Where to Hike: Mt Monadnock, Mt Lafayette, Camels Hump

This past summer was very eventful. I spent a lot of time in Burlington, VT for school, but back home I spent days and nights with the TSM crew preparing for this winter. We logged a lot of surf time behind the boat, and in-between my busy schedule I found time to hike a few mountains throughout NH and VT. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just curious about venturing in the wilderness of New England, these are a few hikes you should look into. 

Where to Hike: Mt Monadnock, NH, Mt Lafayette, NH and Camels Hump, VT

The first mountain is Mt. Monadnock. I hike this mountain every summer, and it claims to be one of the most hiked mountains in the world. Taking the White Dot or White Cross trail are the most common choices, but a few buddies and I decided to go off on our own adventure. We pieced together a few different trails on the provided map, and we were able to create a unique experience. My favorite part of the hike was Monadnock’s Pumbelly Trail. It's a long ridge-line trail that leads directly to the summit. It showcases beautiful views of New Hampshire and beyond.

The next hike I recommend is Mt. Lafayette. This is a long but incredibly beautiful hike. This summer, it took me about 5 hours to complete, and I decided to take the Falling Waters Trail. This route leads you on a 9 mile hike that passes huge water falls and leads directly to a trail that peaks at Little Haystack, which is over 4,000 feet in elevation. If you are an avid hiker this is a great hike for a day trip or even an overnight. 

The third hike is Camels Hump, VT which is roughly a 40-minute drive from Burlington. Be advised, there are various dirt roads that are not forgiving to small or lowered cars... I have a lowered VW wagon and choosing to drive that day with all my buddies in the car probably wasn’t the wisest decision. I recommend loading up you or your buddies SUV and take the trip. This hike is about 3-4 hours, but the views are well worth it. From the summit you can view Lake Champlain, Mt. Mansfield and miles of Vermont’s beautiful landscape. Take the main trail from the parking lot and that will lead you directly to the summit. As you approach the mountain’s peak, a breathtaking view comes into eye-shot, making the 4 hour hike up-hill worth every step.

If you have ever hiked any of these mountains, you understand the natural beauty of New England and thrill of victory at the summit. If you are still waiting to take your first hike, well then.... What are you waiting for?!? Get outside, enjoy the views, and get that rush of excitement when you reach the top.  Plus, it’s probably the cheapest way to spend a day (or two) away from the daily grind (Trust me, I know. I’m a poor college kid).

Enough about my experiences go make your own.