Plan an Incredible Backcountry Adventure with Vermont Huts & Trails
Note: Advertising is how we keep this site free for you to enjoy, and we earn a commission from affiliate links that may be included in this post. Thank you for supporting Vermont Explored!
Escape to Vermont’s backcountry without pitching your tent!
Imagine a robust trail system where you can hike, bike, or ski hut-to-hut across the Green Mountains, staying in rustic, off-grid shelters that offer just enough comfort to recharge and reconnect.
That’s the vision of Vermont Huts & Trails: a nonprofit dedicated to building the most expansive hut-supported trail network in the country, and it’s already well underway.
What is Vermont Huts & Trails?
Vermont Huts & Trails is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters a deeper appreciation of Vermont’s natural environment and supports the health of its communities through outdoor recreation.
By developing a growing network of public-access huts, VHT is removing barriers to backcountry experiences and helping all people, regardless of background, enjoy Vermont’s wild beauty.
Where to Stay: A Sampling of Backcountry Huts in Vermont
From remote cabins to trail-connected yurts and huts on working farms, the Vermont Huts network is growing steadily and offers a variety of options for every type of adventurer.
Here’s a closer look at some of the rustic huts available to book:
Chittenden Brook Hut (Green Mountain National Forest in Chittenden, Vermont)
- Sleeps: 10 | Dog-Friendly: Yes | Open Year-Round
- Ski or snowshoe in 2.2 miles during winter; drive-in access during summer.
- Features: propane stove and cooktop, kitchen basics, reading nook, common room, and outhouse.
- Great access to hiking trails and Brandon Gap backcountry ski zones.
Grout Pond Hut (Green Mountain National Forest in Stratton, Vermont)
- Sleeps: 10 | Dog-Friendly: Yes | Open Year-Round
- Snowy solitude in winter with access to the Catamount Trail; paddlers welcome in summer.
- Hike or ski up to 2.1 miles, depending on parking.
- Nearby: Grout Pond, backcountry trails, snowshoeing, and paddling opportunities.
Spikehorn Yurt (Rochester)
- Sleeps: 6 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open Summer/Early Fall Only
- Nestled between Green Mountain Trails and Rochester Valley Trails—perfect for mountain bikers.
- Features a wood stove, cooktop, basic kitchen, and a private outhouse.
Dark Star Cabin (Huntington)
- Sleeps: 6 | Dog-Friendly: Yes | Year-Round
- Solar-powered and off-grid, located near the Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area and the Catamount Trail.
- Ski or hike in 1.3 miles with 450’ elevation gain.
- Includes a refrigerator, wood stove, and kitchen setup for cooking.
Crow’s Nest Yurt (Huntington)
- Sleeps: 6 | Dog-Friendly: Yes | Open Year-Round
- On the Catamount Trail, just 500′ from Dark Star Cabin.
- Features a wood stove, kitchen basics, and easy trail access for skiing and hiking.
Butternut Cabin (Sleepy Hollow, Huntington)
- Sleeps: 8 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open Year-Round
- Located in the Sleepy Hollow trail network, accessible by hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe (1 mile).
- Includes ski passes for up to 4 people in winter.
- Mountain bike trails right outside the door; great Camel’s Hump views.
Sunrise Hut (Morrisville)
- Sleeps: 4 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open April–October
- On an 820-acre working dairy farm with private trails, a swimming hole, and sweeping views of Elmore Mountain.
- Connects directly to the Long Trail and Catamount Trail.
Minister Brook Hut (Worcester)
- Sleeps: 6+ | Dog-Friendly: No | Open Year-Round
- Located on private land with trails and access to Putnam State Forest and Worcester Mountain.
- Woodstove with oven, wraparound deck, composting privy, and a peaceful off-grid atmosphere.
Bryant Camp (Bolton Valley)
- Sleeps: 8 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open August 1 – March 31
- Rustic 1930s cabin restored in 2016, accessible by ski or hike from Bolton Valley.
- No water or electricity—come prepared for a true backcountry overnight.
Nulhegan Hut (Northeast Kingdom)
- Sleeps: 6+ | Dog-Friendly: Yes | Open Year-Round
- Located on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail at the confluence of the Nulhegan River.
- Ideal for paddling, fishing, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Bolton Lodge (Bolton Valley)
- Sleeps: 8 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open July 1 – March 31
- Historic 1928 cabin in Mount Mansfield State Forest, near cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
- A great option for snow lovers seeking a rustic retreat.
More Than Just Huts: Introducing the Velomont Trail
The Velomont Trail is a joint project with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA). When complete, the Velomont will be a 485-mile, multi-use trail connecting 27 communities and 36 trail networks, threading together existing and newly built singletrack across Vermont’s iconic mountains, forests, and valleys.
The Velomont is optimized for mountain biking but will be open to all non-motorized use. It’s the ultimate backcountry experience made more accessible, thanks to strategically placed huts where travelers can rest, cook, and stay warm. Just bring food and a sleeping bag.
And the impact extends beyond recreation: The project is employing over 300 young adults in trail building, constructing 30 new huts, and establishing a model for land conservation, with the potential to protect 214,000 acres of previously unprotected forest.
How Your Vermont Huts & Trails Membership Makes a Difference
Supporting Vermont Huts is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in the future of outdoor access in Vermont.
Membership helps fund trail construction, build new huts, and expand the reach of programs like FOREST (Fostering Outdoor Recreation, Education, Sustainability, and Teamwork), which brings underserved youth and families into the backcountry with free retreats.
Every membership includes perks:
- 15% off all hut bookings
- 10% off VHT merchandise and Couching Lion Maple
- 50% off day passes at Sleepy Hollow trails
Memberships start at just $5 per month. Whether you give a little or a lot, you’re helping build something big.
Spotlight on FOREST: Outdoor Access for All
Vermont Huts believes everyone deserves a chance to experience the backcountry.
Their FOREST Program (Fostering Outdoor Recreation, Education, Sustainability, and Teamwork) provides free hut-based retreats to underserved and marginalized youth in Vermont. Each trip includes:
- Transportation
- Outdoor gear and food
- Guidance from outdoor educators
- Lessons in survival skills, teamwork, and sustainability
You can sponsor a FOREST retreat or make a donation to help expand access to the outdoors.
Why Vermont Huts & Trails Matter
At a time when access to nature often comes with a high price, Vermont Huts is changing the game and working to make the backcountry more accessible for everyone.
Their trail-and-hut network lowers the barrier to entry for backcountry adventures, boosts local economies, and protects Vermont’s landscapes.
Whether you’re a passionate mountain biker, a curious snowshoer, or just someone who loves being in nature, there’s a place for you in this vision.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the outdoors, Vermont Huts makes it easier and more meaningful to experience the wild beauty of the Green Mountain State.
We’re on a mission to enjoy Vermont’s backcountry, and we hope you’ll join us!
- Book a hut
- Support the trail network
- Help make the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for everyone
Read more about Vermont Huts & Trails, explore the huts, and become a member!
Follow us on social media for more Vermont inspiration!
