Camel’s Hump State Park

 Elevation: 4,081FT

Camel’s Hump, an iconic Vermont peak, features a distinctive silhouette and several trails to choose from. For a moderate hike, opt for the 6.8-mile round trip Monroe Trail, which winds through lush forests and provides spectacular views of the Green Mountains. At the summit, enjoy a picnic and take in the expansive 360-degree views. This family-friendly hike is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Camel’s Hump has some of my favorite views of all of Vermont. It’s a very enjoyable hike and less crowded than Mansfield. I hiked up Forest City trail, jumped on the long trail until the summit and descended down Burrow’s Trail back to the parking lot. It was about 6 miles total and a great day hike. I went in October and there was a lot of snow and ice already. It was something like 60 at the base and 30’s at the summit with the wind making the ‘feel like’ temperature closer to 0 degrees. The last half mile is very steep and with the summit being above tree line, it does get really windy up there!  It’s worth the climb, the summit offers magnificent 360 views! I was slightly underprepared for this hike, as far as layers are concerned, so I didn’t get many pictures due to my hands being so cold! I will definitely be back to hike Camel’s Hump again and get some better pictures.

My pup loved this hike! Java didn’t have any issues with the rocks or steepness and we saw a bunch of other pups on the trail. When we were at the summit we saw a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Chihuahua, just proved all dog sizes are great for hiking buddies! Parts of the trail get pretty rocky so keep an eye out for your pup’s paws and make sure they’re in good shape.

Camping:

Primitive camping is allowed only in the lower elevations and away from trails, roads, and water, in accordance with the state primitive camping guidelines. Otherwise, overnight camping is permitted only in Green Mountain Club shelters and lodges, and at Hump Brook Tenting Area. Shelters and lodges are supervised by GMC from May to October with a nominal fee for overnight use. There is a 2-night limit. The shelters are open year-round, and reservations are not accepted. Open fires are permitted only in tent platform fire rings and in designated primitive camping areas. Camping facilities are also available at nearby Little River State Park.

History:

Waubanaukee Indians first named it “Tah-wak-be-dee-ee-wadso” or Saddle Mountain. Samuel de Champlain’s explorers in the 1600’s called it “lion couchant” or resting lion. The name “Camel’s Rump” was used on a historical map by Ira Allen in 1798, and this became “Camel’s Hump” in 1830.

The Park came about as an original gift of 1000 acres including the summit from Colonel Joseph Battell, who originally bought Camel’s Hump to preserve the wooded mountainous view from his home. In 1911, care of the mountain was entrusted to the State Forester who managed with the aim to keep it in a primitive state according to Battell’s wish.

The State of Vermont eventually adopted a policy of development regulation on all state forest lands to preserve aesthetic values. It fought proposed intrusions by communications towers and ski resorts until the summit’s Natural Area was set aside; then special legislation was passed in 1969 to create a Forest Reserve whose state-owned acres (about 20,000 by 1991) form Camel’s Hump State Park. Source