The hike to Mount Abraham’s inspiring panoramic views has a consistently moderate grade, with very few steep sections, making this a great option for young families up for a bit of a challenge. If you can, spend the night on the trail at Battle Shelter. While the trail and shelter are on National Forest property, the shelters in this area are all staffed and managed by the Green Mountain Club (GMC). With an outhouse, dependable water supply, and sheltered camping, Battle Shelter is a great spot for a first family backpacking trip. It can be done as an out-and-back overnight trip, or can be combined with other shelters to the north and south. See GMC’s The Long Trail Guide for more long-distance backpacking options.

From the parking area, head north along the Long Trail toward Mount Abraham. The trail traverses though mixed hardwood forest to a rest spot between two huge glacial erratic boulders after approximately 0.75 mile. Continuing on, the path reaches Battle Shelter at 1.8 miles.

From the shelter, the summit is just 0.8 mile away. This is the steepest section, with many short and fun scrambles up and over granite ledges. The multi-acre summit (2.6 miles) stands at 4,006 feet, making Mount Abraham the fifth highest peak in Vermont. Lake Champlain is to the west; Killington and New Hampshire’s Mount Sunapee to the south; Mount Mansfield to the north; and New Hampshire’s Presidential Range to the east. This is a fine place to have a picnic, take a nap, and soak in the majestic views.

For the curious, an abandoned plane wreck lies in the woods just beyond the summit. Continue north on the Long Trail for 500 feet. On your left, a well-worn side trail leads into the woods. Follow the side trail for approximately 100 feet to the wreck. According to the GMC caretaker, the two-seater plane went down in bad weather with failing instruments on a stormy day in the mid-1970s. The pilot and passenger survived the crash landing, stumbled out of the plane and found themselves on the Long Trail. Following it south, they hiked themselves out of the woods, leaving the plane behind as proof of their misadventure. Return to the trailhead the way you came (5.2 miles).

The Long Trail
The Long Trail is America’s oldest long-distance trail and covers the entire length of Vermont, from Massachusetts to Canada. Following the spine of the Green Mountains, the 273-mile-long path traverses Vermont’s highest peaks, as well as swamps, bogs, streams, backcountry lakes, and quaint towns. Each summer, brave souls take this month-long journey. The Long Trail is maintained by the GMC; its excellent Long Trail Guide has all the information required to take on this adventure. Many families with kids have taken the plunge and hiked the Long Trail together, and it is also possible to day-hike and do weekend backpack trips on this trail as well. Trips 55, 61, and 62 are all on the Long Trail.

Head south from the trailhead for an easier jaunt to Sunset Ledge (see Trip 61). This trip also notes directions for the local favorite, Bartlett Falls (see Trip 61, Plan B).

The Warren Country Store, a presence in the area since the 1800s when it served as a stagecoach stop, is located in quaint downtown Warren and serves coffee, fresh sandwiches, baked goods, homemade ice cream sandwiches, drinks, and more. Warren and Bristol to its west each have numerous eating options.