By Outbound Hotels
Vermont’s tallest peak hosts an extensive network of trails that make the perfect day of adventure for experienced and beginner hikers alike
From an elevation of 4,395 feet, Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont, overlooks the town of Stowe and all its surrounding valleys, foothills, and forests. On clear days, views from the summit extend out over Lake Champlain to the Adirondack, over to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, down the spine of Vermont’s own Green Mountains, and even up into Canada. The views aren’t all that make Mansfield unique—the summit is one of the few exposed ridgelines in the mostly forested state and is home to the largest of the region’s very rare alpine tundra zones. Hiking Mount Mansfield is a local’s rite of passage and a bucket list highlight for any visitor. And with multiple trails to take you to the peak, getting to the top is a unique adventure all on its own.
Looking to give hiking Mount Mansfield a try yourself? Read on for a proper rundown of the five best routes to the top, plus a bonus hike and a handful of route-specific gear recommendations. Pro tip: book a stay at nearby Outbound Stowe for a newly renovated basecamp and easy access to the Mount Mansfield State Forest and all the Stowe area has to offer.
5 Best Routes for Hiking Mount Mansfield
The Classic Route: The Long Trail
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,837 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Out & Back
The Long Trail is a 272-mile hiking trail extending from Massachusetts to Canada along the spine of Vermont’s Green Mountains. It’s the oldest long-distance trail in the US, was the inspiration for the now better-known Appalachian Trail, and traverses Mt. Mansfield’s ridgeline and summit. If hiking the whole thing isn’t for you, using the trail to ascend through the forest from the parking area at Barnes Camp provides an excellent sense of what it’s like and is the classic way to climb Mt. Mansfield from the Stowe side. Roughly two miles into your hike and just shy of the ridge, you’ll reach Taft Lodge, the largest and oldest among the Long Trail’s system of shelters. It’s a good place to regroup and refuel before the final push to the summit, which is a short but steep way away. For a little variation, you can take the Profanity Trail from the top back down to Taft Lodge before linking up with the Long Trail once again.
Gear Recommendation: Teva Grandview Max Vent Hiking Boot
The Shortest Route: Cliff Trail via Mansfield Gondola
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 807 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Out & Back
Hiking Mt. Mansfield is a challenging day hike no matter which route you choose, but for those not up for a few miles of climbing, there’s still a way to the top. Stowe Mountain Resort’s gondola runs daily during the summer from 9 am to 4 pm and shortens the trek up by 2,000 feet for the price of a lift ticket ($60 for adults and $43 for children 12 and under). From the Cliff House—where there’s a restaurant that serves lunch, an outdoor deck, bathrooms, and a waffle house—it’s a little more than 0.6 miles to the top, bringing the state’s highest peak well within reach. Though it’s worth noting that while short, the Cliff Trail is no walk in the park; it’s steep, and hikers should come prepared with good footwear, water, and layers.
Gear Recommendation: Nocs Field Issue 10 x 32 Binoculars
The Fast & Steep Route: Lara Cowles to Sunset Ridge
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,555 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Loop
Of all the trails that begin at Underhill State Park on Mt. Mansfield’s western flank, the Lara Cowles Trail is the most direct way to the top. Running mostly perpendicular to a trail map’s topographical lines, the trail follows a drainage strait to the ridge in classic New England style with essentially zero switchbacks. It’s the most direct way to the top, and its steepness provides a good sense of the mountain’s scale—and offers some nice preliminary views over your shoulder along the way. It’s also only for the ascent. For the way down, the Sunset Ridge trail is easier going, and, more importantly, provides extended views out towards Lake Champlain for a good portion of the descent. If you plan to hike from Underhill Center later in the afternoon when the light gets golden, you won’t be disappointed (just remember to bring a headlamp for the way down as it gets dim in the lower woods fast).
Gear Recommendation: Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
The Full Ridge (Stowe Side): Haselton Trail to Long Trail
Distance: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,720 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Loop
Locals colloquially describe Mt. Mansfield’s ridgeline with reference to parts of a head: there’s the Forehead, the Nose, the Upper Lip, the Lower Lip, and the true summit makes the Chin. Hitting them all is an excellent way to turn a Mansfield hike into a full-day adventure, and it’s easily (though not effortlessly) done by linking the Haselton Trail and the Long Trail, both of which start at Barnes Camp on Route 108. Haselton climbs up and south through the ski resort’s forests before connecting with the Long Trail and heading up to the Forehead at Mt. Mansfield’s southernmost end. From there, it’s a ridge walk past the other facial features to Mansfield peak, and down to the historic Taft Lodge—with an option for completionists to make a quick side hike with a cut trail to the Adams Apple—and on down the Long Trail south back to the valley’s bottom. There are a few ways to shorten the route on the way up, but the full route will make that post-hike beverage at Eastside Bar + Bites all the more satisfying. Try out the Outbounder Pilsner from Tend Bends.
Gear Recommendation: Osprey Talon 22 Backpack
The Full Ridge (Underhill Side): CCC Road to Maple Ridge Trail to Sunset Ridge
Distance: 7.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,893 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Loop
Starting from Underhill State Park on the western side, there’s a way to hike Mt. Mansfield’s full ridge using a combination of what are arguably the most scenic trails on the mountain. Hiking up through the park, the way begins on a CCC Road that traverses south through the woods, crossing the Tear Drop Trail on the way to the Maple Ridge Trail. Here, the climb to the Forehead begins as the trail ascends up a ridge, past (and sometimes through) impressive rock formations and even across one stomach-churning gap that requires a small leap. Once at the Forehead, it’s a (mostly) leisurely hike along the ridgeline to Mt. Mansfield’s summit and down the Sunset Ridge Trail’s exposed ridge back to Underhill State Park. With traverses at the start of the hike and along the ridge, this route is great for trail runners and anyone wanting to see the mountain’s most unique features.
Gear Recommendation: Black Diamond Distance 22 Backpack
Bonus Hike: Stowe Pinnacle
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,558 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out & Back
If you’re after a more laid-back outing than tackling Mt. Mansfield, head to Stowe Pinnacle for a shorter, less strenuous, and equally scenic alternative. Starting just south of town in C.C. Putnam State Forest, this approachable day hike climbs gently through the forest (with only a few short steeper sections) before popping out onto an open rock ledge with sweeping views of the valley. From this lower lookout, you can still get a feel for the rolling ridgelines that define Vermont’s Green Mountains, and you’re rewarded with the best view of Mt. Mansfield from afar. Since this is known as a more approachable day hike, the Stowe Pinnacle Trailhead can get busy, but there’s another one at Pinnacle Meadows that brings you to the same vista. Avoid crowds by going early in the day or later in the afternoon, and pack a snack for the top.
Gear Recommendation: Swell water bottle, available to purchase in the Outbound Stowe mercantile shop
