Mount Mansfield
Vermont's highest peak, offering challenging hikes, scenic drives, and stunning alpine vistas. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Mount Mansfield
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vermont's highest peak, offering challenging hikes, scenic drives, and stunning alpine vistas. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
"The views were absolutely incredible, especially in the fall."
Check the Weather First! ☁️
Conditions change fast. Be prepared for wind & cold, even in summer.
Gondola or Toll Road? 🚠
Save energy with the gondola or toll road, but expect fees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chin
Summit
Vermont's highest point, offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains and beyond. A true sense of accomplishment awaits.
Stowe Gondola SkyRide
Stowe Mountain Resort
Soar to the top for breathtaking vistas, especially stunning during fall foliage season. A scenic and accessible option.
Sunset Ridge Trail
Western slope
A challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views from start to finish. Known for its dramatic terrain and alpine zone.
Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road
Eastern slope
Drive to near the summit for stunning 360-degree views. Doubles as ski trails in winter, offering a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Choices & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First! ☁️
Conditions change fast. Be prepared for wind & cold, even in summer.
Gondola or Toll Road? 🚠
Save energy with the gondola or toll road, but expect fees. 
Pack Smart: Water & Snacks 🍎
No bins or water sources on trails. Bring plenty!
Respect the Alpine Zone 🌿
Stay on marked paths to protect endangered plants.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! ☁️
Conditions change fast. Be prepared for wind & cold, even in summer.
Gondola or Toll Road? 🚠
Save energy with the gondola or toll road, but expect fees.
Pack Smart: Water & Snacks 🍎
No bins or water sources on trails. Bring plenty!
Respect the Alpine Zone 🌿
Stay on marked paths to protect endangered plants.
Sturdy Footwear is Key 👟
Trails can be steep & technical. Good grip is essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Mansfield is lauded for its stunning beauty and challenging hikes, offering incredible panoramic views, especially during fall. Visitors appreciate the unique alpine environment and the option of scenic drives or gondola rides for easier access. However, some find the weather unpredictable and trails technically demanding, with occasional issues regarding fees and accessibility.
"Stunningly beautiful. There are plenty of trails to the peak, some of them very difficult. We drove up the Toll Road, which is a little pricey but takes you up a winding incline with shockingly good views that doubles as ski trails during the winter.
The road takes you to the visitor center at Lot A, and this is on Vermont's Lon Trail near a peak called The Nose. We walked from The Nose to The Chin, which despite being all along the top of the mountain was pretty strenuous. Views include being able to look down on the Stowe Mountain Resort gondola (another option for getting most of the way up the mountain), and seeing Lake Champlain on a clear day. Note: due to alpine conditions there are guide strings to keep you from trampling endangered flora."
Ed Holden
"I totally loved the hike along with my friends. A wonderful experience. Best day ever spent at an elevation"
narukulla sahithchowdary
"The weather was incredibly cold, and the wind was whipping. It was cloudy towards the summit so you were unable to see what you were getting yourself into. I will definitely start by saying I was in love with this hike. Something for everyone. However once you started getting worn down by the wind, and the clouds started to unveil what you were getting into there technically false summits in a sense. so you’re coming up to the first one you think you’re good then you climb on it to see there’s another one then climb on that to see that there’s another one. However, I will go back to my previous statement saying I really did the scrambles, the bridges, the little waterfalls, the Alpine trees. It just really was a great hike. Had it warmer and not foggy I would’ve loved it more. The
entry fee is five dollars per person. I did want to note that. I do recommend this mountain. The views were absolutely incredible. especially in the fall."
Shianne Purvis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Mansfield is accessible via the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road (seasonal) or by hiking trails starting from various trailheads, including Underhill State Park and near Stowe Mountain Resort. The drive from Burlington, VT, is about 57 miles.
Yes, parking is available at trailheads and at the visitor center near the summit if you use the Auto Toll Road. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
You can drive up the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road, which takes you close to the summit. It's a scenic drive but has a fee per vehicle.
The Stowe Gondola SkyRide offers a scenic and convenient way to ascend Mount Mansfield, bringing you close to the summit area.
Public transportation directly to Mount Mansfield trailheads is limited. It's generally recommended to have a car or arrange private transport. Some local shuttles may operate seasonally to Stowe Mountain Resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's an entry fee for the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road, typically around $5 per person or a vehicle fee for up to four passengers. Hiking trail access may also have parking fees at trailheads like Underhill State Park.
Tickets for the Auto Toll Road or Gondola SkyRide are usually purchased on-site. It's advisable to check the official Stowe Mountain Resort website for any reservation requirements, especially during peak fall foliage season.
The Stowe Gondola SkyRide typically operates seasonally, with extended hours during the fall foliage season. Check the Stowe Mountain Resort website for current operating dates and times.
While many hiking trails are free to access, trailheads like Underhill State Park may charge a parking fee. The Auto Toll Road and Gondola have separate fees.
Yes, the Long Trail traverses Mount Mansfield, offering a challenging route to the summit. Access points are available from various locations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Sunset Ridge Trail for stunning views, the Haselton Trail for a steep challenge, and the Long Trail for a more extensive trek. The Chin and The Nose are key summit features.
The summit experiences alpine conditions, meaning it can be significantly colder, windier, and foggier than the base. Be prepared for rapid weather changes.
Restrooms are available at the visitor center near the summit, accessible via the Auto Toll Road or Gondola.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Green Mountains, surrounding valleys, and on clear days, Lake Champlain. The fall foliage season is particularly spectacular.
While official guided tours might be limited, rangers are often available at the summit visitor center to answer questions. Many visitors explore independently using trail maps and online resources like AllTrails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the summit trails. The Stowe Mountain Resort base area and the top of the gondola may have dining options.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Remember to pack out all trash, as there are no bins on the trails.
Designated picnic areas are available near the summit visitor center. Enjoying a packed meal with a view is a popular activity.
No, there are no natural water sources along the hiking trails. It's crucial to bring all the water you'll need for your hike.
Stowe offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. You can find everything from casual pub fare to fine dining options before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit, particularly 'The Chin,' offers incredible panoramic views. The Gondola ride itself provides stunning aerial shots, especially during fall.
Early morning for sunrise and soft light, or late afternoon for golden hour. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected natural areas and national parks to protect wildlife and the environment. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Sunset Ridge Trail is known for its dramatic scenery. The sections along the ridgeline, like The Nose and The Chin, offer iconic mountain photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road also provides easier access to higher elevations with stunning scenery. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are limited. While some trails are challenging, shorter, well-marked paths near the summit can be manageable for older children with supervision. 💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Mount Mansfield: Trails for Every Level
+1More adventurous hikers can choose from several challenging trails. The Sunset Ridge Trail is a popular choice, known for its rugged terrain and rewarding vistas. The Haselton Trail is a steep and demanding route, while the Long Trail offers a more extensive, multi-day hiking experience that traverses the entire ridgeline. Hikers should be prepared for variable weather, steep ascents, and rocky scrambles.
Regardless of the chosen trail, hikers are reminded to stay on marked paths to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem, which is home to endangered plant species. Proper footwear, ample water, and layers of clothing are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Experiencing Mount Mansfield in Different Seasons
Fall is arguably the most spectacular season, as the mountainsides erupt in vibrant foliage. The Stowe Gondola SkyRide becomes a particularly popular attraction for leaf-peeping, offering breathtaking aerial views of the colorful landscape. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect larger crowds.
+1Winter turns Mount Mansfield into a renowned ski destination, with Stowe Mountain Resort operating on its slopes. For hikers, winter ascents are for the experienced and well-equipped, requiring snowshoes or skis and a thorough understanding of avalanche safety. The landscape takes on a serene, snow-covered beauty.
The Unique Alpine Zone of Mount Mansfield
To protect these delicate plants, guide strings are often used to mark designated paths. Hikers are strictly advised to stay within these marked areas to avoid trampling endangered flora. This conservation effort ensures that the unique biodiversity of Mount Mansfield's summit can be preserved for future generations.
Visitors who respect these guidelines contribute to the ongoing preservation of this special natural habitat. The experience of being in the alpine zone, surrounded by such resilient nature, is a profound part of visiting Mount Mansfield.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit