Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Vermont
5

Vermont State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Vermont
Northern Region
Mount Mansfield State Forest
Oh Yell © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
MOUNT MANSFIELD STATE FOREST
MOUNT MANSFIELD STATE FOREST
Cambridge, Vermont   05464
(lat:44.5634 lon:-72.7915) map location
The Mount Mansfield State Forest is a breathtaking natural treasure that captivates visitors with its majestic peaks and lush landscapes. Spanning across a vast area, the forest is centered around Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the state, offering panoramic views of rolling mountains and verdant valleys. Hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the diverse range of trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes, allowing them to explore the pristine beauty of dense forests, babbling streams, and vibrant wildflowers that dot the landscape. The forest is also a haven for wildlife, providing a home to various bird species, mammals, and even rare plants. As one immerses themselves in this serene sanctuary, the Mount Mansfield State Forest truly offers a blissful escape into nature's embrace.
History of the Area
The history of Mount Mansfield State Forest dates back to the early colonization and settlement of the region by European settlers. The forested slopes of Mount Mansfield were initially utilized for logging purposes to provide timber for construction, fuel, and other economic needs. The European settlers cleared the lower elevations of the forest for agriculture and farming, while the upper elevations remained mainly untouched due to their steepness.

However, by the mid-19th century, Vermont's mountainous regions were facing rapid deforestation due to logging, clearing for agriculture, and the exploitation of natural resources. Concerns over the depletion of forest resources led to the establishment of the state's first forest commission in 1885, aiming to manage and conserve the forests.

In the early 20th century, with growing recognition of the importance of forest preservation and the recreational potential of mountainous areas, there was a push for the creation of a state forest reserve around Mount Mansfield. In 1919, the Vermont State Legislature officially established Mount Mansfield State Forest, making it the first official state forest in Vermont.
Camping
1. Underhill State Park offers tent camping with access to hiking trails and mountain views.
2. Smugglers' Notch State Park provides campsites, picnic areas, and trailheads for hikers.
3. Primitive camping is available in designated spots throughout Mount Mansfield State Forest.
4. Little River State Park features water:based activities along with campgrounds near the forest area.
5. Green Mountain Club's Taft Lodge allows overnight stays on a first:come-first-serve basis during summer months only.


Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental


Location
Mount Mansfield State Forest is located near Essex Junction

Trails
1. Long Trail: A 265-mile trail running the length of Vermont, crossing Mount Mansfield's summit; challenging and scenic.

2. Sunset Ridge Trail: Approximately 6 miles round trip, this moderate hike offers panoramic views from the mountain's western ridge.

3. Laura Cowles Trail: Roughly a three mile steep ascent to reach Mt Mansfield Summit via Eagle Pass; recommended for experienced hikers only.

4. Haselton Trail: About four miles long with an elevation gain of over two thousand feet leading up to 'The Nose' on Mount Mansfield

5. Hell Brook Cutoff & Adam's Apple Trails - Steep climb approximately 1-2 hours in duration that leads directly towards The Chin (summit).

6. Maple Ridge Nature Hike - An easy-to-moderate difficulty level looped nature walk spanning about five kilometers through diverse forest ecosystems.

7. Butler Lodge Via Nebraska Notch Lake Road Access - Moderate six-kilometer out-and-back route featuring stunning vistas and wildlife sightings.

8. Forehead Loop via Halfway House/Maple Ridge/Eagle Cut-off/Lakeview/Canyon North Extension trails- Challenging ten kilometer circuit offering breathtaking alpine scenery along multiple ridges including "Forehead" peak area.

9. Teardrop Pond Ski Touring Route - Winter-only seven kilometer cross-country skiing track winding around picturesque frozen ponds under snow-laden trees canopy.

10. Subway And Cliff Trails Circuit - Difficult eight kilometre trek involving rock scrambling sections providing close-up encounters with unique geological formations like Cantilever Rock or Elephant Head cliff face.

11. Profanity Ledge Outcrop Overlook Point Pathway - Short but strenuous offshoot path branching from main Long trail near Taft lodge affording unobstructed northern valley view points.

12. Frost Interpretive Forest Walk- Easy self-guided interpretative one-kilometre stroll amidst mixed hardwood-coniferous forest with informative signboards explaining local flora and fauna.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Maplewoods Campground
260 Maplewoods Drive
, VT
802-635-9181
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Diamondback Co
251 Harrel St
Morrisville, VT
(802) 888-1854
T J's Outdoor's
81 Bridge St # 3
Morrisville, VT
(802) 888-6210
Fly Rod Shop
2703 Waterbury Rd
Stowe, VT
(802) 253-7346
Green Mountain Troutfitters
233 Mill Street (Rte. 108)
Jeffersonville, VT
(802) 644-2214
Fin & Feather Enterprises
Morrisville, VT
(802) 888-1755
Area Cabins and Lodges
Mountain Road Resort
1007 Mountain Rd
Stowe, VT
(802) 253-7396
Smugglers' Notch Resort
4323 Vt Route 108 S
Jeffersonville, VT
(802) 644-8851
Notch Brook Resort
1229 Notchbrook Rd
Stowe, VT
(802) 253-4882

Directions
From Burlington, Vermont, take I-89 S towards Montpelier.

Exit at 10 for VT-100 South towards Waterbury/Stowe.

Turn right onto VT-100 North.

After about 9 miles turn left on Moscow Road/VT Stowe Hollow Rd

Continue straight to merge into Maple Street and then Mountain Road after a mile or so.

Follow the road until you reach Mount Mansfield State Forest.

state route ranger badge
Vermont
5

Vermont State Parks

X