The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Hurricane Mountain Wilderness

This guide features 13 family-friendly hiking trails in the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness. Among these, 4 are specifically rated as easy, making them ideal for families with younger children or those seeking a more relaxed outing.

The Hurricane Mountain Wilderness offers a wonderful blend of diverse landscapes, from dense hardwood and pine forests to rocky summits, making it an engaging environment for families. Many trails provide manageable ascents and rewarding views, such as the panoramic vistas from Hurricane Mountain, which can be a great motivator for kids. The area's natural beauty and varied terrain ensure there's always something new to discover.

Yes, there are several easy and short options perfect for families with young children. The Big Crow Mountain Trail is a great choice, covering just over 1 km with a moderate elevation gain, offering a quick and rewarding experience. Another excellent option is the Gulf Brook Trail, which is about 1.7 km long and relatively flat, following a pleasant brook.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness, but it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please remember to pack out any waste and ensure your dog is well-behaved around other people and animals.

Family hikes in Hurricane Mountain Wilderness offer a variety of natural beauty. You'll traverse through beautiful hardwood and pine forests, encounter peaceful brooks like Jackson, Gulf, and Spruce Mill Brooks, and potentially reach rocky summits. The most iconic feature is Hurricane Mountain itself, which, even on its shorter approaches, can offer glimpses of its stunning 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the High Peaks, Lake Champlain, and Vermont's Green Mountains.

Yes, for families looking for a varied experience, the Gulf Brook Trailhead – Big Crow Trailhead loop from Crow Clearing Parking Area is an excellent choice. This loop covers about 3.5 km and offers a pleasant circuit through the wilderness, combining different sections of trails for a diverse outing.

Parking is typically available at designated trailheads. For routes like the Big Crow Mountain Trail and the Gulf Brook Trail, parking is often found at the Crow Clearing Parking Area. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, as parking can fill up quickly.

The Hurricane Mountain Wilderness is beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, late spring through early fall (May to October) is generally ideal. Summer offers lush greenery and warmer temperatures, while fall provides spectacular foliage. Spring can be muddy, and winter requires specialized gear and experience, so these seasons might be more challenging for families with young children.

For a family hike, essential items include plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, sun protection (hats, sunscreen), insect repellent, and appropriate layers of clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. For younger children, consider a carrier or backpack, and always bring a map or a reliable navigation app like komoot, even on shorter trails.

The komoot community highly rates the Hurricane Mountain Wilderness, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful forest atmosphere, and the rewarding views from various points. Many highlight the suitability of trails for different ages and skill levels, making it a favorite for family outings.

While popular trails can see more visitors, exploring routes like the Clements Pond Trail might offer a quieter experience. This trail is a bit longer at nearly 5 km but provides a lovely walk to a pond, often with fewer crowds than the more prominent summit trails. Visiting during weekdays or earlier in the morning can also help avoid peak visitor times.