mount tom

captainzap71

There are more stunning hikes, but this was very nice and within walking distance of our Woodstock, VT Inn

HappyMommy41

Even though the trails were being repaired we thoroughly enjoyed climbing up to the top and then walking back down to the Billings Farm. We did all of this right from our hotel - the Woodstock Inn. Such a pleasure to be able to walk out the door and get a decent hike in w/o having to travel anywhere in a car. Wonderful view of the town from the top.

tranaya

Lovely, fairly easy hike, but the switchbacks on the Faulkner trail are just silly. A little bit steeper and shorter would have done it. Nicely maintained and lovely views at the top.

PeterKalish

We hiked to the summit early in the morning, taking the Precipice trail...bit easier in the low light. We got to the top just as the sun broke over the hills on the east of Woodstock. It was a foggy morning and we were above the fog. Incredible view. Worth the 30 minute hike. Pictures speak for themselves...

KelliG_11

When in Vermont, we try to get "into nature" a little each day. In June, we grabbed s couple water bottles, a few granola bars, parked at the cemetery, and started out hike up Mount Tom. You can choose the winding, slow climb, or you can take a more direct, steeper route, but either way you are rewarded with an amazing view of a little Shire Town that looks as if it is right out of a picture book. HIGHLY recommend this climb!

MiniMoreTrips

We hiked to the top via the Faulkner Trail. We found it to be an enjoyable hike with nice switchbacks; a smooth trail that gets rockier as you get to the top. There are two look-outs. The first has a few benches, but don't stop here, keep going up the trail a bit for the final view. We went during fall foliage last year and I can't imagine that the view could be anymore spectacular in any other season.

hillman1969

The hike was nice - not too difficult but hard enough so you feel like you actually hiked. A trail map would've been nice. They have them at the visitors center, but we started our hike at a more popular spot which didn't have any maps available

devilinthedetails

A fairly easy hike but not for someone with limitations. Easy grade, a few narrow sections but good strong wire to hold on to. That section is very short. I am wary of heights and felt secure with the support structure that was added.

dioral

Fantastic hike for approximately 1 hour to the top, not very easy, bit absolutely not excessive challenging. The views from the top are breathtaking! Don't miss for an outdoor beautiful day activity!

Scfamily05

If you are staying in Woodstock Vt, the hike up Mt. Tom is within walking distance and takes about 90 min to 2 hours roundtrip. Most of the terrain is easy for beginners and the view from the top is quite nice!

TedF498

If you are staying in Woodstock, this is a great, quick hike to do. We arrived on a Friday afternoon and wanted a quick hike before dinner, and this trail provides some good elevation for views while being right outside of town. Some quick tips:There is Trail Work until August 8, 2014, while they make some repairs. The normal trail has a lot of switchbacks that are quite moderate (and sinuous), but of you keep on the "detour" trail even after the detour stops, you can essentially hike straight up, which gets the blood pumping a bit more. This can be done almost to the top, and it makes the ascent much faster. From the green in Woodstock, take the Middle Covered Bridge across the river and follow Mountain Ave, as it turns towards Faulkner Park. Then follow the signs for the Faulkner Trail. Great opportunity for sunset photos at the end of the day, and with the quick hike down, very doable.

Rondajambe

Carriage road is wide and easy to hike. As trail narrows need to pay attention more. Gorgeous rocks and trees. Very dramatic placement of boulders makes for cavelike spaces and stunning trees, mosses etc. Half expected to see a hobbit or some such mythical creature pop out from this truly beautiful greenery.

dutchy66

Nice not to rough family hike up to South Peak via Pogue, gorgeous view of Woodstock. Recommend this hike to families with younger children.

ddupont1

We had stayed at the Woodstock Inn and could walk over to the trails for Mount Tom. There wasn't great signage showing where it was and we followed what we had read online for accessing some of the trails. We did the Faulkner Trail, which was not strenuous (coming from someone who is out of shape) and the trail mainly went in a zig-zag pattern. Getting to the actual top was a little sketchy - lots of rocks and slippery leaves, but there were cables that you could hold onto. The views at the top were great. We heard there were moose sightings at the top, but we didn't seem him. We did see a porcupine climbing a tree, a scarlet tanager, and heard an owl hooting.

chiefwahoo1989

This hike starts in Faulkner Park just past the beautiful downtown area of quaint little Woodstock, VT (which also looks to deserve some time for strolling the shops and historic buildings). This hike is perfect for hikers of all abilities as the switchbacks are very easy to traverse and make the climb feel almost nonexistent. There are several shortcuts between switchbacks along the way to speed up the ascent/decent but just make sure to keep track of which direction to keep heading once you're back on the switchbacks.The views at the first overlook weren't all that impressive when we arrived, as several trees were fully grown and blocked most of the view of the town. However, it was only another 3-4 min to the top of the mountain where the views were much better. Just note that this final ascent is much steeper and rockier than the switchbacks.