Terrific Ideas for an Active Vermont Summer Vacation

You will love what Vermont has to offer.

Look no further than the Mad River Valley of Vermont for an active summer vacation sure to please all ages. The towns of Waitsfield and Warren have plenty of places to stay from charming inns to spacious condos that are often more affordable than during the winter ski season.  There are so many activities to choose from that will get you moving and enjoying this beautiful area of Vermont.  These are just some of my favorite adventures.

Day Hikes:

If you are in the mood for a quick hike, try Wu Ledges in Waitsfield. This is an easy one mile out and back trail that takes roughly an hour with a rewarding view when you reach the top of the ledges. Click here for directions; park in the second small lot on Hastings Road. The trail is well marked by yellow tags.

While you are in the area check out the Round Barn Farm on East Warren Road for a picture of an iconic barn. 

Hike and Swim:

If it’s a hot day throw on a bathing suit and try Warren Falls. It only takes a few minutes to walk out the trail to the falls where you have the option of taking a plunge in the pristine water.  There is a picnic table nearby if you decide to bring lunch with you.  The trailhead is easy to find from the parking lot on Route 100.

Rigorous Hike:

If you want a more serious hike, try Camels Hump, the third highest peak in Vermont.  Drive by Mad River Glen to the town of Huntington and you will find the Burrows trailhead off Camels Hump Road. It is 4.7 miles to the top of Camels Hump where you will be rewarded with a glorious view of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. It took us roughly 4 hours to hike up and down. To read about my experience hiking Camels Hump in early fall click here. 

Mountain Bike or SUP on a Lake:

Blueberry Lake in Warren is a peaceful place to stand-up paddle and the nearby trails have various levels for mountain biking.  I’m a beginner mountain biker so I stick to the Tootsie Roll trail which is just my speed.  Click here for further information about mountain biking on the Blueberry Lake trails.

Tube or Swim in the Mad River:

The Mad River winds its way through Warren and Waitsfield with numerous swimming holes to try out.  You can rent tubes to meander and enjoy the beauty of the river as you pass under covered bridges.  Clearwater Sports in downtown Waitsfield can set you up with everything you need for tubing or kayaking along the Mad River; they even have guided excursions.

Golf:

Sugarbush Resort Golf Club near the top of the ski resort access road is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed 18-hole course. On Friday nights Hogan’s Pub has live music and an outdoor deck overlooking the course and the green mountains. A perfect place for 9 and dine.

Buy Farm Products:

The Waitsfield Farmer’s Market is every Saturday morning on the Mad River Green in Waitsfield from 9 to 1 and runs from mid-May to early October. This is an extensive market with lots of kiosks offering local bounty and crafts.  

The Von Trapp Farm Store is a great place to pop in and buy their organic cheeses and all the fixings for a charcuterie board. Driving to their farm in Waitsfield offers a beautiful view of the farm and its fields.

Eat:

American Flatbread is located on Lareau Farm right off Route 100. This is a great place to kick back, grab a craft beer, sit by the outdoor firepits, and enjoy great pizza.

Hyde Away Inn and Restaurant– Try this good all-around restaurant in a cozy inn with something to please everyone.

Lunch at the Sweet Spot – Sit outside under the flowered covered pergola looking at the river view and covered bridge.

Decide if you like the Maple Creemees at The Village Grocery Store (4348 Main St, Waitsfield) where it’s serve yourself or the Canteen Creemee Company.

Helpful Info:

• If you are hiking in early June consider attaching a bear bell to your pack like this one from Amazon.  Bear sightings are not uncommon in the Green Mountains in spring/summer. A bell lets the bears know you are coming so as not to startle them unexpectedly. Also, remember to use bug spray.
• My favorite trail sneakers are made by Altra.
• Click here for fun upcoming events
• Sugarbush has a variety of lodging options and there are many inns in the area to choose from.
• Remember to click subscribe in the upper right-hand corner so you don’t miss any of my posts. I also welcome your feedback.