Hiking Vermont’s Bucklin Trail: A Moderate Adventure in Green Mountain National Forest

The Bucklin Trail offers a rewarding day excursion within Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest, known for its inviting combination of manageable challenge and immersive natural beauty. Stretching approximately 7.2 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 2,379 feet, this moderate trek invites hikers into a vibrant woodland setting where the journey is as compelling as the destination.

Starting at a trailhead framed by towering evergreens and the earthy scent of spruce, the path steadily climbs through forested ridges that ripple with the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls. The trail’s moderate difficulty strikes a balance that appeals to both eager beginners willing to push their limits and seasoned hikers looking for a refreshing escape. Expect a well-marked route that rewards with a rich diversity of terrain—from soft dirt packed with pine needles to rocky ascents that test your footing and resolve.

As you ascend, the trail reveals glimpses of rolling Vermont hills, and in clear weather, those views open wide enough to inspire moments of quiet reflection or a breath-catching pause. The gain in elevation, approximating nearly 2,400 feet, provides a tangible sense of achievement without veering into overly strenuous territory. This climb and descent pattern offers ample opportunities to feel the earth shift beneath your hiking boots, and to engage fully with the natural world.

Though primarily a hiking route, the Bucklin Trail’s moderate grade and varied surface also attract trail runners seeking a lively workout, as well as adventurous mountain bikers ready for a steady challenge amid the forest. It’s a multi-use trail that respects the pace and preferences of different outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining its core identity as a hiking experience.

Trail conditions are generally favorable from late spring through early fall, with summer’s lush canopy offering welcome shade and fall’s early hues beginning to paint the leaves in amber and crimson. The forest’s quiet presence feels alive, as if it responds directly to your steps. Wildlife sightings, from the muscular flash of a white-tailed deer to the occasional call of a barred owl, add a dynamic edge to the hike.

Planning your trip involves practical considerations: sturdy boots for the varied terrain, layers to counter the shifting temperatures between forest floor and exposed ridges, and plenty of water for the ascent. While the out and back format simplifies navigation, mindful preparation for changing weather and trail conditions is recommended.

The Bucklin Trail’s location in the Green Mountain National Forest situates it within a vast protected area where conservation is paramount, ensuring the trail maintains its natural character and quiet dignity. This is a place where the forest seems to breathe alongside you, daring you onward and pushing you to savor every step.

Whether you seek a mid-length hike to refresh your connection with Vermont’s wilderness or a versatile trail to accommodate hiking and trail running, Bucklin Trail delivers a purposeful and memorable escape. It’s a destination that rewards initiative while offering the steady pulse of nature's rhythms as your companion.

In summary, this trail is a solid choice for those looking to experience the quiet grandeur of Green Mountain’s forest trails, balancing tactile engagement with sweeping vistas and a genuine appreciation for the elements.