Hike Feature: Views

  • Camel’s Hump Summit via Monroe and Dean Trails

    Camel’s Hump Summit via Monroe and Dean Trails

    From the Monroe Parking lot, follow the blue-blazed Monroe Trail for 1.3 mi. At the first intersection take a left onto Dean Trail, continuing for 1.0 mi. to Wind Gap (2.3 mi). From Wind Gap take a right onto Long Trail North. Follow for 1.5 mi. to the summit of Camel’s Hump (3.8 m.). The summit of Camel’s Hump is one of the five tallest in Vermont at 4,083’ and offers 360-degree views to the Adirondacks, Whites, and Green Mountains. Continue over the summit on Long Trail North for 0.3 mi. until reaching the Hut Clearing and intersection with Monroe Trail (4.1 mi). Continue right on to Monroe Trail for 3.1 mi back to trailhead (7.2 mi).  
     

    Note: The Camel’s Hump summit is home rare arctic alpine vegetation, one of only three remaining alpine zones in Vermont. The plants are fragile and easily damaged. Help protect the alpine zone by doing the “rock walk” above treeline, staying on the bare rock between the white string. In the summer, a caretaker facilitates summit education, educating hikers about fragile ecosystems at high-use sites along the Long Trail.   

  • Sunset Ledge from Lincoln Gap

    Sunset Ledge from Lincoln Gap

    This short, popular hike leads to open ledges with views west to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. From the parking lot, follow the white-blazed Long Trail South for 1.1 miles until reaching the lookout, Sunset Ledge. To return, follow the Long Trail back north to the parking area (2.2 mi). While this trail is short, be prepared for some rugged terrain as you ascend the mile to the lookout.  

    Please note, if you are inspired by the name to hike this route for sunset, be sure each person has a flashlight and/or headlamp with new batteries or full charge. 

  • Stark Mountain Trail

    Stark Mountain Trail

    Start at the Mad River Glen Single Chair loading station. The Stark Mountain Trail follows a wide service road for 1.5 mi. winding up the ski area. At  the intersection with Sunnyside Trail take a right to continue for 0.9 mi. (2.4 mi.). At the intersection with the Long Trail take a right onto Long Trail North for 0.1 mi until reaching the Stark’s Nest overlook at 3,644’ (2.5 mi). To return to Mad River Glen continue back on Long Trail going south for 0.1 mi. until reaching intersection with Sunnyside Trail (2.6 mi). Continue on Sunnyside Trail for 0.9 mi (3.5 mi.) until returning to Stark Mountain Trail for another 1.5 mi. back to the parking lot (5.0 mi).  

    This hike is a good option for Mud Season, after resort operations have ceased. Please be respectful of recreating on this active ski area. More information from Mad River Glen is available here. 

  • Mt. Abraham via the Long Trail

    Mt. Abraham via the Long Trail

    From the Lincoln Gap trailhead, hike north on the Long Trail for 1.7 miles to Battell Shelter. Continue 0.9 miles on Long Trail North (2.6 mi). This section north of the shelter includes a few rocky scrambles before emerging above tree line and reaching the Mount Abraham summit at 4,006’. Mt. Abe is one of the five 4,000-foot peaks in Vermont, and from the summit there are views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains. The summit is also home to a small amount of rare and fragile alpine vegetation. Please take care to walk only on rock, as the plants are easily permanently damaged by foot traffic. To return, head back down the Long Trail going south for 2.6 mi. (5.2 mi).  
     

  • Molly Stark’s Balcony

    Molly Stark’s Balcony

    While short, the route to Molly Stark’s Balcony is a rugged walk on rolling terrain.  

    From the Appalachian Gap parking lot, head north on the Long Trail for 0.4 mi past Mad River Lookout and reaching Baby Stark Mountain. Continue on the Long Trail North for 0.9 mi. over Molly Stark Mountain before a final short descent to the Balcony on the north slope of Molly Stark Mtn (1.3 mi). The Balcony features a northward view towards Camel’s Hump. To return head back on the Long Trail going south for 1.3 mi.  

    Molly Stark Mountain and Balcony are named after Elizabeth “Molly” Paige Stark. Molly Stark recruited men to fight for the Americans in the Battle of Bennington in 1777, contributing to the Americans’ victory. She also treated soldiers with smallpox and opened her home as a hospital to treat both American and British soldiers who’d been wounded. General Stark Mountain on the south side of App Gap is named after her husband John Stark.   

  • Monroe Skyline

    Monroe Skyline

    This classic section of the Long Trail, the Monroe Skyline day hike, requires two cars and a drop-off at one end of the hike. It can be hiked in either direction but this description goes north to south. This hike summits two of Vermont’s five 4,000-foot peaks (Mt. Abraham and Mt. Ellen). Allow all day for this hike, or stay overnight around the halfway point at Glen Ellen Lodge. 

    From the Appalachian Gap parking lot on Route 17, cross Route 17 to begin on Long Trail South. Begin climbing up General Stark Mountain, over rock ledges, some with rebar ladders. This section of trail may be challenging for pets. Pass the Mad River Glen Sunnyside Chairlift station, and after 1.8 steep miles, reach Theron Dean Shelter, with a unique trail through a cave. Continue past the shelter for 0.6 mi. until reaching Stark’s Nest at 3,644’ (2.4 mi). From here, most of the elevation change is more gradual as you continue along the ridgeline. Reach General Stark Mountain 3,662’ (3.0 mi). Continue straight on the Long Trail, passing the summits of Mt. Ellen (5.2 mi), Castlerock (6.8 mi), Lincoln Peak (8.1 mi), and finally Mt. Abraham (8.9 mi.), with its open, alpine summit. Begin to descend, scrambling in places, and pass Battell Shelter on the left at (9.7 mi.), before reaching Lincoln Gap and your second car in the parking lot at 11.5 mi. 

    This portion of the Long Trail, from Lincoln Gap to the Winooski River, is named the Monroe Skyline in honor of Prof. Will S. Monroe, who led the effort to build this section of trail in the 1910s.

  • Section Hike: Camel’s Hump to Route 108

    Section Hike: Camel’s Hump to Route 108

    This challenging, 35-mile itinerary traverses some of the most iconic summits of the Long Trail, Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield, and crosses the Winooski River Valley. With 10,000 feet of elevation gain, it offers amazing 360-degree views of the Long Trail, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks in New York. Below is one option.

    • Day 1: Forest City Trail to Montclair Glen Lodge, 1.4 miles. (Can combine with Day Two for a four-day trip)
    • Alternate Day 1: Monroe Trail to Hump Brook Tenting Area, 1.3 miles. (Can combine with Day Two for a four-day trip)
    • Day 2: Montclair Glen Lodge to Bamforth Ridge Shelter, 6 miles; summit Camel’s Hump
    • Day 3: Bamforth Ridge Shelter to Buchanan Shelter, 12 miles; cross Winooski River
    • Day 4: Buchanan Shelter to Butler Lodge, 11 miles
    • Day 5: Butler Lodge to Route 108, 6 miles; summit Mansfield
  • Section Hike: Jay Pass (Route 242) to Northern Terminus

    Section Hike: Jay Pass (Route 242) to Northern Terminus

    Complete the Northern Terminus with a two-day, one-night hike from Jay Pass. For extra miles, this hike could also be done from Route 118, Hazen’s Notch.

    • Day 1: Jay Pass to Shooting Star Shelter, 7.6 miles
    • Day 2: Shooting Star to Northern Terminus, 4.4 miles; plus 1.3 mile hike out on Journey’s End Trail
  • Jerusalem Trail to Orvis Lookout

    Jerusalem Trail to Orvis Lookout

    From the Jerusalem trailhead, ascend the Jerusalem Trail 2.4 miles to the intersection with the Long Trail. Note that this trail passes through an active sugarbush for the first portion, crossing ATV trails and past maple tubes/lines. Be sure to stay on the blue-blazed trail. At intersection with the Long Trail take a left on the white-blazed LT North. Follow it a short distance to Orvis Lookout, which features westerly views of Lake Champlain (2.5 mi). To return follow the Long Trail back to meet up with Jerusalem Trail for another 2.4 mi (4.9 mi). 

    You can extend this hike to summit Mt. Ellen, one of Vermont’s 5 peaks above 4,000 feet. From the intersection of the Jerusalem Trail and the Long Trail, head south on the Long Trail for another 1.8 miles. Reach the wooded summit of Mt. Ellen (4.2 mi.). Mount Ellen is viewless, but there are great views from the top of the Sugarbush Ski Area just before the summit! Return the way you came for an 8.4-mile round trip hike (2,483 ft. elev. gain). 

  • Sunset Ridge to Mansfield Summit (the Chin)

    Sunset Ridge to Mansfield Summit (the Chin)

    One of the busiest trails in the state, the Sunset Ridge Trail is a moderately difficult, very scenic pathway to the summit. This is the easiest route to the summit from the western side, and the recommended route down the mountain to complete a loop with Laura Cowles, Halfway House, or Maple Ridge trails.

    From Underhill State Park parking area, walk along the CCC access road for about one mile. Take a left onto Sunset Ridge Trail (0.9 mi.). The trail crosses several streams, passes the beginning of the Laura Cowles Trail, and begins a steady ascent through a wooded area. Pass the side trail to Cantilever Rock on the left (1.5 mi.). Once the trail reaches the ridgeline, it continues to the summit over rocky, exposed ledges for 1.4 mi. (2.9 mi.). Use extreme caution in inclement weather. There are several short inclines that are steep, but foot and handholds are plentiful and these sections are passable by beginners.

    The trail turns southward below the base of a false summit, soon intersecting with the Laura Cowles Trail, and then the Long Trail (3.0 mi.). Turning left, continue north along Long Trail North to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the Chin. The Chin is 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 (6.2 mi.) to return to Underhill State Park.

    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 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.