Vermont Huts & Trails: How to Pick a Hut, Book It, and Bring Your Dog
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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 building what it says will be the largest hut-supported trail network in the country. The work is well underway.
Vermont Huts & Trails books 19 rustic huts, cabins, and yurts around the state, from a yurt with a lookout tower in Moretown to lakeside cabins two miles from downtown Burlington.
You rent the whole hut for the night (between $50 and $389, before tax), bring your own food and sleeping bag, and walk, ski, or bike in anywhere from a few hundred feet to a little over two miles. About a dozen of them allow dogs for at least part of the year.
Vermont Huts at a Glance
- What it is 19 rustic huts, cabins, and yurts booked through the nonprofit Vermont Huts & Trails
- Cost$50 to $389 a night for the whole hut, plus 9% tax
- You bring Food, a sleeping bag, and a way to treat water. Most huts have no running water.
- Getting there From a few hundred feet to 2.2 miles on foot, skis, or bike. A few are drive-up.
- Booking opens Noon on the third Thursday of January (summer) and June (winter)
- Dog-friendly? About a dozen huts allow dogs for at least part of the year. Mine loved frolicking in the snow and thawing out by the woodstove during our stays at the Merck Forest cabins and Grout Pond Hut.
Last checked by Tara: [October 2026]
Tara’s take
I became a Vermont Huts member for years before I finally booked a night, and I picked New Year’s weekend at Grout Pond Hut with ten adults and three squirrelly dogs for my first stay. Just know that going in, this is glorified winter camping. If you don’t want to rough it, book an inn and come visit us on skis.
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:
Vermont Huts Compared: All 19 Huts, Cabins, and Yurts
| Hut | Town | Sleeps | Season | Getting in | Dogs | From (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden Brook Hut | Chittenden | 10 | Year-round | Drive-in May to mid-Dec; 2.2 mi ski or snowshoe in winter | Yes ($10 fee) | $99 |
| Grout Pond Hut | Stratton | 10 | Year-round | About 1 mi in summer; 1 to 2.1 mi in winter | Yes ($10 fee) | $99 |
| Spikehorn Yurt | Rochester | 6 | Mid-May to mid-Oct | About 1/2 mi up a dirt road | No | $109 |
| Dark Star Cabin | Huntington | 6 | Year-round | 1.3 mi, 450 ft gain | Yes | $160 |
| Crow’s Nest Yurt | Huntington | 6 | Year-round | 1.3 mi, 450 ft gain | Yes | $109 |
| Meadowlark Yurt | Moretown | 4 (plus 2 tents) | Year-round | Under 1 mi in summer; 1.5 mi in winter | Yes | $79 |
| Butternut Cabin | Huntington | 8 | Year-round | 1 mi from Sleepy Hollow | Summer only | $105 |
| Gale’s Retreat | Huntington | 4 | Year-round | About a 10-minute walk | No | $90 |
| Sunrise Hut | Morristown | 4 | April to October | About 500 ft | No | $99 |
| Minister Brook Hut | Worcester | 6+ | Year-round | 1/3 mi, mostly flat | No | $150 |
| Hunger Mountain Hut | Worcester | 8 | Year-round | About 1 mi uphill; wood-fired sauna | No | $250 |
| Winter Barn | Worcester | 6 | Year-round (Fri to Sun only) | Drive-up (4WD Nov to Apr); plumbing and power | No | $250 |
| Rock Point Cabins | Burlington | 6 per cabin (4 cabins) | Spring and fall | Steps from parking | Yes ($25 fee) | $100 |
| Nulhegan Hut | Bloomfield | 6 | Year-round | 300 yards from Route 105 | Yes (leashed outside) | $85 |
| Bryant Camp (GMC) | Bolton | 8 | Aug 1 to Mar 31 | About 1 mi from the Nordic center | Not in winter | $77 |
| Bolton Lodge (GMC) | Bolton | 8 | July 1 to Mar 31 | 2/3 mi or 1.5 mi | Not in winter | $77 |
| Jean Haigh Cabin (GMC) | Barton | 8 | Year-round | [Check] | Yes (per GMC) | $95 |
| Hadsel-Mares Camp (GMC) | Barton | 8 | Year-round | [Check] | Yes (per GMC) | $75 |
| Merck Forest cabins | Rupert | 1 to 12 (9 cabins) | Year-round | Hike-in: between 1/2 and 3 miles, depending on the cabin | Yes | $50 |
Full disclosure: I’ve been a Vermont Huts member for years, but so far I’ve only stayed at Grout Pond Hut (more on that below) and many of the Merck Forest cabins, which are also part of the network.
This season I’m hoping to work my way through the dog-friendly huts: Chittenden Brook, Dark Star, Crow’s Nest, Meadowlark, Nulhegan, and Rock Point, plus Butternut, Bolton Lodge, and Bryant Camp in the right season.
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.
- Read more about our favorite spots in the Green Mountain National Forest
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. In summer, Grout Pond is a few minutes’ walk down the trail. Read about my New Year’s weekend at Grout Pond Hut.
- Hike or ski up to 2.1 miles, depending on parking.
- Nearby: Grout Pond, backcountry trails, snowshoeing, and paddling opportunities.
- Read our guide to Grout Pond in the fall
Spikehorn Yurt (Rochester)
- Sleeps: 6 | Dog-Friendly: No | Open Summer/Early Fall Only
- Nestled between the Green Mountain Trails and Rochester Valley Trails, a sweet spot 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 from the new parking area, with about 450 feet of 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: Dogs are allowed in the summer months only | 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: season-dependent | 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 (leashed outside the hut) | Open Year-Round
- Located on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, where the Nulhegan River meets its East Branch, about 300 yards from Route 105.
- Ideal for paddling, fishing, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Bolton Lodge (Bolton Valley)
- Sleeps: 8 | Dog-Friendly: season-dependent | 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.
How to Book a Vermont Hut (and When Reservations Open)
Vermont Huts opens reservations twice a year, and winter weekends tend to go fast. Booking for spring and summer stays (mid-April through mid-October) opens at noon on the third Thursday of January, which is January 21, 2027.
Fall and winter stays (mid-October through mid-April) open at noon on the third Thursday of June. If your dates are gone, sign up for the cancellation email list on the Vermont Huts website.
You reserve the entire hut, not individual beds. Members get 15% off, except at Bolton Lodge and Bryant Camp, which the Green Mountain Club runs and books on its own site.
The Barton cabins and the Merck Forest cabins also book through their owners. Cancel 15 or more days out, and you get half your money back. If you cancel within 14 days, it’s nonrefundable.
Is a membership worth it? Absolutely! I’ve been a member for years, and I happily renew even in the years I barely make it to a hut, because I love supporting the work they’re doing.
Which Vermont Huts Allow Dogs?
Dogs are welcome at Chittenden Brook Hut and Grout Pond Hut ($10 cleaning fee), Dark Star Cabin, Crow’s Nest Yurt, Meadowlark Yurt, Nulhegan Hut, and Rock Point Cabins ($25 fee).
Butternut Cabin takes dogs in summer only, and the Green Mountain Club allows them at Bolton Lodge and Bryant Camp outside of winter. Spikehorn Yurt, Sunrise Hut, Gale’s Retreat, and the three Worcester Mountain Farm huts (Minister Brook, Hunger Mountain, and the Winter Barn) are dog-free.
Where dogs are allowed, the rules are the same: keep them off the furniture, pack out waste (never in the privy), and have them wear blaze orange during hunting season. Vermont Huts also suggests leaving your dog home in deep cold unless they handle it well.
Our three dogs did great at Grout Pond on New Year’s. They didn’t mind frolicking in the cold one bit, as long as the woodstove was waiting when they came back inside.
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 mountains, forests, and valleys.
The Velomont is optimized for mountain biking but will be open to all non-motorized use. It’s backcountry travel made easier, with huts along the way where travelers can rest, cook, and stay warm. Just bring food and a sleeping bag.
The impact goes beyond recreation. The plan calls for training and employing about 330 young adults to build 30 new huts and five downtown hostels, and the project could conserve up to 214,000 acres of unprotected land. In September 2025, the U.S. Forest Service approved about 72 miles of the route through the Green Mountain National Forest.
Vermont Huts at 10: What’s New and What’s Next
Vermont Huts & Trails turned 10 in 2026.
The group grew out of a July 2016 meeting at the Green Mountain Club in Waterbury Center, and its first purpose-built hut, Chittenden Brook, opened in September 2018. According to the Waterbury Roundabout, it has since hosted more than 60,000 hut guests, grown to 19 huts, built or improved more than 32 miles of the Velomont, and welcomed nearly 300 participants through the FOREST program.
The Velomont got its biggest boost yet in late 2025, when the U.S. Forest Service approved about 72 miles in the Manchester Ranger District and more than 30 miles in the Rochester district, which would link Rochester and Killington. Add about 10 miles on private land near Randolph, and Singletracks reports the trail could reach roughly 200 miles over the next decade.
Singletracks named funding as the main hurdle: about $2.5 million in federal funds can only be spent on federal land, so it does not cover the private-land sections.
Vermont also limits trail building above 2,500 feet, which complicates the ridgeline stretches. Still, I think it’s a realistic goal worth pursuing. Outdoor recreation is a big deal in Vermont, and a hut-to-hut trail running the length of the state adds to our already robust recreational opportunities.
Accessibility is a big part of this build.
Vermont Public reported in July 2026 that the Velomont team is testing trail sections with adaptive riders and widening tight turns. Chittenden Brook Hut now has a ramp, a wider driveway, and storage for adaptive bikes and off-road wheelchairs; Grout Pond Hut is getting a locked shed with an off-road wheelchair, and a former office building in downtown Randolph is becoming an ADA-accessible hostel.
Still to come: construction on South Pond Hut in the Green Mountain National Forest, a stop on both the Velomont and the Catamount Trail, and the Goodell House, an 1860s building being moved to Little River State Park in Waterbury to serve as a public hut.
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 into the backcountry on free retreats.
Every membership includes perks:
- 15% off hut bookings (not valid at the Green Mountain Club’s Bolton Lodge or Bryant Camp)
- 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.
Can You Go Hut to Hut in Vermont?
Sort of, and it’s getting easier as the system grows.
The Heart of the Greens loop near Rochester, the first finished multi-day segment of the Velomont Trail, links Chittenden Brook Hut and Spikehorn Yurt for a two-day mountain bike trip, and Vermont Huts sells a package that reserves both. The one-night version is 38 miles with more than 5,000 feet of climbing, so pack lots of snacks.
In winter, skiers can string huts together on the Catamount Trail. Dark Star Cabin and Crow’s Nest Yurt sit about 500 feet apart in Huntington, and Bryant Camp and Bolton Lodge both sit on Bolton Valley’s Nordic network. For most of us, though, a Vermont hut trip means staying put in one hut and exploring the woods and trails outside our door.
Before You Go: Download Your Trails
Cell service can be spotty or missing entirely at backcountry huts (Minister Brook Hut lists none at all), so don’t count on pulling up a trail map once you arrive at your hut. If you plan to explore beyond the hut, download your routes in AllTrails before you leave home. Offline maps come with AllTrails Plus, and once a map is saved, the app’s navigation works without a signal. Use my link, and you’ll get 30% off your subscription.
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!
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