Mount Mansfield State Forest Photo: Joe Calzarette / Public domain
United States › Vermont

Mount Mansfield State Forest

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Size: about 44,000 acres (178 km²)
  • Highest point: Mount Mansfield, 4,393 feet (1,339 m), the highest point in Vermont
  • Distinction: the largest area of alpine tundra in Vermont
  • Trail link: the Long Trail runs the length of the ridge
  • Gateway: Stowe, Underhill and Jeffersonville
  • Managed by: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

The landscape

Mount Mansfield forms a long ridge said to resemble a face in profile, with the Forehead, Nose and Chin. Above treeline lies Vermont’s largest area of alpine tundra. Smugglers’ Notch cuts a narrow pass on its north side between towering cliffs. Moose, black bears and peregrine falcons live on the mountain.

Best time to go

Summer and fall are the hiking seasons, with foliage in late September and early October. Mud season closes high trails in spring. Winter brings skiing at Stowe and serious winter conditions on the ridge.

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Getting there and around

From Stowe, Route 108 climbs to trailheads and through Smugglers’ Notch, closed in winter. The Toll Road and gondola reach the ridge in season. From the west, trails climb from Underhill State Park.

Things to do

Popular routes include the Sunset Ridge Trail from Underhill and the steep scrambles through the Hell Brook area. Long Trail hikers traverse the ridge, staying at shelters such as Taft Lodge. Smugglers’ Notch has short walks to boulders and caves.

Staying safe

The ridge is exposed to wind, cold and lightning; start early and descend when storms build. Some trails involve steep, rocky scrambles that are dangerous when wet or icy. Stay on the rock to protect the tundra, and respect mud season closures. Carry layers and leave a trip plan.

Know before you go

This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current trail conditions and road status with Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation before you go.

Navigation
Coordinates
44.4982, -72.7905
Magnetic declination
13.7° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

56 places in Mount Mansfield State Forest

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 3

Visitor centre

Ranger stations

On the trail 23

Trailheads

Campgrounds

Huts and shelters

Sights 30

Viewpoints

Waterfalls

Lakes

Heritage site

Point of interest

Peaks 17

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeWeekend backpackingWinter tripScenic drive

Looking for one of these closer to home?Destinations near me by trip type →

Terrain
MountainsAlpineForest
Key hazards
Exposed ridge in windcold and lightningSteeprocky scramblesIce and snow much of the yearFragile alpine vegetation
Best seasons
Summer, Fall (foliage), Winter (skiing)
Difficulty
Moderate to strenuous
Access / trailheads
Route 108 from Stowe through Smugglers' Notch (seasonal), and trailheads from Underhill State Park on the west side.
Water
Streams; treat all water. The ridge is dry.
Cell / satellite coverage
Fair on the ridge, patchy below.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911 (Stowe Mountain Rescue and others respond).
Permits & regulations
Camping only at designated Long Trail shelters and sites. High-elevation trails close during spring mud season. Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch closes in winter.
Leave No Trace
Stay on the rock and trail across the alpine ridge, camp only at designated sites, and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high48°F(9°C)9°C(48°F)
Average low35°F(2°C)2°C(35°F)
Rainfall6.6 in(168 mm)168 mm(6.6 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 3 minSunrise 7:05 a.m., sunset 6:08 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Mount Mansfield station, 2 miles (4 km)4 km (2 miles) away at 3,950 feet (1,204 m)1,204 m (3,950 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

Looking for somewhere closer to home?
See every park and monument within a day’s drive of where you are.

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