If you like to hike or walk, but don't want to be confined to a daily group schedule, a self-guided Vermont hiking vacation is ideal. Benefit from our 36 years of experience in searching out rewarding trails and fine Vermont country inns. These vacations represent the ultimate in adaptability to your specific wishes. The hikes are as many and as varied as you could possibly want. Hiking Vermont's Long Trail, a wilderness trail which conforms to the ridge line of the Green Mountains, is a popular feature for serious hikers. Nearby scenic trails and quiet country roads offer alternatives for casual hikers and those who prefer a walking trip. Hiking provides a special window on Vermont.

Below are a few popular combinations, but remember that all trips are custom-made for you; these are simply some of our guests' favorite itineraries. Trips of a few days to those lasting up to two weeks can be arranged.

Some Sample Vermont Hiking Itineraries

The Heart of Vermont

Explore waterfalls and hidden lakes and marvel at the panoramic views from atop Mt. Abraham or Camel's Hump. Wander through meadows reading poetry along the Robert Frost Trail. Hikes on this itinerary range from one to eleven miles. Stay at Fox Creek Inn, The Old Mill Inn, Churchill House Inn, and Mountain View Inn.

2012 package, 4 nights: $625 ppdo Summer, $725 Foliage.

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The Hiking Gourmet

Hike your choice of Vermont's trails near each inn by day, followed by evenings of epicurean delights. You'll stay at inns known for their innovative cuisine, at some inns enjoying a full-menu restaurant and at other inns a table d'hote dining experience. Stay at Crisanver House, Fox Creek Inn, Blueberry Hill Inn, and The Lilac Inn.

2012 package, 5 nights: $925 ppdo Summer, $1175 Foliage.

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The Vermont Fresh Tour

An itinerary which stays exclusively at inns that choose to support local, sustainable, and organic agriculture. Each inn is a participating member of the farmer-chef cooperative Vermont Fresh Network. Fine day hiking options whet your appetite for evenings of dining as a "localvore" (which is how Vermont spells the 2007 Oxford Word of the Year "locavore"). Stay at October Country Inn, Churchill House Inn, Lilac Inn, and the Inn at Baldwin Creek.

2012 package, 4 nights: $725 ppdo Summer, $825 Foliage.

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The Vermont Appalachian

Hike portions of the two oldest long distance hiking trails in the country, the Long Trail (1910) and Appalachian Trail (1937), which run concurrently in southern Vermont. Here the gently rounded Green Mountains provide a variety of moderate hiking and spectacular views. High peaks like Killington are an option for more experienced hikers. Hikes in the Appalachian itinerary range from five to eleven miles. Stay at Crisanver House and October Country Inn.

2012 Package, 3 nights: $575 ppdo Summer, $675 Foliage.

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The Vermont Green Hotel Door-To-Door Hike

This little two-night gem has the beauty of pairing the first two State of Vermont certified Green Hotels in our 20-inn network along with the idyllic 8 to 9 mile hike that connects them door-to-door. Simply hike between Blueberry Hill and Churchill House by foot in a leisurely day, and treasure the memory for a lifetime. This trip may be incorporated into any longer itinerary. A great taste of sustainable tourism.

2012 package, 2 nights: $310 ppdo Summer, $410 Foliage.

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Vermont Wine and Vermont Cheese

Incorporate this midweek itinerary into a longer trip or take it on its own. These two small inns do not lack for excitement: at the Old Mill, enjoy Vermont winemaking at the onsite Neshobe River Winery. At Trevin Farms, experience Vermont cheesemaking either hands-on or by demonstration as Mountain Chevre is created from the milk of the innkeepers' Nubian goats. Day hiking is a mix of National Forest and Champlain Basin paths, and the activities at the inns are designed to allow you adequate time on the trails.

2012 package, 2 nights (includes cheesemaking class):

$325 ppdo Summer, $375 Foliage.

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Vermont's Long Trail

Explore the length of Vermont with our original hiking program. Patterned after the hut-to-hut system in Europe, this trip allows point-to-point hiking along segments of Vermont's Long Trail, the country's oldest long-distance hiking trail. A shuttle allows you use of your car. Evenings will be spent among the following inns: Crisanver House, Fox Creek Inn, Churchill House Inn, Blueberry Hill Inn, Huntington House Inn , and Mountain View Inn.

2012 package 7 nights: $1195 ppdo Summer, $1425 Foliage.

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BACK IN 2012: No-car-required Self-Guided Inn to Inn

Through our partnership with a veteran local naturalist, we are pleased to offer a self-guided inn to inn trip where you don't need to to any driving at all. Our facilitator Bruce will design an itinerary for you, make inn reservations, pick you up at the airport or train station (or first inn if coming by car), shuttle you to trailheads, move your luggage to your next inn while you hike, and return you to the airport. In this trip, your cost is split: you pay the facilitator a fee of $120/person/day, and then pay for inns and meals as you go. Trip lengths of 3 - 6 days possible.

2012 sample package, 4 nights, 5 days: $1000 ppdo Summer.

To book this trip or request more information, please send us an email or choose "Custom Trip" from our reservation form and in the comments box, note "2012 No-car with Bruce".

All package prices are per person double occupancy (ppdo). A few summer weekend and all fall foliage trips may require two-night stays at some inns; please contact us for availability and pricing.

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