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Vermont is a stunning New England state boasting some fantastic hiking opportunities. Besides its amusing name and the tales of mythical mountain creatures, Vermont's Wampahoofus Trail is a stunning hike leading to the highest point in Vermont. Keep one's eyes peeled on the trail to see the sweeping Vermont views and some odd-legged mountain creatures. Hikers are not guaranteed to see a Wampahoofus but notify the National Park Service if a sighting is confirmed.

The Wampahoofus Trail is one of several ways to get to the top of Mount Mansfield. Fortunately, these hikes are doable for most people in reasonable physical condition. Perhaps the most famous place for hiking in New England is the Arcadia National Park in Maine. Fill one's lungs with fresh air and climb some of New England's most stunning mountains.

What To Know About Hiking Vermont's Wampahoofus Trail

The Wampahoofus Trail is located on Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield. The Wampahoofus Trail is already far up the mountain, only starting from Butler Lodge (that sits around 3,000 up the mount). If one would like, hikers can even stay the night at Butler Lodge before heading into the fabled trail of Wampahoofus.

  • Location: Mount Mansfield, Vermont
  • Access: Via Butler Lodge Trail

To get there, hikers need to navigate the 1.8-mile Butler Lodge Trail. Along the trail, there is an optional detour down to explore the Rock Garden Trail that connects with the Maple Ridge Trail. The Wampahoofus Trail crosses over some rugged and rocky faces to where it has 360-degree views of the Champlain Valley at the top of the Forehead. The trail is one of many interconnecting trails in the area.

This is one of the very few places east of the Mississippi in the United States where people can see alpine tundra with rather stunted trees. From there, there are trails to the Chin of Mount Mansfield, Camels Hump, Mount Ellen, and Mount Abraham, and so connects four of Vermont's five highest peaks.

It is best to choose the right season to hike the Wampahoofus Trail - avoid the mud season (April and May) and the snows of winter (around October to May).

Related: Research Group Believe They Photographed Bigfoot In North Carolina

First Hike The Connecting Butler Lodge Trail

It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the Butler Lodge Trail (that leads to the Wampahoofus Trail). It is popular for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. The trail is a black diamond wilderness trail near Stowe, Vermont. One will need to be in at least a moderate level of fitness as the Butler Lodge Trail has a 1550-foot change in elevation (plus that of the onward Wampahoofus Trail).

  • Altitude Change: 474 Meters or 1550 Feet

Butler Lodge is a nice cozy cabin that hikers can spend the night in or just make a pit stop in the middle of the hike. The log cabin boasts great views of the surrounding mountains and of Lake Champlain. While basic, it is also comfortable and roomy.

The Butler Lodge Trail is accessed from the Stevensville Trailhead in Underhill Center. Completing both the Butler Lodge Trail and the Wampahoofus Trail is certainly a full day's hike (be sure to pack all the prerequisite necessities).

  • Dogs: Welcome But On A Leash

The Town of Underhill is the gateway to the hikes of Mount Mansfield, being located "At the Foot of Mount Mansfield." It is a rural community with around 3,000 residents.

Related: How To Explore Loch Ness And Have A Good Time Without The Monster

So What Is A Wampahoofus Anyway?

Scotland has the Loch Ness Monster, America has Big Foot, Australia has the Bunyip (and drop bear), the Himalayas have the Yeti, and Vermont is not to be outdone. Visitors to Vermont need to be on the keen lookout for the fearsome critter, the Wampahoofus or the Sidehill gouger (there are plenty of other names too).

This peculiarity of nature has adapted to living on hillsides by having legs sorted on the side of its body than the other. This means they can walk balanced on steep hillsides - but only in one direction. This means they can end up running in an endless circular path.

They are hoofed and can't walk on flat ground. There are many tales and fables about the Wampahoofus - but it's best to hike Vermont's Wampahoofus Trail to discover them in the flesh.

It has been reported that farmers sometimes crossbreed them with cows so that the cows can more easily graze the mountainsides. Today they inhabit the Green Mountains of Vermont - so be on the lookout!