Hike Feature: Day Hiking

  • Sterling Pond

    Sterling Pond

    Sterling Pond Trail is short but steep two-mile round-trip hike on the eastern side of Smugglers’ Notch. The excursion can be turned into a half-day or all-day hike by adding connecting trails, including stretches of Vermont’s Long Trail. One of the Long Trail shelters, Sterling Pond Shelter, faces away from the water and its usual prevailing winds. The trail gains 1,066’ just over one mile, making it a moderate trail, but a good day hike option in summer, fall, and winter (note additional road walk needed).

    From the Sterling Pond parking lot, carefully cross Rt. 108 to get to the trailhead. The Sterling Pond Trail is on the right and begins with a steep ascent on stone steps. Follow blue blazes for 1.1 mile to the intersection with the Long Trail. Turn left, heading north on the Long Trail (blazed in white) and continue to Sterling Pond, an additional .01 of a mile (1.1 mi). To get to Sterling Pond Shelter continue straight on the Long Trail around Sterling Pond for 0.3 mi (1.4 mi). To return to Rt. 108 as an out-and-back take the Long Trail back to Sterling Pond Trail for a trip total of 2.8 mi.

    For a loop option, continue past Sterling Pond shelter on the Long Trail to the intersection with Elephants Head Trail. This trail is 0.7 miles and follows the rocky shore of the pond. At the Elephants Head Trail and Long Trail intersection, turn right and follow Long Trail North for 0.3 mi. to the Sterling Pond Trail. At Sterling Pond Trail intersection take a left to return to the parking lot within another 1.1 mi. This loop is 3.5 mi. total.

    Note this is a busy trail system, especially on weekends. Consider visiting outside of peak periods.

  • Lake Mansfield Trail to Taylor Lodge 

    Lake Mansfield Trail to Taylor Lodge 

    From the Trout Club parking lot, follow the trail alongside Lake Mansfield, nestled in the shadows of Mount Mansfield, and continue on Lake Mansfield Trail for 1.6 mi. to Taylor Lodge and a junction with the Long Trail. This route climbs up toward Nebraska Notch and offers great views of the Notch. Return the way you came. (3.2 mi.)

  • Hellbrook Trail

    Hellbrook Trail

    Hellbrook Trail is one of the most strenuous trails on the east side of Mount Mansfield. Descending this trail in wet weather is not recommended. This trail ascends 2,330’ in 1.5 miles to the Long Trail (LT) junction. This trail climbs steeply to the ridge, frequently on precipitous ledges, using hand holds or metal rebar for gripping through the woods with occasional views of the ledges on the east side of the notch.

    From VT-108/Mountain Road take Hellbrook Trail 0.9mi. up the northeastern side of Mount Mansfield. At the Hellbrook Cutoff and Hellbrook Trail intersection, continue on Hellbrook Trail for 0.4 mi. until reaching Lake of the Clouds and Adam’s Apple intersection. Continue past the lake on Hellbrook Trail 0.2 mi. to the Long Trail. Take Long Trail North for 0.3 mi. until reaching the Chin, highest point of Mount Mansfield (3.6 mi). To return, either head back down the same way via Long Trail South to Hellbrook Trail or go over the Adam’s Apple to Hellbrook Trail, or continue descending on the Long Trail past the Hell Brook Trail intersection another 0.2 mi, reaching the Hell Brook Cutoff Trail. Take the Cutoff Trail 0.6 mi. to join back up with the Hellbrook Trail and descend the remaining 0.7 mi. back to the trailhead.

    Note that Hellbrook Trail can be hazardous in wet weather and descending this trail is very difficult.

    Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple highpoints. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its highpoints have names like the Forehead, the Nose, and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’). It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads, so take care to review maps and return to the same trailhead you started from. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.

  • Long Trail South and Haselton Loop

    Long Trail South and Haselton Loop

    From Barnes Camp, take the Long Trail South, across the boardwalk, to the road crossing at Route 108 (0.5 mi.) Cross the road to continue on the Long Trail South and begin a continuous climb up Mount Mansfield’s northern ridge. Come to the junction of the Taft Lodge spur trail, Profanity Trail, and Hellbrook Cutoff Trail (1.7 mi.) Taft Lodge is 300 feet away and makes a great break spot. Continue on the Long Trail South ascending another 0.6 mi to the Chin (2.3 mi.), the highest point in Vermont. This is very steep and exposed requiring some scrambling.

    From the Chin continue south along the exposed, rocky spine of Mount Mansfield another 1.4 miles to the Mount Mansfield Summit Station (3.7 mi.) This is also where the Mount Mansfield Toll Road ends with a large parking lot. Proceed down the Toll Road for 0.5 miles to an intersection with the Haselton Trail (4.2 mi) on your left, entering a ski trail. The trail descends steeply down the mountain side, with spectacular views, crossing and following a couple of ski trails, eventually entering the woods (watch for Haselton Trail sign on your left). The trail exits the woods by the Midway Base Lodge. Follow the Lodge Road to Route 108, turn left following the road 0.3mi. back to the Long Trail south parking lot.(5.8 mi.)

    Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple highpoints. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its highpoints have names like the Forehead, the Nose, and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’). It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads, so take care to review maps and return to the same trailhead you started from. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.

  • Halfway House and Sunset Ridge Loop

    Halfway House and Sunset Ridge Loop

    From Underhill State Park parking area, walk along the Park Road Trail for about one mile. Take a right onto CCC Road for 0.2 mi. (1.1 mi.).Turn left onto Halfway House Trail for 0.9 mi.(2.0 mi.). At intersection with Canyon Trail continue on Halfway House for 0.3 mi. until reaching the Long Trail (2.3 mi.). Turn left and continue on Long Trail North for 1.2 mi. (3.5 mi.) until reaching the Chin, the highest point in Vermont at 4,395 ft. To return, continue back down Long Trail South to Sunset Ridge Trail for 3.2 miles (6.7mi.).

    Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple high points. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its high points have names like the Forehead, the Nose (not open to the public), and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’). It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads. Please note that the trails described here leave from Underhill State Park. There are a few loop options available from the Underhill Trailhead. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.

  • Gondola to Cliff Trail

    Gondola to Cliff Trail

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads. This description involves a paid gondola ride, operated by Stowe Mountain Resort, followed by a short but difficult hike to the summit.

    Stowe Gondola SkyRide is owned and operated by Vail Resorts and Stowe Mountain Resort. The Gondola runs seasonally from mid-June to mid-October. Riding the gondola requires a pass, sold at Stowe Mountain Resort. Dogs are permitted. The Gondola ride takes about 20-30 minutes and stops at the Cliff House restaurant. If you’d like to hike up to the summit of Mount Mansfield, take the short, but steep Cliff Trail to the Long Trail. For more information on times and pass prices visit: Gondola SkyRide | Stowe.

    From Gondola to Summit: From Cliff House, take Cliff Trail connector for 0.1 mi. until reaching Cliff Trail. Continue right on the steep and rugged Cliff Trail for 0.3 mi. until reaching the Long Trail. At the intersection of the Cliff Trail with the Long Trail take a right onto Long Trail North. Continue on Long Trail North for 0.4 mi until reaching the Chin, or the highest point of Mount Mansfield (0.8 mi). To return to the gondola take Long Trail South 0.4 mi. back to Cliff Trail, then down a steep 0.4 mi. back to the Cliff House. Note that the last gondola is at 4:15 p.m. so allow time to get back down to the Cliff House before then.

    Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple highpoints. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its highpoints have names like the Forehead, the Nose, and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’). It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

  • Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge Loop

    Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge Loop

    From Underhill State Park follow Park Road Trail for 0.9 mi. until intersection with Sunset Ridge Trail and CCC Road Trail (0.9 mi.). Take a left at the intersection, following Sunset Ridge Trail for 0.1 mi (1.0 mi.). Turn right onto Laura Cowles Trail. Follow Laura Cowles for 1.4 mi. (2.4 mi.) until reaching intersection with Sunset Ridge Trail. Continue straight for 0.1 mi. To top of ridgeline.Take a left and follow Long Trail North for 0.2 mi. until reaching the summit also known as the Chin. (2.7 mi.) at 4,395 ft. From the Chin, turn back down Long Trail going south for 0.2 mi. until again reaching Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles Trail intersection (2.9 mi.). Take a right from the Long Trail onto a connector trail for 0.1 mi. until reaching the intersection (3.0 mi.). Turn right, going down Sunset Ridge Trail following an open ridgeline for 2.0 mi. (5.0 mi.). Continue past Laura Cowles Trail intersection for 0.1 mi. (5.1mi.) until reaching Park Road Trail once again. Follow Park Road for 0.9 miles back to Underhill State Park (6 mi.).  

    Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple highpoints. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its highpoints have names like the Forehead, the Nose, and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’. It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads. Please note that the trails described below leave from Underhill State Park. There are a few loop options available from the Underhill Trailhead. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.

  • Elephant’s Head Cliff (via Long Trail) 

    Elephant’s Head Cliff (via Long Trail) 

    There are a few different ways to reach the Elephant’s Head Cliff overlook, which offers spectacular views of Smuggler’s Notch and Mount Mansfield. This description is for the Long Trail route.

    Start at the Barnes Camp visitor center and take the Long Trail North, which starts behind the building. Cross the West Branch Waterbury River on a bridge. Follow the Long Trail North, passing an intersection with the Barnes Camp Loop Trail at 0.5 miles. At this point the trail continues, climbing steeply, another 2.4 miles north along the Smuggler’s Notch wall to the Elephant’s Head Spur Trail (2.9 mi). To get to the cliffs, take a left at the spur trail for0.1mile (3.0 mi). Be careful of this on the spur trail because it slopes downward to the cliffs and in wet conditions can be slippery. To return, follow Long Trail South for 2.9 mi. back to Barnes Camp (6.0mi).

  • Frost Trail and Butler Lodge Loop

    Frost Trail and Butler Lodge Loop

    This is a good moderate day hike or beginning overnight trip.

    A beautiful but difficult 4.8-mile loop can be made by connecting the Frost, Maple Ridge, Rock Garden, and Butler Lodge Trails. The loop provides a variety of terrain with many amazing views, exciting rock scrambles and caves, interesting birch forests, and of course, Butler Lodge, one of the overnight sites found along the Long Trail.

    From Stevensville parking lot, follow an old logging road for 0.2 mi. passing a gate. From the logging road (0.2 mi.) bear left at the Butler Lodge and Frost Trail intersection (0.3 mi.) following the Frost Trail crossing Stevensville Brook. Climb steadily for 1.4 mi. on the Frost Trail to the intersection with the southmost knob of Maple Ridge (1.7 mi.). Take a right at the Maple Ridge and Rock Garden intersection and follow Rock Garden Trail for 0.6 mi. Rock Garden is abundant with boulders, rock scrambles, and a narrow squeeze, making it challenging when wet. At the intersection with Wampahoofus Trail, continue on Rock Garden Trail for 0.1 mi. to Butler Lodge (2.8 mi.). At nearly 3,000ft., Butler Lodge is one of the Long Trail System’s highest overnight sites (tenting is not allowed at Butler Lodge). From Butler Lodge continue south down Butler Lodge Trail past Wallace Cutoff Trail (3.0 mi.) intersection for 1.8mi. back to the Stevensville Parking Lot (4.8 mi.).

    There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads. Please note that the trails described here leave from the Stevensville Trailhead in Underhill. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.

  • Beaver Meadow Lodge Loop

    Beaver Meadow Lodge Loop

    The trail to Beaver Meadow Lodge follows an old road to a high basin surrounded by mountains on three sides and makes an excellent family hike. On a clear day, it is possible to see Whiteface Mountain to the north. Beaver Meadow Lodge is one of two shelters within the Long Trail System with a woodstove making it an excellent winter overnight spot.

    From Beaver Meadow Rd. parking lot take the Beaver Meadow Trail for 1.8 mi to an intersection with the Beaver Meadow Loop Trail. You can take this loop in either direction, but if you bear left, you will reach the Beaver Meadow Lodge and the intersection with the Chilcoot Trail (2.3 mi.) Continue around the loop, which skirts a meadow, for another 0.5 mi, then return to your car via the Beaver Meadow Trail for 1.8 mi. (4.6 mi.)