my body can use right away and not during recovery a day or two later.

For the day hike, I love food packed with healthy energy that my body can use right away and not during recovery a day or two later.

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A sandwich is all about the quality of the ingredients.

A sandwich is all about the quality of the ingredients.

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If you can get the baguette the day before, you’re in a really good place. 

Rigdeline Trail map.

Rigdeline Trail map.

Bingham falls trail.

Bingham falls trail.

3rd place

3rd place

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“After Rain” was taken while hiking Hunger Mountain in the fall of 2011. It was taken with an aperture of 4.0 with a shutter speed of 1/200, a…

Two dogs rest while hiking the aerobically challenging Whiteface Mountain Trail.

Two dogs rest while hiking the aerobically challenging Whiteface Mountain Trail.

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Stowe father and son hike across the Andes

Stowe father and son hike across the Andes

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Hiking the Long Trail today, a 272-mile thoroughfare through the Green Mountains.

Hiking the Long Trail today, a 272-mile thoroughfare through the Green Mountains.

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Sam von Trapp hiking in the mountains near Salzburg.

Sam von Trapp hiking in the mountains near Salzburg.

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Leland Gohl hiked up Mt. Mansfield May 12 and skied down Nosedive for what were probably the last tracks of the year.

Leland Gohl hiked up Mt. Mansfield May 12 and skied down Nosedive for what were probably the last tracks of the year.

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Rebekkah Mateyk, the new director of Stowe Free Library, hiking near Lake Willoughby last month.

Rebekkah Mateyk, the new director of Stowe Free Library, hiking near Lake Willoughby last month.

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Tim Simard of Waterbury is the author of a new book, “Haunted Hikes of Vermont.”

Tim Simard of Waterbury is the author of a new book, “Haunted Hikes of Vermont.”

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Sterling Pond

Sterling Pond

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Sterling Pond is one local hiking destination. It sits between Spruce Peak and Smuggler's Notch and is the state's highest pond.

One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail

One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail

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One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail, Notchbrook Road, Stowe Vermont

One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail Property

One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail Property

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One Great Fall Hike on Mill Trail Property Notchbrook Road. Stowe, Vermont

Foliage vistas

Foliage vistas

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Stowe Hollow is at the foot of the lovely Worcester Range in Stowe, where many area hikes begin. Photo by Glenn Callahan

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