Hiking the trails of Vermont is always an enjoyable experience but if you are craving an extraordinary adventure you need to head to the mountains. The terrain may be a little more rugged and steep, but by far the payoffs are well worth the extra effort. These fire tower hikes in Vermont take you up to the summits and even farther to access some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Green Mountain state. Let’s take a look at some of these hiking trails in Vermont.

1. Mount Olga
Google Images/Mark LoGiurato
Mount Olga, Mt Olga, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Google Images/Sarah Lindsay
An easy 1.7-mile loop takes you to the steel tower rising from the summit of Mount Olga. The climb to the top of this tower perched in Molly Stark State Park is well worth the expansive views. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
2. Elmore Mountain
AllTrails/Ellen Hill
Elmore Mountain, Elmore, VT 05661, USA
AllTrails/Patti Wentworth
Head to Elmore State Park to take this popular summit hike. The trail is 1.7 miles each way giving you a nice workout on your quest to reach the fire tower. To the north take in the sight of Jay's Peak while looking south grants you a glimpse of Mt. Mansfield.
3. Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain, Mendon, VT 05701, USA
AllTrails/Melissa Gonyon
Located in the Lake Willoughby area, Bald Mountain has an elevation of 3,315 feet and is the third tallest peak in the Northeast Kingdom. Take the Long Pond Trail for 2.1 miles each way to reach the restored fire tower. You can gaze across the landscape all the way into Canada from this perch, giving you one of the best views in Vermont.
4. Stratton Mountain
AllTrails.Maddie Maynor
Stratton Mountain, Stratton, VT 05360, USA
AllTrails/Chris Caprood
Use the ski resorts trails to ascend to the top of Stratton Mountain. At 3,940 feet this mountain peak is one of the tallest in southern Vermont affording scenery that stretches on for mile and miles. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
5. Burke Mountain
AllTrails/Andreas Wiening
Burke Mountain, Burke, VT 05832, USA
AllTrails/Andreas Wiening
Burke Mountain Fire Tower is the second oldest lookout site in the Green Mountain State. A steel tower was erected to replace the original wood construction that was blown down in 1938 during a tremendous hurricane that had moved inland. Soak in the views extending to Canada from the top of the tower. Visit the AllTrails description of the hike to learn more and find directions.
6. Bear Hill
TripAdvisor/Laura L
Bear Hill, Brookfield, VT 05060, USA
Google Images/eva gwinn
Bear Hill is located in Allis State Park, Vermont's second developed park established in 1938. From the observation deck, clear days will afford you 360-degree views including the peaks of Killington, Pico, Camel's Hump, and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
7. Okemo Mountain
Okemo Mountain Road, Okemo Mountain Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
TripAdvisor/James S
Take the 5.8-mile round trip Healdville Trail to reach the 3,343-foot peak of Okemo Mountain. Okemo Mountain. Scenery of Vermont is only the beginning from this bird's eye view. Take in views as far as the Adirondacks of New York and the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

If you were to do a search for “hikes with fire towers near me,” one of these would most certainly pop up at the top of the list!

Which of these fire tower hikes have you taken? Do you have a favorite? While these mountaintop hikes are certainly bucket list worthy, you’ll also want to check out this Green Mountain State trail that leads to an abandoned village. What do you think are the most scenic hikes in Vermont? Let us know below in the comments.

If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these fire towers you can find some great trails by going to the overall AllTrails+ website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Vermont adventures, take a look at this video:

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 09, 2023

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  • The Hilltop Loop Trail in Jericho leads through a river area and forest, as well as to a beautiful waterfall.
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  • The Texas Falls in Hancock have a 35-foot total drop, with the water landing in large punch bowls at the bottom.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful waterfall hikes in Vermont.

Where can we find historic landmarks in Vermont?

  • The Brown Bridge in Clarendon is one of the best and finest examples of a lattice truss covered bridge in the country.
  • The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth is the childhood home and final resting place of the 30th President of the United States.
  • The Robert Frost Farm in Ripton where this famous author wrote some of his most memorable works.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other interesting historic landmarks in Vermont.

Where can we find haunted attractions in Vermont?

  • The Norwich Inn in Norwich experiences supernatural occurrences in its tavern, like beer taps turning off and on by themselves.
  • The Eddy House in Chittendon is said to be haunted by the psychic children of the family who lived here years and years ago.
  • The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm in Quechee is believed to be visited by the ghost of the wife of the couple who lived here back in the late 1800s.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other popular haunted attractions in Vermont.

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