Hiking on Camel's Hump, Vermont

A rugged ascent and panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys make Camel's Hump, Vermont's third-highest peak, is a prime destination for hiking. The mountain rises 4,080 feet above sea level, and is accessible through Camel's Hump State Park. The Monroe Trail is one of the most frequently used routes to the top, taking visitors on a 6.6-mile hike to the summit and back.

  1. Finding the Trailhead

    • The Monroe Trail begins at the trailhead at the end of Camel's Hump Road. From the town of Waterbury, head southwest on Winooski Street, and then turn right on River Road just past the bridge over the Winooski River. Follow River Road for about 4 miles, turn left on Camel's Hump Road and drive 3.5 miles to reach the trailhead. There is a parking area at the trailhead, and a portable toilet is available in summer. A sign that reads "Summit Trail" marks the beginning of the Monroe Trail, and blue trail markers on the trees point the way.

    Hiking to the Top

    • The Monroe Trail covers challenging terrain that becomes increasingly steep and rugged as you approach the top. The total elevation gain from the trailhead to the summit is 1,800 feet, and the round-trip journey typically takes 5 to 6 hours. The scenery along the way is mostly dense forest, with the occasional beam of sunlight penetrating the canopy. You'll pass junctions with the Dean Trail and the Alpine Trail, but stay on the Monroe Trail until it crosses the Long Trail, which is marked with white trail markers. The crossing is 3.1 miles from the trailhead. Turn left on the Long Trail and follow it for 0.3 miles to the summit. Unlike the rest of the hike, this last section on the Long Trail is very open and exposed, so check the weather before venturing out to the top.

    The Summit and Descent

    • The Summit of Camel's Hump is rocky and open, with only what little vegetation can withstand the extreme climate of this altitude. The view from the top is expansive and includes the Adirondack Mountains of New York and virtually all of Vermont on a clear day. The highest peaks of three states -- Mount Mansfield in Vermont, Mount Washington in New Hampshire and Mount Marcy in New York -- are all visible from the top of Camel's Hump. To descend from the summit, continue straight ahead on the Long Trail for 0.2 miles to the junction with the Alpine Trail, which has yellow trail markers. Turn left on the Alpine Trail and follow it for 0.5 miles until it brings you back to the Monroe Trail. Take a right on the Monroe Trail to return to the trailhead.

    Know Before You Go

    • The Monroe Trail climbs Camel's Hump along its eastern flank, but you can also gets there on the Burrows Trail, which makes a slightly shorter but equally challenging ascent from the west. It is also possible to reach the summit solely by following the Long Trail, which makes a 273-mile journey from Massachusetts to Canada, including 18.7 miles in Camel's Hump State Park. Whichever route you choose, hiking on Camel's Hump requires stamina, durable footwear and lots of water. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. The summit of Camel's Hump is often many degrees colder than the valley below, and storms can arise quickly. Trail maps are available on the Vermont State Parks website.