Camels Hump (Monroe Trail)

Camel's Hump Trail is one of the best day hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest, along with being the third highest peak in the state. The summit offers unbeatable views in every direction, including Killington Peak. The trailhead can be accessed off of Camel’s Hump Road, where there is a small parking area for visitors. Users recommend arriving early in the warmer months and on weekends, since the road is not an option for parking.

For this out-and-back route,  start the hike on the Monroe Trail which is steep, but does include plenty of leveling off during the hike. From the Monroe Trail users will reach the Dean Trail intersection, at which point users have the option to turn left onto Dean Trail and then take the Long Trail up to the summit or continue straight on the Monroe Trail to the summit. If continuing straight on Monroe Trail, users will reach the hut clearing at which point the Monroe Trail ends and becomes the Long Trail. It is then a short climb to the summit. 

The last part of the hike can become very steep and narrow. If afraid of heights this may not be the trail for shaky legs. But, the fear is worth it once reached the summit, as users have a 360-degree view of nearly every mountain range in the area. You will see Mount Mansfield to the north and Mount Washington to the east. On a clear day, you can even see Canada!

From the summit, take the Long Trail south back to the Monroe Trail. To enjoy the descent and get a pat on the back!

During the winter months the closest lot is not always open, so expect to park a little further from the starting point.