Let’s HikeVT! The easy, moderate, and difficult hikes start off of Kelley Stand Road in Stratton, VT. Our accessible trail recommendation is nearby in Jamaica State Park, managed by our partners at Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
- Branch Pond – EASY (Bonus hike: Bourn Pond!)
- Stratton Pond Trail – MODERATE
- Stratton Mountain – DIFFICULT
- West River Trail at Jamaica State Park – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
From Stratton-Arlington/Kelley Stand Road:
BRANCH POND – EASY
» .5 mi round trip, approx. 50 ft elevation gain
From the west side of the parking lot, follow the boat launch trail .25 mi downhill to Branch Pond. The boat launch is small but offers a lovely view of the pond, as well as the chance to take a dip. A fun option with kids, kayaks, or both! Fishing is allowed with a VT fishing license.
For a longer hike, try walking the Branch Pond Trail to beautiful Bourn Pond! While the walk is 2.8 miles each way, the grade is very gentle. From the east side of the parking lot, take a .3 mi spur trail to the Branch Pond Trail. Turn left and head 2.5 mi north to Bourn Pond.
NOTE: Bourn Pond sits at a four-way intersection, so be sure to take the Branch Pond Trail SOUTH when you head back to the trailhead.
Driving Directions to Branch Pond Parking Lot:
From Manchester: Take US 7 south until exit 3. At exit, turn right onto 313W and then take an immediate right on South Road. At end of S Rd, turn right on Kansas Rd. Cross under US 7 and turn right on Kelley Stand Road (also known as Stratton Arlington Road). After 6.4 mi, turn left on Branch Pond Access Road. Road ends at parking area.
From Wardsboro: Take 100S out of town. Turn right on Stratton Arlington Road (also known as Kelley Stand Road). After 10.9 mi, turn right on Branch Pond Access Road. Road ends at parking area.
STRATTON POND VIA THE STRATTON POND TRAIL – MODERATE
» 7.4 mi round trip, approx. 400 ft elevation gain
From the parking lot, head north on the gently rolling Stratton Pond Trail. At approximately 1 mile from the parking lot, you will pass an intersection where the Catamount Trail joins the same route. After another approximately 2.5 miles, you will come to an intersection for Stratton Pond Shelter. Turn left, and then turn left again almost immediately once you reach an intersection with the LT/AT. From here it is only .1 mi down to the beautiful Willis Ross Clearing on the shore of Stratton Pond.
Driving Directions to Stratton Pond Trail Parking Lot:
From Manchester: Take US 7 south until exit 3. At exit, turn right onto 313W and then take an immediate right on South Road. At end of S Rd, turn right on Kansas Rd. Cross under US 7 and turn right on Kelley Stand Road (also known as Stratton Arlington Road). After 9.5 mi, turn into the parking lot on your left.
From Wardsboro: Take 100S out of town. Turn right on Stratton Arlington Road (also known as Kelley Stand Road). After 7.9 mi, turn into the parking lot on your right.
STRATTON MOUNTAIN VIA THE LONG TRAIL – 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.
To reach the top of the Stratton Resort Gondola, follow the mild Stratton Ridge Trail .2 mi north from the firetower clearing.
Driving Directions to Long Trail/Appalachian Trail Parking Lot:
From Manchester: Take US 7 south until exit 3. At exit, turn right onto 313W and then take an immediate right on South Road. At end of S Rd, turn right on Kansas Rd. Cross under US 7 and turn right on Kelley Stand Road (also known as Stratton Arlington Road). After 10.6 mi, you will see the parking lot on your left, with an informational kiosk and LT/AT sign.
From Wardsboro: Take 100S 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.
WEST RIVER TRAIL AT JAMAICA STATE PARK – EASY, ACCESSIBLE
We’re happy to occasionally recommend trails managed by our partners in the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation—like this one! The 16-mile West River Trail is a converted railway with a packed gravel surface. The section of the trail in Jamaica State Park is universally accessible. If you want to make your state park trip an overnight, the Briar lean-to in the campground is wheelchair accessible.
NOTE: For park information, including hours and entrance fees, please call 802-874-4600 or visit https://vtstateparks.com/jamaica.html.
Driving Directions to Jamaica State Park:
From Manchester: Head east on VT-11 E/VT-30 S. When routes split, bear right on VT-30S and follow into Jamaica. Turn left on Depot St, which will take you to park entrance.
From Wardsboro: Follow VT-100 N out of town. Turn left on 100 N/30 S and follow into Jamaica. Turn right on Depot St, which will take you to park entrance.
Where to eat and drink nearby:
Manchester Center:
- Bob’s Diner for breakfast and lunch
- Dutton Berry Farm farmstand on Depot Street for creamees and berries
- The Mountain Goat for hiking equipment and supplies
Winhall:
- Winhall Market for snacks and to-go sandwiches
Maps:
