Hunger Mountain and White Rocks

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

Hunger Mountain and White Rocks is the best view hike in central Vermont — the open rock ledge on Hunger’s summit at 3,586 feet gives a full panorama of the Green Mountains, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks on clear days.

What to Expect

The trail starts off Waterbury Center Road and climbs steeply via the Worcester Trail. The first two miles are relentless uphill through hardwood forest — no views, just climbing. The summit breaks open suddenly on a broad rock ledge with the best exposure in the range. White Rocks extends the ridge another mile or so with additional ledge viewpoints, though the main summit view is the draw. Total round trip with White Rocks extension is about 6 miles with 2,200 feet of gain.

The summit gets afternoon crowds on weekends in leaf season — going early gets you the ledge to yourself.

Difficulty

Harder than the 6-mile distance suggests. The sustained climb in the first half is steep and unrelenting. Footing is rooty and rocky throughout. Most people find 4-5 hours appropriate for the round trip.

Best Time to Go

Mid-October for peak foliage. The Champlain Valley and Adirondacks spread out to the west from the summit — the full-color view on a clear October day is exceptional. Summer works well for the cool summit breeze. Mud season (April-May) is rough on the steep lower section.

Before You Go

Small parking area off Waterbury Center Road. Waterbury village is 10 minutes away — good food options. About 4.5 hours from DC via I-89.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →