Mount Mansfield is so-named as it resembles a human face, from Adam’s Apple to forehead. Sunset Ridge Trail on Mount MansfieldĪt 4,395ft tall, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and sits in the beautiful Green Mountain Range (Image credit: DonLand)Īt 4,395ft tall, Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and sits in the beautiful Green Mountain Range. Here you can climb the 70ft fire tower that was built in 1934 for panoramic views of mountains in four states – Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts – which will all be resplendent with red and yellow leaves in the fall. A flatter ridgeline provides a breather and views of Somerset Reservoir before you switch back your way up to the summit. The trail begins with a gradual climb through the forest, becoming steeper after it crosses Forest Road 341. Turn right onto Kansas Road and after the one-lane bridge turn right and travel east on the Kelley Stand Road for about 9.6 miles. Take the first right onto South Road and follow it to the end. To find the parking lot, from Route 7 take the Arlington exit and head west on Route 313. This section of the Appalachian/Long Trail weaves through dense forest and offers plenty of stunning views on the way to the summit. There are various ways to do this hike, for instance you can ride the gondola up to the summit and climb up the fire tower from there for spectacular foliage views without much effort, but our pick is to hike up Stratton Mountain from the base, then head up the fire tower at the top. The Stratton Mountain Fire Tower sits atop the highest peak in southern Vermont, in Stratton Ski Resort, and marks the spot where Benton MacKaye conceived of the idea of the Appalachian Trail. The Stratton Mountain Fire Tower sits atop the highest peak in southern Vermont, in Stratton Ski Resort, and marks the spot where Benton MacKaye conceived of the idea of the Appalachian Trail (Image credit: Pugalenthi)
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