Nothing compares to watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate Vermont’s Green Mountains or ending your day with a spectacular sunset from a mountain summit.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a weekend adventurer, the Best Sunrise and Sunset Hikes in Vermont offer breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
From iconic peaks to hidden gems, this guide highlights the most rewarding Scenic hikes in Vermont where you can enjoy panoramic views, vibrant skies, and the natural beauty that makes the Green Mountain State a top hiking destination.
Many of these routes are recommended by the Green Mountain Club, Vermont’s leading hiking organization.
Why Choose Sunrise and Sunset Hikes in Vermont?
Vermont’s mountains provide ideal vantage points thanks to their open ridgelines, fire towers, and expansive summit views. Early morning hikes reward you with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and peaceful surroundings, while sunset hikes paint the landscape with shades of gold, orange, and purple.
Whether you’re exploring Green Mountain hiking trails or hiking along the famous Long Trail, every season offers incredible opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure.
Best Sunrise Hikes in Vermont
1. Mount Mansfield
As Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield delivers one of the state’s most spectacular sunrises. The summit offers nearly 360-degree views over the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and even the Adirondacks on clear mornings.
Highlights
- Highest mountain in Vermont
- Incredible alpine scenery
- Perfect for experienced hikers
- Excellent photography location
If you’re asking What are the best sunrise hikes in Vermont?, Mount Mansfield is consistently among the top choices.
2. Bald Mountain (Westmore)
One of the most recommended sunrise destinations is Bald Mountain, featuring a historic fire tower with sweeping views over Lake Willoughby and the Northeast Kingdom.
Trail Details
- Moderate difficulty
- Approximately 4.2 miles round trip
- Fire tower summit
- Ideal for sunrise photography
The Green Mountain Club specifically recommends Bald Mountain for sunrise hikes because of its elevated panoramic viewpoint.
3. Bromley Mountain
Bromley Mountain’s open ski slopes provide unobstructed eastern views, making it one of Vermont’s premier sunrise locations.
Why Visit
- Open summit
- Moderate hike
- Beautiful early morning colors
- Ideal during summer and fall
The mountain’s grassy summit creates an ideal place to relax while watching the sunrise over southern Vermont.
4. Skyline Lodge Trail
For hikers seeking a quieter experience, Skyline Lodge offers peaceful sunrise views overlooking Skylight Pond.
You’ll enjoy:
- Forest hiking
- Mountain reflections
- Wildlife sightings
- Tranquil atmosphere
This trail is another Green Mountain Club favorite for sunrise adventures.
Best Sunset Hikes in Vermont
1. Mount Philo
Mount Philo is widely regarded as one of the easiest places to enjoy a memorable Vermont sunset.
Why it’s popular
- Short hike
- Family-friendly
- Overlooks Lake Champlain
- Spectacular western sunset views
For visitors staying near Burlington, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Best sunset hikes in Vermont.
2. Camel’s Hump
Camel’s Hump rewards hikers with panoramic summit views that become especially beautiful as the sun sets over Vermont’s rolling mountains.
Highlights
- Iconic Vermont peak
- Stunning ridgeline
- Challenging hike
- Incredible golden-hour photography
3. Mount Abraham
Mount Abraham features one of Vermont’s largest alpine zones and offers exceptional sunset views across the Green Mountains.
Expect:
- Open summit
- Alpine vegetation
- Wide panoramic vistas
- Excellent evening light
The Green Mountain Club lists Mount Abraham among its top challenging day hikes in Vermont.
4. Sterling Pond Trail
Located near Stowe, Sterling Pond combines an easy-to-moderate hike with beautiful sunset reflections over the pond and surrounding mountains.
This trail is frequently recommended as an excellent early-season evening hike.
Where to Watch the Sunrise in Vermont
If you’re wondering where to watch the sunrise in Vermont, these locations provide some of the best experiences:
- Mount Mansfield
- Bald Mountain
- Bromley Mountain
- Skyline Lodge
- Puffer Shelter
- Theron Dean Shelter
These destinations offer elevated viewpoints with unobstructed eastern horizons, making them perfect for sunrise enthusiasts. Several are featured by the Green Mountain Club as premier sunrise locations.
Which Vermont Hike Has the Best Sunset Views?
If someone asks Which Vermont hike has the best sunset views?, these trails consistently rank among the favorites:
- Mount Philo
- Camel’s Hump
- Mount Abraham
- Sterling Pond
- Stratton Mountain
- Killington Summit
Each offers expansive western-facing vistas that showcase Vermont’s rolling mountains beneath colorful evening skies.
Hiking Safety Tips
Before heading out, remember to:
- Check the weather forecast.
- Begin sunrise hikes well before dawn.
- Carry a headlamp with extra batteries.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Pack extra layers since mountain temperatures are cooler.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Let someone know your hiking plans.
The Green Mountain Club also recommends checking seasonal trail conditions, especially during Vermont’s mud season and after heavy rain.
Best Time to Experience Vermont Sunrise and Sunset Hikes
| Season | Why Visit |
| Spring | Blooming forests, waterfalls, cooler temperatures |
| Summer | Longer daylight hours and ideal hiking conditions |
| Fall | Brilliant foliage and colorful sunrises and sunsets |
| Winter | Snow-covered peaks for experienced hikers only |
Summer through fall remains the most popular hiking season in Vermont.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing the first light of day or ending your adventure beneath colorful evening skies, the Best Sunrise and Sunset Hikes in Vermont showcase everything that makes the Green Mountain State extraordinary.
From iconic peaks like Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump to quieter gems like Bald Mountain and Skyline Lodge, these Scenic hikes in Vermont provide unforgettable experiences for hikers of every skill level.
If you’re planning your next outdoor adventure, add these Green Mountain hiking trails to your bucket list and discover why Vermont remains one of New England’s premier hiking destinations.
FAQs
What is the best sunrise hike in Vermont?
Mount Mansfield is widely considered the best sunrise hike thanks to its elevation, expansive summit, and panoramic views. Bald Mountain and Bromley Mountain are also outstanding choices.
What are the best sunrise hikes in Vermont?
Top sunrise hikes include Mount Mansfield, Bald Mountain, Bromley Mountain, Skyline Lodge, and Puffer Shelter, all offering exceptional early morning views.
Which Vermont hike has the best sunset views?
Mount Philo is one of the best sunset hikes for its easy access and views over Lake Champlain. Camel’s Hump, Mount Abraham, and Sterling Pond are also excellent choices.
Where can I watch the sunrise in Vermont?
Popular sunrise locations include Mount Mansfield, Bald Mountain, Bromley Mountain, Skyline Lodge, and other scenic summits along the Long Trail and Green Mountains.
