Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking
Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest is home to the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, recognized by National Geographic for its outstanding local heritage, nature conservation and tourism stewardship. Hiking from one charming historic country inn to the next is a perfect way to experience this secret gem of New England that's home to over 20,000 acres of forest, cliffs, vistas, lakes and streams. We carry only daypacks while hiking the best routes in the area, possibly to include the well-maintained and quiet trails of Mt. Moosalamoo, Silver Lake, the Falls of Llana and others. In the evenings we enjoy the quiet comfort, warm hospitality, and hearty meals at the authentic century-old Churchill House Inn and the panoramic views, antique furnishings and fresh gourmet creations of the Blueberry Hill Inn. Escape the crowds and discover the culture, history and natural beauty of hidden New England.
Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking Itinerary:
Day 1 Immerse yourself in quintessential New England.
Day 2 Hike among forests, lakes and streams of the Green Mountain National Forest.
Day 3 Journey on to your next night's accommodations where gourmet meals, a cozy fire, and great company await.
Day 4 One last morning of exploring before heading home today.
There are many hiking options surrounding the inns used on our itinerary, and our guide’s judgment along with the group’s abilities and interest will determine which routes we select. On some itineraries we spend two nights at Blueberry Hill Inn and one night at Churchill House and on others we do the opposite. To determine what inns we’ve specifically selected by departure, see the listing of inns below. Either format creates ideal opportunities for hiking exploration of the area. Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This can include changes in the inns to be used, trails to be hiked, etc. due to weather and terrain conditions, etc. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.
All accommodations, meals as noted in the daily itinerary; professional guiding; taxes and inn gratuities; luggage transfers between inns, on-trip van transportation to and from trailheads when required.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (these can be purchased at Churchill House, but not at Blueberry Hill Inn, so plan on bringing your own for nights spent at Blueberry Hill Inn if you would like); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Major --
Albany International Airport, Albany, NY: 115 miles, 2.5 hours
Smaller --
Burlington International Airport, Burlington, VT: 55
miles, 1.25 hours
Rutland Southern Vermont Regional, Rutland, VT: 25
miles, 40 min
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is rated Moderate (3) as the hiking portions of the trip involve carrying a daypack over terrain will elevation gain and loss for around 5-8 miles daily. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your overall enjoyment is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 - 80 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 50s and 60s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80 degrees F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 50s and 60s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.
Gear Checklist
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Daypack: approx. 1,500 - 2,000 cu. in.
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or Lightweight thermal top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great)
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- T-shirts, synthetic
- Underwear
- Hiking socks, 3 pairs
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable, casual clothing for evenings at the inns
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots: sturdy, stiff-soled, well broken-in, rising above the ankle (these are a necessity for hiking on this trip!)
- Running shoes or sandals for evenings
- Moleskin or other blister first-aid
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (small, packable)
- Toiletry kit: roll of toilet paper, toothbrush & paste, pack towel (think light!)
- Personal first-aid kit, small and light
- Trekking poles
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Ear plugs
- Camera
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Guides (7)
- Accommodations (6)
- Food (6)
- Group camaraderie (6)
- Activity level (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual adventurer (6)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the details planned for me (7), Destination (5), I liked the itinerary (4), Active adventures (3), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (3)
Reviewed by 9 customers
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Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
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- Scenery
Cons
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Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
I enjoyed the trip and see why REI has the rep it does for travel. This hikes tended to be 4-6 hours a day but not overly difficult if you are in ok shape. I was able to do things like try out my hiking poles and pick the guide's brain on some hiking techniques. Go with the flow within your group....there are always people you will bond with more than others. Don't be intimidated if some of your group speeds off ahead...our guide confirmed we were going at a healthy speed and we were still able to stop for photos even though half the group took off ahead of us. Though they chose to speed through an enjoyable hike, the guide stayed with us. I would recommend this trip.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I have never done an organized hiking trip like this before and I wanted to test my hiking abilities for a few days in a row in anticipation of a bigger trip in the future.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The hike from the first inn to the next. The people on the trip were sociable. The scenery on the hikes was lovely, though by going on Oct 19th the leaves were a week or two past peak. Our guide Bruce was very nice and pointed out a lot on the hikes. The food at both inns was delicious, and the Churchill Inn was really very lovely.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- The trip is not overwhelming for a beginner. There weren't too many elevations (maybe because it rained hard the day we arrived) so it wasn't really overly taxing. Stop and treat hot spots before they become blisters. Carry muleskin and other blister treatments with you! Wear or carry layers. Also, I felt the Single Supplement fee was worth getting my own room.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Food
- Guides
Cons
- Group Camaraderie
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
This was a wonderful trip! The guide, Bruce, was wonderful! He really worked very hard to make sure that everyone got what they wanted from the trip. He was extremely knowledgeable too!
The only problems had to do with the wide range of speeds, abilities, and experience levels, and the difficulty that can arise if someone can't accept this. It is, after all, a group experience and not an individual hike! But don't let that stop you from going! It's a great trip!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- This seemed like the perfect combination of hiking and sightseeing. The length of the trip was just right for my first time going with REI. The price seemed like a good value
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Day 2, when we went from one inn to the other.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Don't go on this trip if you are not willing to be a team player. If you cannot enjoy being on a trip with a wide variety of experience levels, abilities, and speed of hiking, find a different trip. (I was the slowest person, even though the guide said that my pace was actually the typical pace of most of his groups).
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Shortandgray
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
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Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
Our guide, Marylou was great! She took good care of us and listened to our needs.
Initially I was worried about the food quality during the trip but it turned out to be great!
Both inns are really nice. Bluehill inn even raised the Chinese flag for us. Weezer the pug is adorable.
The hiking itself is managable and fun.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Recommended by a Friend
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- I wanted to check out the fall foilage in Vermont.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- I particularly love the sugar hill reservior where we had lunch on the last day.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Late Sep and Early Oct are better time to go.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Weather
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
We were blessed with amazing weather so having layers of clothing was beneficial. It was just cool enough in the morning that a light long sleeve layer was nice but it came off before long. Trekking poles came in handy. Breakfast was at 8:30 each morning so there was time for a little extra sleep or a mini-hike if desired. Bruce, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the area, the plants and animals and was very accommodating to different skill levels in our group. If you can, plan to spend a little time in Burlington. They have a nice bay area to walk around or rent bikes and a neat pedestrian- friendly area downtown with neat shops and restaurants.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Positive Prev Experiences, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Had previously done the Hut to Hut Hiking in New Hampshire and wanted to try the B&B version.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The hike up and view from Mount Horrid.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Go with a positive attitude and a desire to enjoy other people as much as the hikes. Since the skill levels vary, others may be slower or faster hikers than you so be aware and gracious about it.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by CAW99
Hiking up Mount Horrid
Images shared by CAW99
View from lunch site
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Flexible itinerary
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
This was a very enjoyable trip. The guides made the biggest difference and the group bonded. We had two guides, Bruce and MaryLou and a representative from REI Corporate, Nicole. It was obvious the guides loved what they do.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Wanted to see the leaves in full color, up close and personal. Good combination of outdoor activity and comfortable overnight accomodations (no tests etc...)
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Having a high quality itinerary without having to plan it. Also, the Inns had great food and were comfortable.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be prepared for rain. You will want to enjoy the trip even if it does rain. Come witn an upbeat attitude. Think about what you will be tipping the guides before you go so you can bring sufficient cash to do this. I do not recall any of the REI info saying anything about tipping. You will probably want to tip the guides at the end of the trip. There is no ATM on the hiking trails to get cash for this.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- BYOB at the first inn
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- In the middle of no-where
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
We loved our guides (Sue and Mary Lou). Having two guides was nice in that one guide went with the lead group, the 2nd guide went with those who were walking at a more leisurely pace.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We really wanted a chance to see the leaves turning in New England. This trip provided exactly that, although it's a bit of a gamble with the weather and the leaves. Our weekend trip (Oct 7th) was really nice, sun, good temperatures, leaves turning. The weekend before was rainy - you just never know.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The hike around Mount Moosalamoo was on a trail that was hard to follow, we most definitely needed the guides there to help. The 2nd day hike down to the other Inn was a nice easy walk (about 7 miles)
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- The hike around the mountain was surprisingly up and down, and relatively rigorous.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Bill Buros
A great place to have a lunch...
Images shared by Bill Buros
Numerous new bridges in the area
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
The inns were wonderful and welcoming. Beautiful rooms and great food. The walks were challenging but enjoyable.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- This looked like a good chance to enjoy Vermont inns and enjoy being outside walking at the same time.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The highlight of the trip was the group and leader. REI trips can be made or destroyed by the people you travel with. Fortunately this was a very nice group of interesting people that made everyone feel welcome.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Expect some rigorous hiking on the first day...especially if it is in the 90s. The last day is definitely the day to take your camera as it is a more laid back hike with great views.
Pros
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
Bruce is a great trip leader; knowledgeable and easy going. He made it very relaxing and enjoyable.
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Great Value
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Fall Colors; Great food at Blueberry Hill Inn.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Dress in Layers
Pros
- Accommodations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
- Activity Level
- Fell Short of Expectations
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking:
The only 'negative' thing I can say about this trip is that I was disappointed that we werent able to hike as much as my husband or I would have liked. Our guide, Bruce, was very knowledgeable and tried really hard to accommodate all the different skill levels on the trip. This is a B&B to B&B hike but due to rain we werent able to actually hike to the other B&B, although we were all equiped with rain gear. Would still have preferred to do the original hike that was planned though. Overall this was a very enjoyable trip.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Have always wanted to see the NE Coast in the fall. Figured this was the best way to see it up close and personal. Wanted to experience the charm of a B&B.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Loved the scenery and hiking. The fall colors were quite beautiful. As for the food....let me say its a good thing we were hiking, otherwise I could have easily gained 10 lbs! The food was wonderful.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Be aware that most B&B's do not have TVs or radios so if you are an avid sports fan like my husband you wont be seeing or getting any scores that weekend. Note this is a 'moderate' rated hike. So if you haven't ever hiked before know there will be elevation gains which can be strenuous to new hikers. If you are an avid hiker, then this is a very nice hike with elevations that give you a good workout but nothing too extreme. Had some wonderful views from the top of Mt. Moosalamoo.
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