These accessible, easy, moderate, and difficult trails all start at or near the Barnes Camp Visitor Center on Route 108 at the base of Smugglers’ Notch. The Visitor Center is staffed on weekends during the hiking season by knowledgeable GMC volunteers, and these are the hikes they recommend to visitors in the area.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and is home to rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. Many trails listed here are are strenuous and may involve rock scrambles, ladders, and very steep sections. GMC recommends always carrying the Ten Essentials and for hikers to be prepared to turn around if conditions become unsafe.
Weather can be very different on the ridgeline of Mount Mansfield than it is at the base. Use the National Weather Service’s Mountain Point Recreation Forecasts to check projected conditions at the summits to ensure you are prepared.
Hiking times for each listed hike will vary widely depending on your experience level and trail conditions. GMC uses the following formula to estimate hike times: 30 minutes per mile and 30 minutes per 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
When hiking Mount Mansfield, please be aware that there are many hiking and ski trails alongside each other. We strongly encourage you to carry a paper map and be aware of your planned route and start and end points. Taking a different trail down than the one listed in the description may result in you descending to the west or south sides of the mountain, far from your starting point and your car.
- Sterling Pond Trail – MODERATE
- Elephant’s Head Cliff Trail – MODERATE
- Hell Brook Trail – STRENUOUS
- Bingham Falls – EASY
- Mansfield Summit, via Stowe Gondola – STRENUOUS
- Long Trail (south) to Mansfield Summit/Ridge to Haselton Trail Loop – MODERATE/STRENUOUS
- Mansfield Ridgeline, via Stowe Toll Road – VARIABLE
- Lake Mansfield Trail – MODERATE
- Barnes Camp Loop – EASY/MODERATE
- Smugglers’ Notch Boardwalk (Accessible Trail) – EASY
Sterling Pond Trail – MODERATE
» ~2 mi round trip, 1,066 ft elevation gain
This trail takes you to Sterling Pond and the Long Trail. From the Sterling Pond lot, the trail is on the right, please be careful crossing the road as it is very busy. The trail begins steeply on stone steps and continues moderately to the Long Trail Junction at 1.0 mile. Turn left, heading north on the Long Trail (LT) and continue on to Sterling Pond, an additional .01 of a mile. The trail gains 1,066’. A round trip to the pond takes about 3 hours plus any time spent hanging around enjoying the scenery.
If you have more than 3 hours for hiking you can opt to enjoy a loop around the pond. When you arrive at the pond continue to travel the LT north for about .2 of a mile passing the Sterling Pond Shelter to the Elephant Heads Trail on your right. This trail, which is .7 of a mile, follows the rock shore of the pond for a bit and then proceeds to a junction with the LT which is just south on the LT from where Sterling Pond Trail intersected with the LT on the hike up. At the junction turn right and follow the LT north for .3 mile to the Sterling Pond Trail, on the left, returning to the parking lot. This loop is 1.2 miles.
Elephant’s Head Cliff Trail – MODERATE
» 4.4 miles, 5.8 miles, or 6 miles round trip; approx. 1,066′, 1,420′, 1,500′ elevation gain (three routes)
There are three routes up to the Elephant’s Head Cliffs in Smugglers’ Notch. Each route starts at a different location on Route 108. Elephant Head Cliff is a good one to take on a dry day and has views of Route 108 snaking through Smugglers’ Notch 1,000 feet below as well as the wall of Mount Mansfield.
The first trail via Sterling Pond Trail takes you to the junction of the Long Trail (LT). From the Sterling Pond Trail lot, the trail is across Route 108, please be careful crossing the road as it is very busy. The trail begins steeply on stone steps and continues moderately to the Long Trail Junction at 1.0 mile. At the junction turn right (south) on the Long Trail and travel 1 mile. On the right will be a signed side trail, .1 of a mile, which takes you to Elephant’s Head Cliff. Be careful on this side trail because it slopes downward to the cliffs and in wet conditions can be slippery.
The second route starts at the Smugglers’ Notch Picnic Area. This hike takes you up the northern side of Smugglers’ Notch, opposite Mount Mansfield. From the Smugglers Notch Picnic Area take the Barnes Camp Loop Trail left of the restroom building and cross the West Branch Waterbury River which can be challenging in high water conditions. The trail climbs .3 of a mile to a junction with the Long Trail on the right. At this junction, turn left and continue on the LT which steadily climbs on switchbacks to the south of Spruce Peak, crossing and recrossing a slide with views of Mount Mansfield. The trail continues on a more moderate grade to the Elephant’s Head spur trail on the left, 2.4 miles from the Barnes Camp Loop Trail. The spur trail takes you 0.1 mile to Elephant’s Head Cliff. The spur trail can be slippery in wet conditions.
The third route starts at Barnes Camp on the LT. Start on the north side of Barnes Camp and cross the West Branch Waterbury River on a bridge. Follow the Long Trail to where it intersects with the Barnes Camp Loop Trail, .5 of a mile. At this point the trail continues for another 2.4 miles north along the Smuggler’s Notch wall to the Elephants’ Head Spur Trail which is .1 miles. Be careful of this on the spur trail because it slopes downward to the cliffs and in wet conditions can be slippery.
Hell Brook Trail – STRENUOUS
» ~3 miles round trip, 2,300′ elevation gain
This is one of the more strenuous trails on the east side of Mount Mansfield. Descending this trail in wet weather is not recommended. The trail starts 1.3 miles north of Barnes Camp on Route 108 on the left. There is limited parking on the right at the Big Spring parking lot which is about 150’ south of the trailhead. This trail ascends 2,330’ in 1.5 miles at the Long Trail (LT) junction.
This trail climbs steeply to the ridge, frequently on precipitous ledges, using hand holds or metal rebar for gripping through the woods with occasional views of the ledges on the east side of the notch. You will come to the Hell Brook Cutoff on the left after .9 miles into the climb. This trail, which is .7 of a mile, will take you over to the Long Trail near Taft Lodge. After passing the Hell Brook Cutoff you will come to the Adam’s Apple Trail on the left after .4 miles which takes you over the Adam’s Apple summit (with lovely views) and continuing on to the Long Trail just above Taft Lodge. Continuing on Hell Brook Trail, after .2 of a mile more you will reach the LT. You will have climbed 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,330’. From this junction you can continue on to the Chin of Mount Mansfield, its highest point. It is .3 of a mile with an additional elevation gain of 403’.
Your return can be a reverse trip down Hell Brook Trail if the weather is good or returning to Route 108 via the Long Trail north, which is 2.5 miles. Using the Hell Brook Trail in wet weather can be hazardous. If you return via the Long Trail, when you reach Rt. 108, turn left and walk the road to your car in 1.0 mile.
Bingham Falls – EASY
» 1 mi or 1.5 miles round trip (two routes), 50′ elevation gain
There are two trails associated with the Bingham Falls area. The first one is the Bingham Falls Trail. There is parking is on both sides of the road. Please be careful crossing the road, Route 108 is very busy. The trail is .5 miles to the falls with an elevation drop of 50’. It generally takes 15 minutes to get to the falls. This trail is not wheelchair accessible and can be very dangerous in wet weather.
The Mill Trail approaches the falls from Notchbrook Road. A kiosk is located at the start of the trail describing the area. The Mill Trail is .75 miles to Bingham Falls. The trail passes by a historic rustic cabin built in 1935 by Dr. Marguerite “Doc” Lichtenthaeler. The camp has been restored by the Stowe Land Trust.
Mansfield Summit, via Stowe Gondola – STRENUOUS
» ~1.6 mi round trip, 700′ elevation gain
Access to the Stowe Gondola begins at the Stowe Mountain Resort. The gondola ride brings you to the Cliff House which has a restaurant for lunch and a small gift shop. From the Cliff House, follow the ski trail south a short distance to a spur trail which is .1 of a mile long and ends at the Cliff Trail. At the Cliff Trail travel .4 of a mile to the Long Trail, over very rugged terrain and steep ledges, to the ridge of Mount Mansfield. Once you’re at the Long Trail turn right and go .04 of a mile to the Chin, the summit of Mount Mansfield (4,395’).
Long Trail (south) to Mansfield Summit/Ridge to Haselton Loop – MODERATE/STRENUOUS
» ~5.8 mi, 2,800′ elevation gain
** At the summit, please take care to stay on the trail and avoid stepping on the rare and fragile alpine plants**
From Barnes Camp, take the LT south along the boardwalk over a very wet section. At the end of the boardwalk the LT continues into the woods and crosses Route 108. The distance from Barnes Camp to the Route 108 crossing is .5 miles. After crossing Route 108, the trail is a continuous climb up the mountain side. At the 1.7 mile mark you will come to the junction of the Taft Lodge spur trail, Profanity Trail and Hell Brook Cutoff Trail. The spur trail to Taft Lodge is on the left and only 300’ to the lodge. Taft Lodge is perched on a shelf just below the Mount Mansfield Chin with a great view of the valley below.
Continuing on the Long Trail it is a steep and strenuous .6 of a mile to the Chin, the highest point of Mount Mansfield and in Vermont. There is generally a Green Mountain Club naturalist on the summit to answer questions. From the Chin moving south along the exposed, rocky spine of Mount Mansfield you will follow the Long Trail south 1.4 miles to the Mount Mansfield Summit Station. There is generally a Green Mountain Club caretaker there to answer questions. This is also where the Mount Mansfield Toll Road ends with a large parking lot.
At this point you leave the Long Trail and proceed down the Toll Road for .5 miles to the Haselton Trail which is on your left, entering a ski trail. The trail descends steeply down the mountain side, with spectacular views, crossing and following a couple of ski trails, eventually entering the woods (watch for Hazelton Trail sign on your left). The trail exits the woods by the Midway Base Lodge, follow the lodge road to Route 108, turn left following the road .3 of a mile back to the Long Trail south parking lot.
Mansfield Ridegline, via Stowe Toll Road – VARIABLE
» Difficulty and distance are variable
** At the summit, please take care to stay on the trail and avoid stepping on the rare and fragile alpine plants**
The Stowe Toll Road ascends from the Toll House 1.8 miles down Route 108 from Barnes Camp.
The 150 year old Toll Road zigs and zags 4.5 miles on an unpaved road up to the Mount Mansfield Summit Station at 3,850’. The Toll Road can be closed because of weather. Green Mountain Club caretakers are at the Summit Station to answer visitors’ questions concerning the mountain and trails.
The number one trail used by visitors is the Long Trail north to the summit of the mountain, the Chin (4,395’). The Long Trail goes right by the Summit Station, to get to the Chin go north on the trail. It is 1.4 miles to the Chin with an elevation gain of 546’ and a moderate hike.
There are numerous side trails moving off the Long Trail on the ridge. These trails can range in difficulty from easy (Amherst Trail) to very strenuous (Cliff Trail or North and South Canyon Trails). The Green Mountain Club caretakers at the Summit Station are a valuable resource in choosing appropriate hikes.
All trails on the Mansfield ridgeline require appropriate footwear. No trails on the mountain are wheelchair accessible.
Lake Mansfield Trail – MODERATE
» 3.2 mi round trip, 836′ elevation gain
The parking lot is just north of the main building at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club. The parking lot is on private property so be respectful. The trail leaves the parking lot heading west. The trail is 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 836’ and takes hikers to a shelter just off the Long Trail.
An optional way to get to Lake Mansfield Trailhead from Barnes is to travel 5.8 miles south on Route 108 to Luce Hill Road, on the right. Precede .3 of a mile to Barrows Road on the left. Follow Barrows Road until you come to a “T” intersection and turn right on Moscow Road in about .1 of a mile turn right on Nebraska Valley Road. Travel 4.4 miles to the trailhead parking.
Barnes Camp Loop – EASY/MODERATE
» 1.5 mi, 360′ elevation gain
The Barnes Camp Loop Trail starts on the Long Trail at the Boardwalk at the northern end of the parking lot. Proceed along the Boardwalk then continue on the Long Trail, through the woods. In .3 of a mile you will come to an intersection, (LTS and Picnic Area). Turn right toward the picnic area, now following blue blazes. The trail continues for .3 of a mile to the next intersection where the Smuggler’s Notch picnic area is straight ahead .1 miles. To continue on the Barnes Camp Loop, turn right, following blue blazes, descending steps to the West Branch Waterbury River which you will cross. There is no bridge for this crossing so in high water conditions it can be difficult. After crossing the river, the trail becomes moderately steep and in 0.3 mi. you come to a junction with the Long Trail. Bear right at the junction following the sign saying LTS, Barnes Camp. The trail blazes are white now. The trail continues on a moderate descent for .5 of a mile back to Barnes Camp.
Smugglers’ Notch Boardwalk (Accessible Trail) – EASY
» 660 feet, minimal elevation change
The Smugglers’ Notch Boardwalk is an accessible trail through wetlands, by a beaver dam, and with beautiful views of Smugglers Notch. Park in the Barnes Camp parking lot or the Long Trail Hiker parking lot and cross the street to the Barnes Camp parking lot. The trail starts at the western end of the lot (opposite end of the parking lot from the building). Access to the Long Trail South is also from the boardwalk. The boardwalk is 5 feet wide with interpretive panels and view points.
