Mount Philo Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

This short 2-mile long hike uses mostly trails, but a little bit of the summit loop road. The route leads to the top of Mount Philo where you'll have great views of the surrounding area including Lake Champlain.

From the parking area, take House Rock Trail. The trails begins fairly wide as it winds through the deciduous forest. The trail will quickly narrow and become a bit more rocky. You'll pass huge boulders, left over from the last glacial advance and even pass House Rock. After passing under a unique archway of trees you'll join the park road for a brief moment. Continue on along the Summit Trail reach the top.

The views from the top of Mount Philo are wonderful and the picnic tables at the top offer a nice spot to rest and enjoy a snack or a picnic lunch. Once you've had your fill of food and views, continue on taking the Old Carriage Trail to reach the park loop road. A short spell on the road leads to you the intersection with Devil's Chair Trail.

You'll take Devil's Chair Trail to descend the mountain. This is a somewhat more technical trail with a few caves and side trails along the way. You'll cross the road and hop back on House Rock Trail to head back to the parking area.

Mount Philo is Vermont's first state park, established in 1924.