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Explore Beautiful Vermont with the Vermont Huts Association

Hiking to the summit of Mount Mansfield in Vermont. Photo by Kyle Soeltz / CC

When it comes to experiencing the rugged beauty of the great outdoors, Vermont offers an abundance of opportunities. Amidst the stunning landscapes and picturesque mountains, the Vermont Huts Association (VHA) stands as a beacon of adventure and community. With their mission to promote outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community development, the VHA has become an essential part of Vermont’s outdoor culture. They offer accessible accommodations for adventurers all across the state of Vermont. In this blog post, we’re going to highlight some of the most beautiful wilderness to visit in Vermont. We’ll also recommend some of the accomodations offered by the Vermont Huts Association to enjoy your getaway in nature.

Why stay in a hut?

A stunning Vermont mountain view at the Butternut Cabin. Courtesy of Vermont Huts Association

The Vermont Huts Association operates a network of backcountry huts, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. These huts are strategically placed along trails, allowing hikers, skiers, snowshoers, and mountain bikers to explore the vast wilderness of Vermont while having a comfortable place to rest, rejuvenate, and connect with nature. Each hut is thoughtfully designed to blend with the environment, offering sustainable amenities and a cozy shelter for weary adventurers.

Staying in a hut offers you a perfect balance between feeling close to nature and enjoying the comforts of a house. Many huts will have propane or wood-burning stoves, along with places to sleep and basic furniture. They’re a great option for people who love to hike, but want a little more in the way of amenities than just a campsite can provide. Huts also are a great value for group travelers. Most of the huts offered by the Vermont Huts Association can sleep between 6-10 people, and cost under $150 per night. This makes them a great place for family getaways or travel with friends. Staying in a hut can also encourage you to take a break from technology. You’ll have the chance to put down your phone and really spend quality time with your loved ones. There are so many reasons why staying in a hut is a fun and rewarding experience.

Visit the Green Mountain National Forest

Little Rock Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest. Photo by Brian Schaller / CC

Many people travel to Vermont to spend time in the Green Mountain National Forest. It is a picturesque, federally preserved wilderness nestled in the heart of Vermont. Encompassing over 400,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes, it is a sanctuary of pristine woodland and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest takes its name from the verdant mountain range that dominates the region, creating a stunning backdrop for countless recreational activities and a diverse array of plant and animal species.

This magnificent forest is a treasure trove for hikers, with an extensive network of trails that wind through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. From the popular Long Trail, which stretches the length of Vermont, to shorter day hikes like the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, there is something for adventurers of all skill levels. You can find a great trail for your adventure on trailfinder.info. As you explore the forest, you may encounter majestic wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, bobcats, and a variety of bird species, adding an element of awe and excitement to your journey.

Hang out on the deck at the Spikehorn Yurt. Courtesy of Vermont Huts Association

The Vermont Huts association offers a number of places to stay in and around the Green Mountain National Forest. For a more comfortable hut experience, the Dark Star Cabin has a kitchen, and a beautiful deck for enjoying the outdoors. Plus, it’s located around some of the best places to mountain bike in the USA! The Merck Forest and Farmland Center offers a number of accommodations on an operating farm. In addition to going for hikes you can enjoy on-site demonstrations and workshops. Finally, the Spikehorn Yurt is a summer and fall only lodging that is great for small groups that want to feel close to nature.

Winter Sports in Vermont

Skiers riding the ski lift up the slopes in Killington, Vermont. Photo by Getaway Vacations / CC

The Green Mountain State boasts a myriad of ski resorts that offer an abundance of thrilling runs and top-notch facilities. Resorts such as Stowe Mountain Resort, Killington Resort, and Sugarbush Resort are widely recognized for their extensive trail systems, challenging terrain, and reliable snow conditions. Skiers and snowboarders can carve their way down a variety of slopes, from gentle beginner trails to steep expert runs that will test their skills and provide an adrenaline rush.

Beyond the exhilarating downhill skiing, Vermont’s backcountry offers a host of additional winter activities to enjoy. Visitors can explore scenic cross-country skiing trails that wind through pristine forests, take part in snowshoeing adventures, or experience the thrill of snowmobiling across vast expanses of snow-covered landscapes. Après-ski opportunities abound as well, with cozy lodges, charming mountain towns, and inviting restaurants and bars providing the perfect setting to unwind, savor a warm drink, and share stories of the day’s adventures.

Winter hiking at the Grout Pond Hut Courtesy of Vermont Huts Association

The Vermont Hut Association has a number of lodging options that are particularly geared towards winter sports enthusiasts. While many of the huts are close to ski resorts, you can find free opportunities to hike, ski, or snowshoe right in the backyard of these huts. No driving or expensive resort passes required! The Butternut Cabin can sleep up to 8 people, and in winter time the price includes ski passes for guests. The Chittenden Brook Hut is surrounded by backcountry ski trails for you to explore, and is close to Killington Mountain. Or you could stay in Grout Pond Hut, which is their newest addition. It offers immediate access to miles and miles of skiing along the Catamount Trail, which is a backcountry trail that runs the entire length of Vermont! With a maximum capacity of 10 people, Grout Pond is a great option for larger groups. Finally, the Triple Creek Cabin is open only in the wintertime, which also gives you access to the Catamount Trail. If you’re planning a winter stay in a hut, make sure you know how to operate a wood-burning or propane stove for heat.

Reasons to love the Vermont Huts Association

As a nonprofit organization, the Vermont Huts Association prioritizes sustainability and community. Their goal is to unify the many trails all across Vermont through a network of accommodations that are safe, affordable, and allow their users to connect with the outdoors. They are committed to sustainable practices and encourage visitors to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace. By educating visitors on responsible outdoor practices and providing well-maintained huts, the Vermont Huts Association helps protect Vermont’s unique ecosystems and ensures that future generations can enjoy these natural wonders.

The FOREST Program by the VHA provides free outdoor exploration programs for youth. Courtesy of Vermont Huts Association

The Vermont Huts Association strives to build a vibrant and connected community. They organize events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among outdoor enthusiasts. By encouraging participation and collaboration, the VHA creates a platform for individuals to come together, share their love for the outdoors, and work towards a common goal of sustainable recreation and conservation.

By establishing huts along trails, they contribute to the economic development of local communities. Visitors who utilize the huts often support local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and outdoor gear suppliers. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the local economy and encourages sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and residents. Jamaica Cottage Shop recognizes the importance of the mission of the Vermont Huts Association, and is proud to be a sponsor of this fantastic, Vermont-grown organization.

Want to support the Vermont Huts Association? You can become a member. When you do, you’ll get special discounts when you stay in one of their huts—another great reason to get out there and explore Vermont!

Conclusion

Jamaica Cottage Shop is proud to call the state of Vermont our home. The beauty of the wilderness and the many recreational opportunities it offers are the main reasons why people love visiting the Green Mountain State. If you are thinking about visiting Vermont and are looking for a remote getaway that will allow you to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer, we highly recommend staying with the Vermont Huts Association. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newcomer seeking an immersive nature experience, you’ll love feeling close to nature in these rustic, well-kept lodgings. So get out there and explore the wonders of Vermont’s wilderness, and if you happen to be near our factory in Londonderry, come check our OUR cottages and cabins too!

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