The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area

Stratton Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks on the Long Trail, but not for its height, but rather for its historical significance. It was here in 1909 that James P. Taylor first imagined a “footpath in the wilderness,” which eventually became the Long Trail. The summit is forested, but a restored fire tower (that you can climb!) offers expansive 360-degree views of southern Vermont and the surrounding peaks. Today, Stratton is also home to a major ski resort, but the Long Trail bypasses the commercial slopes, staying on a quieter, wooded path. A nearby shelter, Stratton Pond Shelter, provides a peaceful overnight spot, just a short hike from the summit. This is a pretty built-up shelter (especially in comparison to the more common, simple three-sided lean-tos) so it's worth checking out even if you're not spending the night.

The Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, begins at the Massachusetts–Vermont border near Williamstown, MA. This southern terminus is marked by a large wooden sign and lies at the junction where the Appalachian Trail (AT) continues and the Long Trail (LT) begins. The first 105 miles of the LT coincide with the AT before the two trails split at Maine Junction near Killington, VT. There are two primary approaches to reach the southern terminus: Via the Appalachian Trail from North Adams, MA: This route is approximately 3.8 miles and begins at Route 2 in North Adams, or via the Pine Cobble Trail from Williamstown, MA: This 3.3-mile trail starts at Pine Cobble Road in Williamstown and offers a scenic ascent to the LT's starting point. Both approaches take hikers to the VT/MA border, where the Long Trail officially begins its 272-mile journey northward through Vermont's Green Mountains to the Canadian border.

This petite peak offers great views out over the Manchester Valley, just a short distance off the Appalachian Trail.

This modest summit, just a couple hundred yards off the Appalachian Trail, offers some of the finest views you'll find of the Manchester Valley.

The top of Stratton Mountain supports a fire lookout tower that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As you might imagine, the views from up here are great.

Just north of the Goddard Shelter is Glastenbury Mountain. Standing at 3,748 feet it is the ninth tallest mountain in Vermont and has a prominent fire tower at its summit. Although you are not allowed to climb the fire-tower, you still have excellent panoramic views from the summit; on clear days you can actually see four states (Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire)! This proud summit is a great place to rest and snap some photos.

Right next to VT-9 on the Long/ Appalachian Trail is a small stream with wooden foot bridge. This is a nice place to fill water bottles and snap a few photos before continuing onward on the Long/ Appalachian Trail toward the Melville-Nauheim Shelter and Glastenbury Mountain or crossing the road toward the scenic Harmon Hill.

Maple Hill stands at 2,690 feet and is situated on the Long/ Appalachian Trails. This scenic spot is a great destination for a day hike from the Bennington-Woodford area. You get lovely views from the top of the hill where is it clearcut for some power lines. Maple Hill is a great spot to rest, drink some water, and take some photos before continuing onward.