Vermont Hiking Season Is Open
Why Hill Farm Is the Best Base Camp in Southern Vermont
Mountain Views
Vermont's hiking season officially opened on May 22, 2026. The Green Mountain Club gave hikers the all-clear after a well-stewarded mud season. The trails are in great shape. The mountains are green. And if you're looking for a place to stay while you explore them, there is no better base camp in Southern Vermont than Hill Farm.
Here's everything you need to know to plan your hike and your stay.
Where can I hike near Hill Farm in Vermont?
Hill Farm sits in the Equinox Mountain Valley in Sunderland, Vermont, nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountain ranges. You are, quite literally, surrounded by trails the moment you arrive.
Equinox Mountain: Just down the road from Hill Farm, the trails up Equinox Mountain range from flat and accessible to a full summit hike with sweeping views of the valley below. There is something for every skill level.
Hildene: The Robert Todd Lincoln estate in nearby Manchester offers easy, scenic trails through historic grounds with mountain views, a great option for families or anyone who wants a gentler day outdoors.
The Long Trail and Green Mountain National Forest: Southern Vermont is threaded with access points to the Long Trail and the broader Green Mountain National Forest trail system. More than 600 miles of foot trails are now open for the season.
When does hiking season open in Vermont?
Vermont's hiking season officially begins each year around Memorial Day weekend, once the Green Mountain Club has assessed trail conditions following mud season. In 2026, the opening date was announced as May 22nd. The hiking community's tradition of staying off the trails during mud season keeps Vermont's trails in good shape for opening day.
The season runs through late October, with foliage hiking in September and October among the most sought-after experiences in all of New England.
What makes a great base camp for hiking in Southern Vermont?
The best base camp is one where you're fed well, rested deeply, and positioned to get back outside the next day. We think Hill Farm checks every box.
The accommodations: Eleven rooms and suites with en-suite bathrooms in the historic Main Inn and 1790 House, plus private cottages. Everything has been renovated, with a nod to preserving the original wood beams. Rooms are individually decorated for style and comfort.
The food: A complimentary farm-fresh breakfast is included with every stay. In the evening, The Restaurant at Hill Farm serves seasonal farm-to-table dinners Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations at the time of booking are recommended. The menu is built around what's growing in the on-site market garden. After a full day in the mountains, these are the mouthwatering small plates and entrees you crave!
The setting: From anywhere on the Hill Farm campus, you have unobstructed views of the Green Mountains. The Battenkill River runs through the property. There are fire pits, Adirondack chairs, a swimming pool, and lawn games.
Does Hill Farm have a hiking trail on the property?
Yes. Hill Farm is one of the only historic hotels in Southern Vermont with an on-property walking trail that guests can access directly from their rooms. Walk the river trail before breakfast. Come back for a farm-fresh breakfast in the Main Inn. That's a great way to start the day.
What else is there to do near Hill Farm besides hiking?
The short answer: a great deal.
Fly fishing: Hill Farm is an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge with over a mile of the Battenkill River running through the property. The Battenkill is one of the most storied trout rivers in the country. Guided experiences with Trico Unlimited, led by Brew Moscarello, an Orvis 2025 Guide of the Year finalist, are available for all skill levels. Five miles down the road is the Orvis flagship store in Manchester, the home of fly fishing in America.
Manchester, Vermont: A short drive from Hill Farm is Manchester, one of Southern Vermont's most vibrant small towns. Visit Northshire Bookstore, the American Fly Fishing Museum, great restaurants, craft shops, and outdoor outfitters, all within a few blocks.
The market garden: Hill Farm grows a variety of produce and flowers for The Restaurant at Hill Farm. Ask to walk the garden with our farmer. In late spring and summer, strawberries, tomatoes, herbs, edible flowers, and seasonal vegetables are growing just steps from your door.
Swimming and relaxing on campus: When the trail is done, and the muscles need a rest, Hill Farm has a pool, lawn games, and fire pits for the right kind of relaxing activity to ease into an evening watching the sun go down behind the mountains.
Plan Your Hiking Trip to Southern Vermont
Hill Farm is a half-day drive from New York City (200 miles) and Boston (160 miles). You can also fly or take an Amtrak train to Albany, New York. Hiking season runs from Memorial Day weekend through October. Summer and fall weekends book quickly; weekday stays are available.
Hill Farm is a resort property with a working farm in Sunderland, Vermont. It is listed on the Select Registry and is an Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge. Hill Farm offers accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and guided fly-fishing experiences on the Battenkill River.
