Let’s HikeVT! This week we’re featuring moderate- to difficult-level winter hikes throughout the state that can grow your winter hiking skills. Review proper layering, footwear, fuel, equipment, and safety planning with our everything winter hiking guide before you go.
Before you go:
Please check our COVID-19 Response page for current hiking recommendations and a link to Vermont’s official travel guidelines. For information on trail etiquette during COVID-19, see our blog about the “Prepare, Park, Play, and Move On” mentality.
Many roads used to access the Long Trail are seasonal. You can check the status of a specific road ahead of time using this general map of Vermont roads or this list of US Forest Service Roads.
Winter hiking means specific precautions. Be sure you have appropriate traction footwear like Microspikes or crampons, as well as snowshoes, as there’s no guarantee that fresh snowfall on trails will be consistently packed down. Read up on our everything winter hiking guide before heading out.
Guidebooks and maps are available for purchase at GMC’s Visitor Center, GMC’s online store, and in most Vermont bookstores and outdoor gear retailers. Many maps have digital versions.
Explore all summer and fall HikeVT recommendations, or check out more suggested winter day hikes. Explore winter hiking recommendations by skill level: easy hikes; moderate hikes; and moderate- to difficult-level hikes.
Moderate- to Difficult-Level Winter Hikes Around the State
Moderate- to difficult-level winter hikes around Vermont, including:
- Bald Mountain, Westmore
- Laraway Lookout, Waterville
- Skylight Pond, Ripton
- Pico Peak, Killington
- Stratton Mountain, Stratton
Bald Mountain, Westmore – Moderate to Difficult
» 4.4 mi round trip, approx. 1,450 ft elevation gain
This mountain can be scaled by way of three different trails, but the Long Pond Trail provides the best overall approach (especially for a winter ascent). Beginning on a gated logging road, the first mile gradually climbs with some occasional ups and downs before becoming dramatically steeper as you approach the sub-alpine zone. The summit rises well above the many surrounding peaks in this region, and offers an expansive view of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom from the fire tower atop its heavily wooded summit.
Driving Directions:
From its junction with Vt. 5A on the east side of Lake Willoughby, which is 1.4 mi. south of Vt. 16 in Westmore and 9.8 mi. north of U.S. 5 in east Burke, follow Long Pond Rd. 2.1 mi. to reach a large plowed parking area on the left.
Laraway Lookout, Waterville – Moderate to Difficult
» 3.6 mi round trip, approx. 1,390 ft elevation gain
From the parking area, continue walking east on Codding Hollow Road until you reach a dirt pull-off on your left. Parking is allowed here in the summer. Start up the Long Trail north from the end of the pull-off. The trail mostly follows old woods roads for the first section of the hike, so be sure to keep an eye out for white blazes on the trees to stay on track. Eventually the trail begins traversing west along the slope of Laraway Mountain, passing under impressive overhanging cliffs where spectacular ice pillars form, caused by the continuous runoff of water from the top of the mountain. After the cliffs end, the trail climbs moderately to Laraway Lookout. Enjoy the view of the Champlain Valley before heading back the way you came.
Driving Directions to Codding Hollow Rd Long Trail Parking Lot:
From Jeffersonville: From the traffic circle, head north on VT-108 N. Cross the Lamoille River and turn right on VT-109. 1.5 mi after passing the Waterville Town Hall, turn right on Codding Hollow Rd and pass through Jaynes Covered Bridge. Bear right on Codding Hollow Rd when Clark Rd splits off to the left, then bear left on Codding Hollow when Lock Rd splits to the right. Codding Hollow Rd grows narrower and narrower, finally reaching a dirt parking lot on your right.
From Morrisville/Johnson: Head west on VT-15 W. Bear right on Hogback Road after passing Dollar General. When Hogback Rd ends, bear right on VT-109. See directions above.
Map it*
*This parking lot is NOT accessible by car from the east end of Codding Hollow Road. You MUST access lot from the west end in Waterville.
Skylight Pond, Ripton – Moderate to Difficult
» 7 mi round trip, approx. 1,650 ft elevation gain
From the northeast corner of the parking lot, the route follows a VAST snowmobile trail south (right) a short distance, then continues east along USFS Rd. 59 through nice hardwood forest for about a mile before arriving at the summer parking lot on the left. From there, follow the blue-blazed Skylight Pond Trail through mixed hardwoods of maple, beech and yellow birch. Take care to follow the blue blazes as the trail is crossed by several logging roads along the way. The trail climbs steadily with a series of switchbacks. The final pitch steeply climbs to the top of the ridge where a signed junction with the Long Trail is found. Straight ahead is the spur trail to Skylight Pond. This gorgeous high-elevation pond will be a smooth expanse of snow and ice, but the setting is lovely all the same. On a hillside above the pond sits Skyline Lodge. It provides a fine place for lunch and a rest before the return hike.
Driving Directions:
From the center of Ripton, follow U.S. Forest Service Rd. 59, also known as the Natural Turnpike, for approximately 3.5 mi. Bear left at a junction with USFS Rd. 54 and follow to a usually well-maintained and spacious parking lot on the right. Beyond this point, both USFS roads are closed from December 15 until the surface firms after the spring thaw.
Pico Peak via Sherburne Pass Trail, Killington – Moderate to Difficult
» 5.5 mi round trip, approx. 1,860 ft elevation gain
From the parking area on Route 4, the Sherburne Pass Trail gradually climbs 2.7 miles to Pico Camp, a small four-sided shelter. Ski trails allow for nice views along the way. From the camp, follow the Pico Link trail 0.4 miles up to Pico’s open summit.
Driving Directions:
Via Public Transit: The “Rutland Killington Commuter” bus route of the Marble Valley Regional Transit District (aka The Bus) stops at the Inn at Long Trail across the street from the Sherburne Pass Trail parking lot. See www.thebus.com for route schedules and times, which are subject to change.
From Rutland: From the US 7/US 4 intersection, drive east on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your right across from The Inn at Long Trail.
From Killington/Woodstock: Drive west on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your left across from The Inn at Long Trail.
Stratton Mountain, Stratton – Moderate to Difficult
» 7.6 mi round trip, approx. 1,706 ft elevation gain
Starting from the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail parking lot, head north 3.8 miles on the Long Trail to the summit, passing views at several places along the way. A 70-foot fire tower, originally built by the CCC and renovated in 2011 by the Long Trail Patrol, sits atop the summit, offering 360° views.
Driving Directions to Long Trail/Appalachian Trail Parking Lot:
*From Wardsboro: Take 100-S out of town. Turn right on Stratton Arlington Road (also known as Kelley Stand Road). After 6.9 mi, you will see the parking lot on your right, with an informational kiosk and LT/AT sign.
*You must approach from Wardsboro because Stratton-Arlington Road is closed in the winter from the Manchester side.
Moderate Winter Hikes Around the State
Moderate winter hikes around Vermont, including:
- Lake Mansfield Trail, Stowe
- Beaver Meadow, Morristown
- Silent Cliff, Hancock
- Spruce Peak, Winhall
Lake Mansfield Trail, Stowe – Moderate
» 4.6 mi round trip, approx. 750 ft elevation gain
This approach to Taylor Lodge begins by traveling parallel to the plowed road leading to the Trout Club, which is closed in winter. The Trout Club is private property and hikers should stay on the trail, which skirts the Trout Club’s buildings and follows the north shore of the lake. The trail is nearly level at first and passes by a grove of towering white pines which provides a majestic setting. After crossing a small stream, it begins a gradual climb. Near the top of the rise, the trail takes a sharp right turn and enters a small gorge then climbs gently past a beaver meadow, with views of the north wall of Nebraska Notch, then on to Taylor Lodge.
Driving Directions from Stowe:
From Vt. 100, 2.5 mi. south of Stowe village, take Moscow Rd. west toward the hamlet of Moscow. At 0.4 mi., bear left at the Y. At 2.0 mi., bear right onto Nebraska Valley Rd. After the pavement ends at 4.0 mi., continue up Nebraska Valley Rd. until an intersection with County Rd. at 5.9 mi. Turn right onto County Rd. and take the first left into the winter parking area. The parking lot is plowed and there is usually space for 6-8 cars.
Beaver Meadow Trail, Morristown – Moderate
» 4.6 mi round trip, approx. 900 ft elevation gain
The trail to the lodge follows an old road to a high basin surrounded by mountains on three sides and makes an excellent family snowshoe hike. On a clear day, it is possible to see Whiteface Mountain to the north. At the junction with the Whiteface Trail, bear left onto the Beaver Meadow Bypass Trail to Beaver Meadow Lodge and the Chilkoot Trail. Beaver Meadow Lodge is one of two shelters within the Long Trail System with a woodstove making it an excellent winter overnight spot.
Driving Directions from Stowe:
From Stowe Village, follow Vt. 100 north to Old Stagecoach Rd. Turn left and follow Old Stagecoach Rd. for 4.5 mi. to a stop sign at Morristown Corners. Turn left on Walton Rd., passing Cote Hill Rd. on the right and Cole Hill Rd. on the left. At the next junction, turn left on Mud City Loop Rd. and follow it 1.8 mi. to a left turn on Rooney Rd. After passing Bryan Pond Rd., turn right onto Beaver Meadow Rd. and follow it 0.7 mi. to the end where there is ample winter parking.
Silent Cliff, Hancock – Moderate
» 1.6 mi round trip, approx. 520 ft elevation gain
The route begins on the white-blazed Long Trail north then at 0.4 mi. follow the blue-blazed Silent Cliff Trail to the right. Silent Cliff has views south over Monastery Gap, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl and the Green Mountains; and to the west, on a clear day, the Champlain Valley with the Adirondacks beyond. As the cliffs are located in the Breadloaf Wilderness, the blue blazes of the Silent Cliff Trail are few and far between.
Driving Directions:
Follow Vt. 125 east, 10.1 mi. from uS 7 in east Middlebury, or west, 6.2 mi. from Vt. 100 in Hancock. Parking is on the south side of Vt. 125 at the crest of Middlebury Gap.
Spruce Peak, Winhall – Moderate
» 4.8 mi round trip, approx. 980 ft elevation gain
Follow the LT south over relatively gradual grades, passing under a power line and crossing a small brook at around 2 miles. After 2.4 miles, you reach the summit where a spur trail leads to views of Manchester and the Taconic Mountains. If you are ready for longer adventure or maybe looking for a winter camping experience, continue on the Long Trail for another 0.4 miles to Spruce Peak Shelter, which is the other shelter with a wood stove within the Long Trail System.
Driving Directions:
The Long Trail parking lot is located 5.9 mi. east of Vt. 7A in Manchester Center, 4.5 mi. east of the U.S. 7, exit 4 onto Vt. 11/30, and 0.5 mi. west of the junction of Vt. 11 and 30. This is a large paved and plowed parking lot on the north side of the road. There is no sign. The parking lot is shared with Vermont Association of Snow Travellers (VAST) users, so you may see a large number of snowmobile trailers there as well.
Easy Winter Hikes Around the State
Easy winter hikes around Vermont, including:
- Smuggler’s Notch, Route 108, Stowe
- Beane Trail to Birch Glen Shelter, Huntington
- Deer Leap Trail, Killington
- Clarendon Gorge to Airport Lookout, Shrewsbury
Smuggler’s Notch via Route 108, Stowe – EASY
» 3.0 mi round trip, approx. 400 ft elevation gain
Closed to vehicle traffic in the winter, Route 108 through Smuggler’s Notch provides a beautiful and easy snowshoe or ski option. Most people choose the Visitor Center at the height of land as their destination, but those feeling more adventurous can extend the hike up to Sterling Pond.
For Parking, use the plowed Barnes Camp lot. If that is full, use the Stowe Resort Parking Lot D2. Across the street from Barnes Camp on 108, you will see a Stowe Resort entrance sign, with a hiker parking sign hanging below it. Turn into the resort and take an immediate right into the parking area. There is a signed path through the trees to the crosswalk.
Driving Directions:
From Stowe: From the intersection of VT-100 and VT-108 at the center of town, head north on VT-108 for 7.7 mi. Barnes Camp will be your next right after passing under the Stowe Mountain Resort cross-street gondola.
Beane Trail to Birch Glen Shelter, Huntington– EASY
» 2.8 mi round trip, approx. 600 ft elevation gain
The Beane Trail is a favorite of 5-year old Lincoln, who enjoys hiking it with his dad Jason (GMC’s Director of Finance). It’s also a great option for first time backpackers! From the parking area, walk past the iron gate and follow a farm road through open woods until an intersection where the Beane Trail transitions to a more traditional hiking trail. From here, the Beane Trail ascends at a gentle, steady pitch to Birch Glen Shelter.
Driving Directions to Beane Trail parking lot:
From Bristol: Head north on VT-116 N/VT-17 E. At split, turn right on VT-17 E. After 6.9 mi, turn right on Gore Rd. After 2.9 mi, turn right on Carse Rd. At Moody Rd, take a quick right then quick left to stay on Carse Rd. After passing a large farm on your right, park by an iron gate on your left (do not block gate).
From Waitsfield: Follow VT-17 W up and over Appalachian Gap. 2.7 mi after height of gap, turn right on Gore Rd. After 2.9 mi, turn right on Carse Rd. At Moody Rd, take a quick right then quick left to stay on Carse Rd. After passing a large farm on your right, park by an iron gate on your left (do not block gate).
Deer Leap Trail, Killington – EASY
» 2 mi round trip, approx. 492 ft elevation gain
The Deer Leap Trail is a relatively short but rugged hike to the top of a rock outcrop with impressive views of the Coolidge Range and Sherburne Pass. The trail starts on the north side of US 4, at the east end of the Inn at Long Trail parking lot. Climb steadily for .5 miles until you intersect with the Appalachian Trail. Turn left and follow the AT for about 200’, at which point the Deer Leap Trail turns left and climbs .4 mi to the Overlook Spur, which leads .2 mi to the lookout.
To extend your hike, try the 3.5 mi DEER LEAP LOOP! From the Overlook Spur, continue .9 mi on the Deer Leap until you intersect with the AT again. Turn right (AT north) and follow the AT .8 mi back to the original intersection. Turn right on the Deer Leap Trail to return to the parking lot.
NOTE: There are a few parking spots for hikers at the Inn at Long Trail, but plenty of room at the Sherburne Pass Trail across the street.
Driving Directions:
Via Public Transit: The “Rutland Killington Commuter” bus route of the Marble Valley Regional Transit District (aka The Bus) stops at the Inn at Long Trail across the street from the Sherburne Pass Trail parking lot. See thebus.com for route schedules and times, which are subject to change.
From Rutland: From the US 7/US 4 intersection, drive east on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your right across from The Inn at Long Trail.
From Killington/Woodstock: Drive west on US 4 until the highest point of Sherburne Pass. Parking lot will be on your left across from The Inn at Long Trail.
Clarendon Gorge to Airport Lookout, Shrewsbury – EASY
» 2 mi round trip, approx. 450’ ft elevation gain
Ascend south on the Long Trail for a few hundred yards to the suspension bridge to a cross the impressive Clarendon Gorge, which may form interesting ice sculptures in the winter. Continue up the ridge to a viewpoint west across the valley. Return the way you came.
Driving Directions:
The parking lot for the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail is on Vt. 103, 2.4 mi. east of US 7 in Clarendon and 6.0 mi. west of Vt. 155 in east Wallingford. The parking area may not be plowed in the event of deep snow.
Maps:
Places to rent snowshoes:
- Umiak Outdoor Outfitters, Stowe
- Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington
- First Stop Board Barn, Killington
- The Mountain Goat, Manchester
- VT Libraries with Snowshoes through Rise VT
Questions? Our visitor center staff is here to assist you. Call (802) 244-7037 or email [email protected].
