Vermont’s third-highest peak, Camel’s Hump (4,083 feet), is the most recognized in the state. Its isolated height and distinct shape make it recognizable from great distances, and its humped profile is featured on the Vermont state quarter.
This National Natural Landmark was one of the first stretches of the Long Trail built in the state, and Camel’s Hump remains the only undeveloped 4,000-footer in Vermont.
This windswept mountain summit is completely undeveloped and one of the best hikes in Vermont for peak baggers.
Quick Trail Details: Burrows Trail and Forest City Trail
Length: 5.3-mile loop
Difficulty: It’s a tough one
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 12,230 feet
Dogs: Yes. They must be leashed above the tree line
Cost: Free
Map: Camel’s Hump State Park
Directions to Trailhead on Camel’s Hump Road (Google Maps)
Trial guide (AllTrails)
The Camel’s Hump summit can be crowded with hikers on fair-weather days, so go for the far-reaching views, rare plants, and fun rock scrambles, but not necessarily for solitude.
I recommend getting to the trailhead early as both the Monroe and Burrows Trail parking lots will fill up by 9 am on nice days.
There are a few different ways to hike Camel’s Hump — approaching from the east side of the mountain in Duxbury and hiking a seven-mile loop that includes Monroe Trail, the Long Trail, and Dean Trail.
Approaching from the west in Huntington Center, you can hike Camel’s Hump as a 5.3-mile loop that includes Burrows, the Long Trail, and Forest City Trail.
The shortest route up Camel’s Hump is to go up and down Burrows Trail for a hike that totals 4.7 miles round trip.
Also Read: Plan a Fall Weekend Getaway in Jericho and Richmond, Vermont
The east and west trails up Camel’s Hump are included in my Vermont hiking guidebook:
Featured Read: AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont
Written by Tara Schatz and Jen Lamphere Roberts, this fully revised guide includes classic hikes such as Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and sections of the Long and Appalachian trails, along with new additions Raven Ridge, Killington Peak, Moose Bog, and more.
Whether you’re looking for an exploration of nature or to bag a 4,000-footer, AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont is indispensable.
Hiking Camel’s Hump from Huntington on Burrows Trail
A clear day on the summit of Camel’s Hump is a visual feast, with New Hampshire’s White Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks backing rows of the Green Mountains and the shining expanse of Lake Champlain. Whether it is sunny or not, be prepared for wind and cool temperatures.
The loop on the west side of Camel’s Hump provides a short, steep, and rocky ascent to the summit, followed by a scenic and scrambly descent via the Long Trail, then the gentle pitch of Forest City Trail.
Blue-blazed Burrows Trail starts as a gentle warm-up for the first mile, followed by a steeper grade, climbing rooty, rocky ledges. As you gain in elevation, you’ll notice the forest thinning out and the trees becoming progressively shorter.
At 2.1 miles, you’ll reach the Hut Clearing, a great spot for a snack and a water break before your final climb to the top. From this point, follow the Long Trail’s white blazes as you reach the treeline and the expansive views.
Leash your dog at this point as you head into the fragile alpine zone. Brutal winds and thin soils make this an inhospitable spot for plants, but if you look closely, you’ll see signs of life clinging to the rocks — grasslike sedges, lichen, and tiny flowers easily damaged by footsteps.
If the terrain is slick with heavy rain or ice, consider descending the way you climbed, as this next stretch of trail can be dangerous when wet. If conditions are dry, continue southbound on the Long Trail, following white blazes painted on the rocks.
For the next 1.4 miles, you’ll be scrambling slowly over boulders and ledges before entering the forest once again.
At 3.8 miles, the trail levels at Wind Gap. Pass the junction with Dean Gap on the left, and turn right onto Forest City Trail. Two hundred feet farther south on the Long Trail, on the other side of a small ravine, is Montclair Glen Lodge, an overnight shelter and several tent platforms maintained by the Green Mountain Club.
Once you hit Forest City, you’ll be treated to gentle grades for the next 1.3 miles. Turn right onto the Forest City-Burrows Connector trail, cross a wide footbridge, and return to Burrows trailhead.
Insider tip: Vermont is notorious for its spotty cell service, and GPS isn’t always reliable. We recommend purchasing a copy of the Delorme New Hampshire/Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer. This awesome atlas includes every road and trail in Vermont and is indispensable for exploring Vermont’s back roads and best-kept secrets!
Tips for Hiking Vermont’s High Peaks
This difficult hike is one of the most popular in Vermont, and it is well worth the effort. Give yourself about five to six hours to do the loop that includes Burrows, the Long Trail, and Forest City. Here are some additional tips to make your Camel’s Hump hike memorable for all the right reasons.
- This trail is closed during mud season. All of the trails on Camel’s Hump are closed from around early April, when the snow starts to melt, until Memorial Day. The trails are best hiked between Memorial Day and mid-October, and you may need Microspikes in October for better traction. Winter hiking is recommended only for experienced hikers.
- Hike Burrows Trail to Camel’s Hump on weekdays and start early. This is one of the most popular trails in Vermont. To avoid crowds, plan to start your trek early (7 am) or hike during the work week. It’s especially busy in early to mid-October during the fall foliage season.
- Use AllTrails+ to download your maps for offline use. Cell service is spotty up here, so if you’re using AllTrails for navigation, be sure to download your map before heading out. AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year and well worth the cost.
- Use trekking poles. When navigating steep trails like Burrows and the Long Trail, I highly recommend trekking poles to help you maintain stability and balance while reducing the load on your knees.
- Pack the ten essentials. Here’s an overview of the items you should bring with you on every hike. It’s often windy on the summit of Camel’s Hump, so be sure to pack layers!
- Pack out your trash. Like most trails in the Green Mountains, this route doesn’t have trash disposal, so remember that anything you bring up must come back down with you. Want to be a good trail ambassador? Bring a small garbage bag to clean up trash left by less thoughtful hikers.
- Pack plenty of water. Burrows Trail is a workout, and I’ve found that the best way to conquer it is by going slow and drinking lots of water. Expect to finish a whole bottle on the way up; I finished my first one before the one-mile mark.
- Bring bug spray! Hiking without bug spray in the summer is another great way to ruin a hike. Black flies love this area in June and early July, and then the mosquitoes come out!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.