Harmon Hill Vista

This route begins at the Long Trail Route 9 Trailhead just east of Bennington and follows the white-blazed Long Trail southbound toward Harmon Hill. The hike begins with a steep, sustained ascent up a well-built series of stone staircases through a shaded forest. After gaining elevation quickly, the trail levels out along a narrow ridgeline with intermittent views through the trees. Around halfway to the summit, hikers pass through several open meadows and patches of wildflowers during early summer, with potential for moose sightings in quieter hours. At a signed junction near the top, stay on the Long Trail to reach Harmon Hill. The summit offers wide, unobstructed views of the Bennington Valley to the west and the Taconic Mountains beyond. This is the turnaround point for most hikers. The descent retraces the same route and can be slippery in wet or muddy conditions. This is a rewarding short climb for experienced hikers looking for a half-day challenge in the Green Mountains.