Straight up the slope of Mount Hunger to its panoramic summit.

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

696

m

696

m

19

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Mount Hunger is one of the taller mountains near Stowe, Vermont.

Like other tall mountains in the region, it is capped by a subalpine zone of shrubby conifers and bare granite.

This makes for incredible, 360-degree views during clear weather.

From Mount Hunger, you can see up and down the spine of its range, and across the valley to the Green Mountains and Mount Mansfield—the tallest in the state. There are a few ways to reach the top of Mount Hunger, but the one described here is the most direct route from the Stowe side.

It is the Waterbury Trail, and it leads more or less straight up the mountainside–not very long but quite steep.

You’ll quickly travel from lower elevation mixed hardwood forest up to the spruce-fir zone, and eventually into the wind-warped subalpine.

All along the way are rocks and roots to step over, but nothing too difficult.

At one point, you must cross a flowing stream, but it’s easy to step across on rocks unless flows are especially high.

This trail should be avoided during the spring mud season or anytime after heavy rain because some sections become awash with water and mud.

The trail’s final obstacle is a short section of low-angle scrambling guarding the summit, but it’s manageable if you’ve made it that far. The mountaintop is broad and relatively flat, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the view.

There is no shelter from the elements, though, so you may not want to linger for long.

Expect chilly and windy conditions up high, even if the weather starts out pleasant at the trailhead. Sources: https://fpr.vermont.gov/putnam-cc-state-forest https://www.summitpost.org/mount-hunger/213410