Easy hikes and walks in Joseph Battell Wilderness
5.0
(8)
103
hikers
18
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness traverse a remote and rugged landscape within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The area is characterized by dense hardwood forests, pristine waterways, and forested mountains, with several peaks exceeding 3,000 feet. This wilderness offers a backcountry experience with limited human development, preserving a significant specimen of native Vermont forest.
Best easy hiking trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness
- The most popular easy hiking route is Great Cliff of Mount Horrid, a 1.4 miles (2.3 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete. This path leads to expansive views from the Great Cliffs.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Mount Moosalamoo Trail, an easy 2.4 miles (3.9 km) path. This route offers a journey through dense forest with moderate elevation gain.
- Local hikers also love the Texas Falls loop from Texas Falls, a 1.1 miles (1.7 km) trail leading through forested areas and along the falls, often completed in about 30 minutes.
- Hiking in Joseph Battell Wilderness is defined by dense hardwood forests, rugged mountain terrain, and pristine waterways. The network offers options for various ability levels, with a focus on easy hiking trails in this guide.
- The routes in Joseph Battell Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 8 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Joseph Battell Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
1.23km
00:31
150m
10m
Hike the easy 0.8-mile Great Cliff via Long Trail for a steep ascent to expansive vistas from the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid.
3
hikers
2.31km
00:53
160m
160m
Hike the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid for panoramic views of the Green Mountains and a chance to spot peregrine falcons.
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896m
00:16
30m
30m
Embark on an easy hike to Pleiad Lake, a short adventure covering 0.6 miles (0.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 89 feet (27 metres). This route typically takes just 15 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick escape into nature. As you follow the path, you will notice the distinct alpine scent from the surrounding spruces, birches, and balsam firs. The trail culminates at the serene Pleiad Lake, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
When planning your visit, consider hiking between April and October for the best conditions. You can access the trail from the Long Trail, which is conveniently located at the top of Middlebury Gap. Dogs are welcome to join you on this route, but please ensure they remain on a leash throughout your hike. This accessible trail provides a refreshing outdoor experience without requiring extensive preparation.
Pleiad Lake itself is a tiny alpine lake, nestled at 2,149 feet above sea level within Middlebury Gap. You might observe the unique geological features along the way, including green schists and large white quartz rocks that add to the natural beauty of the area. The still waters of the lake, sometimes veiled in mist, create a truly meditative setting, making this short hike a memorable stop.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
1.72km
00:30
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.85km
01:14
270m
20m
Hike the easy 2.4-mile Mount Moosalamoo Trail through diverse forests to summit views of Lake Dunmore and the Green Mountains.
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Tips from the Community
Extremely hilly, sounds of nature, lot's to see & experience. Downhills are well worth the climbs. You definitely need to have some rides/climbing in your season. Update 7/26/25 Still crazy hilly & and punchy. However, the downhill runs are amazing..😉
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Brandon Gap is a tall mountain pass in the green mountains on Gap Road. This is a challenging climb in a beautiful area in the green mountains. The Long Trail crosses the road right at the summit of the pass, so be on the lookout for thru-hikers as you ride past!
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Middlebury Gap is a mountain pass in Vermont's Green Mountains and a great, very challenging climb for any rider. It divides two different drainage areas with the Robbins Branch flowing southeast into the White River, and the South Branch into Middlebury River, which into Otter Creek, connecting to Lake Champlain. The Long Trail, a 272-mile hiking route traversing Vermont, runs through here, passing between Worth Mountain and Boyce Mountain. The Breadloaf Wilderness lies to the north, while Middlebury College Snow Bowl and Joseph Battell Wilderness are nearby to the south.
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It's a short but very steep climb up to this viewpoint on the flank of Mount Horrid. You can follow the Long Trail all the way to the peak of Mount Horrid (and beyond), but the views are actually better from this exposed cliff than from the forested peak.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Joseph Battell Wilderness?
The Joseph Battell Wilderness offers 8 easy hiking trails, providing a range of options for exploring its dense hardwood forests and pristine waterways. In total, there are 18 routes available in the area, catering to various skill levels.
What makes the Joseph Battell Wilderness a unique place for easy hikes?
The wilderness is characterized by its remote and rugged backcountry, dense hardwood forests, and pristine waterways like Bingo Brook. It offers a true wilderness experience with limited human development, preserving a significant specimen of native Vermont forest. You'll find forested mountains and peaks exceeding 3,000 feet, contributing to a diverse and scenic hiking environment.
Are there any easy loop trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness?
Yes, an excellent easy loop trail is the Texas Falls loop from Texas Falls. This 1.1-mile (1.7 km) path takes you through forested areas and along the falls, typically completed in about 30 minutes.
What kind of views can I expect on an easy hike in this area?
Even on easy hikes, you can find rewarding views. For instance, the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid trail, a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) path, leads to expansive views from the Great Cliffs, where you might even spot peregrine falcons.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness?
The easy trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the genuine wilderness experience, the tranquility of the dense forests, and the opportunity to connect with nature in a remote setting.
Are there any easy trails that follow waterways or lead to lakes?
Yes, the Pleiad Lake via Long Trail is an easy option that leads to Pleiad Lake. This shorter route, less than a mile, offers a peaceful walk to a scenic water feature.
What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in Joseph Battell Wilderness?
While the guide focuses on easy trails, the Joseph Battell Wilderness is known for its dense hardwood forests, which offer stunning foliage in autumn. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Given its rugged nature, always check weather conditions, especially for potential mud in spring or early winter snow.
Is parking available for the easy trailheads?
Parking is generally available near trailheads accessing the wilderness. For specific routes like the Great Cliff of Mount Horrid, dedicated parking areas are typically provided. For access points to the Long Trail, parking can often be found near Route 73 or Route 125.
Are there any easy trails suitable for families with children?
Many of the easy trails are suitable for families. The Texas Falls loop from Texas Falls is a short, engaging option with a waterfall, perfect for younger hikers. The Great Cliff of Mount Horrid also offers a relatively short path to a rewarding viewpoint.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on an easy hike?
The Joseph Battell Wilderness is a critical habitat for black bears and is home to 17 identified rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species. While sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter various forest animals, birds (including peregrine falcons near Mount Horrid), and diverse plant life, even on easy trails.
Are there any easy trails that are part of the famous Long Trail?
Yes, the Long Trail, Vermont's iconic long-distance path, crosses the entire length of the Joseph Battell Wilderness. Shorter, easy sections can be accessed, such as the initial portions of the Great Cliff via Long Trail or the path leading to Pleiad Lake via Long Trail, offering a taste of this historic route.
Most popular routes in Joseph Battell Wilderness
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