Seasonal
Winter Activities
Vermont Mountain Resorts
Killington Ski Resort
Barre is within a short drive of the best skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the East. Centrally located near SIX major ski areas and the best recreational trail network in the U.S., Barre is never short of winter activities. The Professional Basketball team the “Frost Heaves” also plays nearby.
Local Ski Resorts:
| Stowe | Okemo |
| Stratton | Killington |
| Mad River Glen | Sugarbush |
Spring / Summer / Fall Activities
Barre boasts the best recreational trail network in the U.S.! You will be hard pressed to find better hiking and biking anywhere. Other summer attractions include golf, Barre’s Summer Concert Series and local professional athletics, including Baseball (Mountaineers), Football (Ravens) and professional stock car racing. Barre’s historic Opera House and the Cinema are excellent options, and you can always find great restaurants and taverns.
Below are some popular central Vermont hikes:
Mt. Abraham – Elevation: 4006 Feet
3-4 hours roundtrip, elevation gain 1,600′, 5.2 miles. This popular hike is usually done from Lincoln Gap. Off Rt 100 in Warren trail head is on Lincoln Gap Rd. Park at the top of Lincoln Gap and follow the Long Trail north for 2 1/2 miles passing the Battell Shelter after 1.8 miles. The rocky summit is above timberline offering panoramic views. This is a well travelled trail and a good hike for kids. Descend by the same route. Lincoln Peak is 0.8 miles farther north on the Long Trail and the descent from here by the ski trails(Sugarbush South Basin) is sometimes done.
Sunset Rock – Elevation: 2424 Feet
One hour roundtrip, elevation gain 500′, distance 1.5 miles. A favorite easy hike to a dramatic spot. Great views to the west towards Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Off Rt 100 in Warren trail head is on Lincoln Gap Rd, Park at the top of Lincoln Gap and follow the Long Trail south. Trail climbs steeply at first then gently up and down before opening abruptly onto Sunset Ledge.
Mt Ellen – Sugarbush Loop – Elevation: 4083 Feet
4-6 hours Roundtrip, elevation gain 2,500′, 5.5 miles. From the parking lot at Sugarbush North, follow the service road to the top of Mt. Ellen 4083′, this is the left side of the ski area. From here follow the Long Trail south 1.6 miles to the Castlerock chair lift at South Basin. Walk down the ski runs to the South Basin parking area. Mt. Ellen offers the highest lift served skiing in Vermont and is tied with Camels Hump for the third highest mountain in Vermont. Only Mt Mansfield (4393′) and Killington (4241′) are higher.
Appalachian Gap to Lincoln Gap
5-8 hours one way, one way distance 11.6 miles. Either take the Long Trail south from App Gap or the Long Trail north from Lincoln Gap. From the north, Mt. Ellen (4083′) is reached after 5.3 miles and Lincoln Peak after 8.2 miles. An arduous, but very rewarding hike offering beautiful views from the high, rugged and at times very narrow ridge of the Green Mountains. This is a classic hike – although many know about it few have done it. Take precautions with regards to the weather and make sure you are up to it physically. It is a high and exposed ridge, and although there are escape routes down the ski runs, you will want to be well prepared in case you are overtaken by stormy weather.
General Stark Mountain – Elevation: 3662 Feet
4-5 hours roundtrip, elevation gain 1,285′, 6.2 miles.Off Rt 100 take Rt 17 to the Appalachian Gap. Take the Long Trail South for 3.1 miles to the summit, passing the top of the Mad River Glen Ski area. There are three overnight shelters near there. (Theron Dean, Stark’s Nest, and Glen Ellen Lodge)
Camels Hump – Elevation: 4083 Feet
3-5 hours roundtrip. For many this distinctive peak offers the finest mountain hike in Vermont. From the top the view is like that from an airplane – the mountain is at your feet. Of the higher peaks it is the only one undeveloped: no ski lifts, no roads, no radio towers. The summit area is above timberline and supports artic-alpine tundra vegetation. Off Rt 100 in Duxbury turn onto River Rd and proceed 4.5 miles to a three way intersection. Turn left for 3.5 miles to the parking area. Summit is 3.4 miles by the well maintained Forestry Trail. Views of the White Mountains, Adironacks, and in Vermont from Mt Mansfield south to Mt Ascutney.The trail is open from spring to late fall. A popular variation is to take the Dean Trail (left off the Forestry Trail) to Wind Gap on the Long Trail and then the Long Trail north to the summit descending by way of the Forestry Trail. 4-6 hours roundtrip. Note trail intersections carefully to avoid confusion on the return!