Mt. Mansfield is the highest peak in Vermont, located in the Green Mountains range. It has an elevation of 4,393 feet (1,339 meters) and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The mountain is named after the town of Mansfield, which is located at its base. The summit of Mt. Mansfield offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains in New York. It is also home to unique alpine flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
Here’s how to plan Mt. Mansfield hike
Choose your route
There are several trails to the summit of Mount Mansfield, ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular routes are the Long Trail and the Sunset Ridge Trail. The Long Trail is a 6.5-mile round trip hike that starts at the Underhill State Park parking lot, while the Sunset Ridge Trail is a 4.4-mile round trip hike that starts at the Stowe Mountain Resort. We choose to do Long Trail as it has the best views.
Check the weather
Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting your hike. Mount Mansfield is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and conditions.
Pack appropriately
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and extra layers of clothing in case of changes in weather. Good hiking boots with ankle support are recommended for the rocky terrain.
Start early
It’s best to start your hike early in the day to give yourself plenty of time to reach the summit and return before dark. Be sure to also factor in time for breaks and taking in the views.
Follow trail markers
Stay on designated trails and follow trail markers to avoid getting lost. The Long Trail and the Sunset Ridge Trail are well-marked, but be sure to pay attention to any signs or markers along the way.
Long Trail to the summit of Mount Mansfield
Hiking to the summit of Mount Mansfield is a rewarding experience that offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. Just be sure to prepare accordingly and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States, and it spans 273 miles across the state of Vermont. The section of the Long Trail that leads to the summit of Mount Mansfield is a 6.5-mile round trip hike that starts at the Underhill State Park parking lot.
Here’s a detailed description of the trail:
We started hiking at the parking lot and immediately begin to climbing uphill. The first part of the trail is a steady climb through the forest, with occasional rocky sections.
About a mile into the hike, the trail intersects with the Laura Cowles Trail. Make sure to stay on the Long Trail and continue uphill.
As we continued hiking, the trail became steeper and more rocky. You’ll encounter several switchbacks as you make your way up the mountain.
About two miles into the hike, you’ll reach the Taft Lodge, a rustic shelter that’s available for hikers to use. This is a good spot to take a break and refuel before continuing on to the summit.
After leaving the Taft Lodge, the trail becomes even steeper and rockier. You’ll need to scramble over boulders and climb up steep sections of trail to reach the summit.
The final section of the trail is above treeline and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you approach the summit, you’ll see the distinctive profile of the Chin, the highest point on Mount Mansfield.
The summit of Mount Mansfield is marked by a stone hut and a small parking area. We spent some time there to enjoy the incredible views from the summit, which offer a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape, had lunch and headed back down.
To return to the parking lot, we retraced our steps back down the Long Trail. Be sure to watch your footing on the steep and rocky sections of the trail.
The Long Trail to Mount Mansfield is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness and experience with hiking in rocky terrain. However, the stunning views and sense of accomplishment at the summit make it a rewarding and unforgettable experience
