Mount Mansfield — Local services in Underhill

A beautiful Northeast state high point I have been to four times. This is one of the rare ones you can climb three different methods (though the latter two also involve some foot travel): by foot, by car, and it is the only state high point where you can ride a Gondola.

There are a variety of trails up here. Given my proneness to adventure, I climbed up the Hell Brook Trail. It is only a mile and a half, but it is very rocky and STRAIGHT UP. When I climbed in October 2021, there was already some snow on the peak, adding to the adventure. I returned via the Long Trail and Route 108 because did not want to break any bones. I have not done the western trails (Sunset Ridge and Laura Cowles) but I hear they are only mildly less steep and exciting, and have some good views.

You can also take the toll road from Stowe, but that only gets you about 80 percent of the way to the top. You will have to hike a mile on the Long Trail to get to the summit. It is fairly mild, but you still have to be mobile and in halfway decent shape to make it. Or, you can take the Gondola up to the Cliff House restaurant, and climb the Cliff Trail to the Long Trail. A little less than a mile, but also extremely steep, and you will have to use your hands on parts of the Cliff Trail.

Summit has beautiful 360 degree views extending into New York, New Hampshire (on a good day), and Quebec. You can easily see Marcy (NY's high point). No crowds of tourists that you would find on Mount Washington's summit.

All in all, a nice high point where you can be challenged physically and still summit in half a day or less. Stop by if you are...

Not sure how you can rate this less than 5 stars. This is a steep ride, do not take a car with low ground clearance, (ex. sports car). Any SUV/CUV is great and most sedans should do well too, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, etc., is fine. Also the road is narrow so don't speed. Make sure your breaks work and use low gear going down. Also, if your car overheats, or is older...when going up hill, open up the windows, turn your car heater to max temperature and this will allow your heating system to pull heat away from the coolant. Toll road takes you to the upper portion but not the actual top...there is still 1.3 miles of walking to the top...takes about 35 minutes walk at a "leisure" pace. Pick good weather, otherwise you will miss out on the spectacular views. Not recommended for families with small children unless you...

We drove up the toll road, parked at the visitor center, and then hiked up to the top of Mt Mansfield, and all had an awesome time! The hike out and back is about 3 miles, the toll for 3 was $65, and the drive up to the visitor center parking lot is around 4 miles.

It was very windy, but we got a clear day, and the views were incredible. It feels like you're on top of the world looking down from Mt Mansfield! It was also cool to see all of the trails we've skied so many times in the winter during the summer. Overall, this is a highly...