Mount Mansfield - Hiking Mount Mansfield

Hiking Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield has several hiking trails which lead to the summit. They range in difficulty from M (moderate) to DDD (very difficult). The easiest trail, rated M though exposed to the elements, begins at the Visitor Center at 3,950 feet (1,204 m) near the top of the Toll Road and continues north, following the part of Vermont's Long Trail along the tundra ridgeline, reaching the summit after 1.5 miles (2 km). An alternative to driving or walking up the Toll Road is to hike up the Haselton Trail (rated D), which starts at the base of the gondolas near Rt. 108, and ends on the Toll Road not far below the Visitor Center. More difficult is to follow the Long Trail from the other end, a steep and rocky climb (rated DD) that starts on the west side of Rt. 108 less than a mile north of the Stowe Mountain Lodge (the trailhead is labelled "Long Trail South"). The Profanity Trail (rated DD) starts near the top of the Long Trail climb, but instead of going directly to the summit, it ends on the Long Trail on the other side of the summit, the part along the ridgeline. Finally, the short (0.7 miles (1 km)) but very difficult Cliff Trail (rated DDD because it involves scrambling up boulders and walking along ledges) starts at the Cliff House Restaurant at the top of the gondola and ends on the Long Trail along the ridgeline not far from the summit. Finally, there are several other hiking trails approaching the ridgeline from the west.

Marking the trails are white, yellow, and blue blazes. The Long Trail has 2 by 6 inches (5 by 15 cm) white blazes (formerly red-around-white circular bulleseyes). The Canyon Trail is marked with yellow blazes. All other trails are marked with blue blazes.