Editors of the Summer 2004 issue of Vermont Life Magazine identified "32 Places Everyone Who Loves Vermont Should Visit." First on the list was the Monroe Skyline hiking trail, a thirty-mile stretch of the Long Trail beginning at Lincoln Gap in the Town of Warren and ending at the Winooski River. Twenty miles of this scenic route runs atop the main ridgeline of the Green Mountains that forms the western edge of the Mad River Valley.

"The Monroe Skyline is one of the special attractions in the Valley, providing numerous scenic hikes for all abilities," notes Susan Roy, executive director of the local chamber of commerce. "We're honored that Vermont Life, a well respected voice of Vermont, would recognize it as the number one place to visit in all of Vermont."

The only mountain hike on the list of 32, the Monroe Skyline presents views of the Mad River Valley as it crosses the 4000 summits of Mt. Abraham, Cutts Peak and Mt. Ellen as well as 3168 Burnt Rock Mountain, a popular Valley day hike offering scenic overlooks with views from the Adirondacks to the White Mountains. Named for Professor Will Monroe, a figure instrumental in the creation of the Long Trail a century ago, the Monroe Skyline also crosses the 4083 summit of Camel's Hump before descending to the Winooski.

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The Mad River Valley, home to ski resorts Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, offers visitors Historic Register villages, fine dining, quaint shops and summer recreational opportunities that include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and soaring. For more information on the Valley, visit www.madrivervalley.com or call toll-free 800-828-4748.