Hiking Southern Vermont

Nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains, Dorset and Manchester offer some of the best hiking in Southern Vermont. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk through the forest, a challenging climb to a mountain summit, or a scenic trek past historic quarries, this region has a trail for every level of hiker. Guests of The Barrows House and The Dorset Inn have the added advantage of direct access to several trails just steps from their accommodations.

Dorset Area Hikes (Closest to The Barrows House & The Dorset Inn)

  • Dorset Hollow Loop – A scenic six-mile loop along Upper and Lower Hollow Roads, perfect for a relaxed walk through historic Dorset landscapes.


    Gettysburg Quarry Hike – A moderate trail featuring an 800-foot ascent to a historic quarry with stunning valley views. A side trail leads to Art’s Bench, a perfect rest stop.

  • Lower Prince Quarry Trail – A short and easy hike (about 30 minutes) leading to the Lower Prince Quarry, a peaceful spot to explore Dorset’s rich marble quarrying history.

  • Gilbert’s Lookout & Owl’s Head – A 3.7-mile trail with rewarding views over the Dorset area, making it a great option for a short but scenic hike.

  • Dorset Peak Trail – A challenging hike to the summit of Dorset Peak, one of Vermont’s tallest mountains outside the Green Mountains, offering breathtaking views.

Manchester Area Hikes

  • Lye Brook Falls Trail – A 4.5-mile round-trip hike through the Green Mountain National Forest, leading to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls.

  • Prospect Rock Trail – A 3.1-mile hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views over Manchester and the Battenkill Valley.

  • Equinox Pond via Flatlander Pass – A peaceful 2.5-mile loop around Equinox Pond with serene views, ideal for an easy afternoon walk.

  • Bromley Mountain via Long Trail (Appalachian Trail) – A rewarding 5.7-mile hike up Bromley Mountain, offering incredible views and a ski-lodge-style summit shelter.

Additional Trails in the Region

  • Emerald Lake Trail (Dorset/Manchester Border) – A 1.5-mile trail that circles the stunning emerald-green waters of Emerald Lake State Park.

  • Styles Peak via Long Trail (Peru, VT) – A moderate 2.9-mile hike leading to a scenic summit with views across the Green Mountains.

  • Baker Peak via Griffith Lake Trail & Long Trail (Danby, VT) – An 8-mile hike leading to a rocky summit with sweeping views of the Taconic Range.

  • Merck Forest Trails (Rupert, VT) – A mix of forest and farmland hiking, featuring over 30 miles of trails across rolling hills and open meadows.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing stroll or an invigorating mountain trek, Dorset and Manchester offer some of Vermont’s most rewarding hikes, all within a short drive—or even walking distance—from The Inns of Dorset.