Mt. Mansfield
Underhill, Vermont
The highest mountain in Vermont, and home to some of its only surviving alpine tundra, Mt. Mansfield has long been a popular recreational destination in the Green Mountain State. Flanked by ski resorts and crisscrossed by hiking trails, the mountain is also beloved for its human-like ridge profile, with individual peaks including the Nose, Chin, Forehead, and Adam’s Apple.
There are plenty of ways for travelers of all stripes to get up close and personal with this Vermont icon, which rises some 4,393 feet (1,339 meters) and is the most-visited mountain in the state. Hiking is a top choice, and you can explore Mt. Mansfield on a number of routes, including the Long Trail (the oldest long-distance footpath in the country), the Sunset Ridge Trail, and the Laura Cowles Trail.
If you’re not ready to get intrepid—but still want to admire the views—the Gondola SkyRide at the nearby Stowe Mountain Resort will have you soaring above the treeline and soaking in the panoramic views. And for the most direct option to the summit, head up the Auto Toll Road by car.
- Camping and fires are prohibited at Mt. Mansfield.
- To avoid disturbing the fragile tundra habitats, stick to rocks and defined trails.
- Dogs must be kept on leashes.
- Weather can change rapidly on the mountain, and differ from weather at ground level; keep a close eye on the forecast.
- Be sure to wear hiking boots with good grip, and come prepared with water, warm layers, a first-aid kit, and snacks.
- Climbing Mt. Mansfield can be strenuous, and is generally recommended for more experienced and active hikers.
Mt. Mansfield, between the towns of Underhill and Stowe in northern Vermont, is just over 1 hour by car from Burlington. Take via I-89 S and VT-108 (though note that the latter closes during the winter season).
For the best weather and climbing conditions, peak summer is a good time to hike Mt. Mansfield, while the fall is great for leaf-peeping. Winter is the skiing high season here, though hiking up the mountain should be left to the experts. Note that the hiking trails are typically closed and best avoided during the “mud season” from March to June.
Mt. Mansfield is a big draw for active, outdoorsy travelers, and that’s just as true in the wintertime as it is in the summer. To make the most of its skiing opportunities, head to the Stowe Mountain Resort or the Smugglers’ Notch Resort. There are also two Nordic ski facilities, Stowe’s Cross Country Center and the Bolton Valley Nordic Center, in the area.
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