camel's hump

I hiked the Camel's Hump (on the Burrows Trail, which is about 4.5 miles long) last October, and though the weather conditions were far from ideal, I still had a great afternoon. The trail goes uphill at a fairly steep gradient for the vast majority of the hike. You are surrounded by dense forest for most of the time. It was raining sporadically on the day that I went and the weather got increasingly worse as I climbed higher (there was heavy hail near the top of the mountain, which made for a treacherous descent). Camel's Hump is the third-highest mountain in Vermont, and with the summit being at 4083 feet, you should be dressed for (and prepared to face) inclement conditions. Unfortunately, the heavy cloud cover and fog made it impossible to get a good view from the trail's end, but completing the hike was still a rewarding experience. I went at a brisk pace and the hike took me about an hour and 45 minutes total. However, if I went on a nice day, I would allow time to linger at the summit.

Quite a challenge to hike to the top, very vertical - enjoyable, beautiful. Snowshoes or spikes helpful in winter.

My daughter and I (ages 52 and23) did this challenging (for us newbies to hiking) loop day hike on a warm September weekday. We started at the Monroe trailhead, hiking up to Dean through Wind Gap, turning north on the Long Trail to the summit. We continued off the summit north to the clearing the picked up Monroe for the hike down. We did a short side trip on Alpine but decided not to go to the end, rather save it for another day. It was about three hours to the top with a couple breaks and photos, 50 minutes or so enjoying the summit and about two and a half hours down allowing for the side trip on Alpine and a slow descent for lots of photos. There were about 10 people, some of whom had leashed dogs, at the summit including a GMC staff person who was friendly and a wealth of information. We basically had the trails to ourselves most of the time, and they are very well marked. The most challenging section was the Long Trail approaching the summit as it was as expected, steep and long. The scramble above the treeline was fairly easy but we climbed on a dry day and didn't have to negotiate wet rock. The easiest way would be up and down Monroe. We loved the hike: the route we took was scenic and would be especially lovely during the height of the foliage season; there were few bugs; it was soooo quiet-we really could just enjoy the stillness; and for us it was a great workout. Definitely wear solid footwear and bring layers; we went from two shirts to a just a wicking t-shirt for the climb, then added a layer at the summit to keep from getting chilled in the sweaty Ts. Halfway down we again ditched the top layer to stay cool. Remember to sign in and out at the trailhead.

Great views during fall leaf season, tough hike for flatlanders. Popular with locals, lots of dogs make the hike too.

Path is well indicated and maintained. Must be in shape to hike up and down the rocky paths, however well worth it for the stunning views.

Great mountain to hike. Perfect in terms of duration, difficulty and view.Took the most popular Monroe Trail up. Broke off and took Alpine South bast the crash bomber and up the south side of the peak. This is a very different hike then straight up Monroe to Long Trail. Go up one, and down the other for both experiences. Wind is crazy at the top.. very exhilarating and breathtaking view. Almost 5 hours return trip with a couple of breaks along the way and at the top. Going down is just as difficult as up.

One of our favorites. A bit busy on the weekends. Try it during the week, or in the winter for less human traffic.

We parked off the dirt road to head up the Monroe Trail. Around 3+ miles is the distance up - good trail, mostly under cover of woods. You will cut left on the Long Trail for the final ascent to the views of the surrounding Green Mountains. Instead of doing an about face and heading back down the Monroe Trail, continue on the Long Trail after your time at the summit... if you then make a left onto the Alpine Trail, you will find plane wreckage from a B-24 bomber that crashed on a training run in 1944 prepping their airmen for World War II - 9 died on impact. Fascinating history for a walk in the woods. The trail keeps you mentally engaged at all times - solid workout!

This is a 2.3 mile hike that leads to an astounding view of Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. The hike itself is moderately difficult--and proper hydration is no joke. The 2 and a half hour forest walk is beautiful, but after awhile it gets a little repetitive. And, the trip down requires your tired body and wondering mind to maintain focus. But, whatever the beatific and strenuous hike itself lacks in pizazz, is overcome by the jaw dropping panoramic mountain-top vistas. If you go, you will be glad you did, but bring water and sunscreen, and have your favorite masseuse on call.

Plan on this being a full day, arrive early to avoid crowds and be sure to pack layers, the temps and weather change quickly! Well worth the time and effort to hike, the views at the top are stunning ... Bring a good camera and binoculars for the summit.

Great for fall, winter and summer hiking. Several routes to choose from. Wonderful views and beautiful rocky summit. Easy day hike. Start early to avoid crowded summit during peak hiking times.

We are a not unfit middle-aged couple with teen-aged daughters who decided to scale Camel's Hump as our first hiking trip. We expected a semi-strenuous walk, taking the "moderately" difficult Monroe trail, and were prepared with the basics (food, water, sun and bug protection, aspirin, comfortable shoes, extra sweatshirt) but were surprised by our overall lack of physical preparedness. We had a great time as a family taking frequent breaks and chatting with each other and fellow hikers, while laughing at the relative ease of children, dogs and even a pregnant woman in her third trimester who sailed past us! It took us 3 hours up where we enjoyed our picnic and amazing views. It was a much quicker and easier 2 hours down. No rests necessary. We remain quite sore the day after but we're glad we did it and would highly recommend to anyone willing to work hard for an awesome payoff!

It took us a while to get to the trailhead because we couldn't find the road to get across the Winooski River from Waterbury. Very easy to miss but it's Winooski Street from Main Street. Can't miss it (though apparently we did!) because you have to cross a green metal bridge. Anyhow, it was a pretty moderately difficult hike. Very rocky and steep in some areas. I was impressed with all the folks we met along the way who brought kids with them! The summit is stunning. There was a guide at the top overseeing the summit, to ensure we leashed our dog and to not trampled the sensitive vegetation. Can get pretty cold on top with the wind. We sat and had lunch at the summit. Took us about 5 hours roundtrip.

I would suggest taking Monroe Trail Head to Dean. Dean has better views. Monroe is mostly in the woods with not a whole lot to look at.

Great hike!! Took us 6 hours with a 6 year old and two twelve year olds- and well worth it. We went up Long Trail and down Burrows. Lots of fun. Well marked everywhere. Trails in great condition. We started early-ish (7:30am) in July. No bugs.NB watch out for road closures on the approach. Wasted time driving around these.