C amels Hump is the third highest mountain in Vermont. It is my favorite mountain to hike. From the Parking Lot at the Burrows Trailhead it is 3.3 miles to the summit via the spur trail to the Forest City Trail. Often overlooked and bypassed this hike is less travelled, more scenic and more challenging. While standing at the Register for the trails, look over your right shoulder. On the other side of the small stream you will see the sign for the spur trail that leads to the Forest City Trail. I think you will enjoy this hike immensely!	Our Objective, The Camels Hump Summit
If you need directions to the Camels Hump State Park, Huntington Side enter "Your Location", You will get a detailed map with directions. Enter starting street address: City, State or Zipcode: Remember to use the "Back" button to get back to this page.	The spur trail is short .1 miles, mostly downhill. At the end there is a nice bridge over a ravine. Be sure to take the time to check this out!
The Bridge just below where the spur trail and the Forest City Trail meet.	This Waterfall is just off the trail at the lower bridge.
F rom here we start a moderate climb through the forest to the Long Trail . The trail follows a stream most of the way. There are no scenic views on this trail
At this point, we are near the Long Trail. We cross at the top of one of the small streams that we have been following	Here's a look downstream from the trail crossing.
F inally we reach the Long Trail. From here the hike gets more challenging and interesting. The next 1.9 miles is loaded with lots of scenic vistas and agressive climbs.
In a short steep ascent (.3 miles) we reach the first view. This is looking southeast towards Duxbury and Waitsfield.	There is a Beaverdam just below the cliff that can be reached from the Dean Trail.
The next obstacle lies straight ahead	We pass through some boulders. It is difficult to navigate through these especially with a large backpack.
We crest the top and the summit looms ominously ahead. At this point there are views in just about every direction. The trail levels out, goes to the east of the ridge then crosses back and slices along the west side of the ridge.	This is the last glimpse of the summit before the grueling climb
This is a great place to take a well deserved break. Camels Hump breathes down my back.	This picture doesn't do this justice, but I call this the "Stairway to Heaven". It goes up and up and up!
We finally break out of the trees just below the Hump. From here there are beautiful views to the East, West and South.	Next we head to the West, but first lets take time to reflect.
This is an approximation of the path we just journeyed. Just a short distance more!
The climb from here is not too bad. The vegetation is very fragile here and there are signs requesting that you stay on the trail and leash your pets.	Another successful climb! To finish this loop I head north on the Long Trail to The Burrows Trail. It will take about one hour to get to the parking lot
Here is a link to my January 31, 2003 snowshoe Hike up the Burrows Trail