Explore the Forest!
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are comprised of three distinct Ranger Districts:
- The Middlebury/Rochester District in central Vermont
- The Manchester District in Southern Vermont
- The Hector District in New York
Each district boasts their own unique recreation opportunities with plenty of opportunities to explore, even if you’re just passing through!
Green Mountain National Forest Day-Hikes in Vermont
Abbey Pond Trail
This trail climbs steadily while traveling adjacent to a cascading brook for 2 miles to Abbey Pond. During times of high water, multiple stream crossings may be difficult to cross. This trailhead is located off of Vermont 116, approximately 5.5 miles north of the junction with Vermont 125 in East Middlebury.
Blueberry Lake
The Blueberry Lake trails are designed for mountain bike use but provide wonderful hiking/trail running opportunities. These trails feature gentle grades and clear lines to view on-coming mountain bikers. The trail network consists of 4 loop trails and totals approximately 5 miles. Directions from Warren Village: Travel east on Brook Road for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Plunkton Rd. and travel approximately 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking.
Canty Trail
This is a 2.4 mile out-and-back trail (4.8-mile round trip) that takes approximately 4 hours to hike. The trail has a 1600-foot elevation gain, including portions of steep and/or rocky trail. From Vermont Route 4 in Mendon, turn onto Old Turnpike Road and travel approximately 0.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Chandler Ridge
This trail follows a ridge with gentle grades and views to the east and west. It forms a loop trail network with the Leicester Hollow Trail. Average hiking time for the Leicester Hollow/Chandler Ridge loop is 4 ½ – 5 ½ hours.
Chittenden Brook Trail Network
This network of loop trails winds through forested areas, beaver meadows and along Chittenden Brook. Follow blue blazes to numbered intersections where trail maps provide navigation and the opportunity to connect to the Long Trail National Recreation Trail. Two trailheads serve as starting points: Trailhead 1: From Vermont Route 73, 5.2 miles west of Rochester, take Forest Road 45 south for 2.2 miles. Just before entering the Chittenden Brook Campground loop, turn left where the trail network begins from the trailhead parking lot; Trailhead 2: from Vermont Route 73, take Forest Road 45 south for 0.6 mile to the trail-head parking area on the right. From here, the trail climbs along Chittenden Brook for 3.7 miles to the Long Trail and the network of loop trails. Another 2.3 miles north on the Long Trail will take you to Vermont 73 at Brandon Gap, passing Sunrise Shelter and good views of Mt. Horrid.
Leicester Hollow Trail
The Leicester Hollow Trail follows Leicester Hollow Brook and a historic carriage route as it travels from the Silver Lake Trail and Campground south to the junction with the Chandler Ridge and Minnie Baker Trails. There are many trail intersections and campsite spurs as the trail passes through the Silver Lake Recreation Area - be sure to remain on the main trail. For good views, return via the Chandler Ridge Trail.
Mount Horrid/Great Cliff Trail
The Mount Horrid Trail follows the Long Trail from Vermont Route 73 north to a blue-blazed side trail with exceptional views. The trail is a steady climb with several steep portions. Please respect annual trail closures that are typically in effect March to August to protect nesting Peregrine falcons. From Vermont Route 73 at Bran-don Gap, take the Long Trail north to a blue-blazed spur trail that leads out to the cliffs.
Mt. Horrid and the Great Cliff
Mount Moosalamoo
This trail begins at a parking lot near the entrance to the Moosalamoo Campground on Forest Road 24. It crosses the north branch of Voter Brook and climbs to the Oak Ridge Trail, just north of the summit of Mt. Moosalamoo. Take the Oak Ridge Trail 0.3 mile south to the summit of Mt. Moosalamoo.
Rattlesnake Cliff
Beginning at the picnic area at Falls of Lana, the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail passes the lower end of the Aunt Jennie Trail and the junction with the North Branch Trail. After climbing for approximately 1.0 mile, and after passing the upper end of the Aunt Jennie Trail, the trail forks. The Rattlesnake Cliff trail is to the left (to the right is the Oak Ridge Trail). When the trail forks again, the left branch leads to the southern part of Rattle-snake Cliff, with spectacular views of the lakes, and the right branch leads to a smaller west-facing set of cliffs. Park on the east side of Vermont Route 53, 0.2 mile south of Branbury State Park. From Route 53, follow the Silver Lake Trail (service road) passing under a large pipe. After about 0.5 mile you will reach the junction with Rattlesnake Cliff Trail on a sharp curve in the road.
Robert Frost Trails
This system of 2 loop trails commemorates Robert Frost’s poetry and several poems are mounted along the trail on the north and south sides of the South Branch of the Middlebury River. Blueberries and huckleberries are maintained in the fields south of the river. The 0.2-mile loop adjacent to the parking lot is designed for universal accessibility, as is the bridge that connects to the portion south of the river. These trails begin at the parking area located off Vermont 125, 2.1 miles east of the Village of Ripton and approximately 1 mile west of the Middlebury College Breadloaf Campus. The Robert Frost Trails provide access to the larger Water Tower Trail network.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail
Silent Cliff Trail
This trail starts where the Long Trail crosses Middlebury Gap on Vermont 125. Take the Long Trail north for 0.4 miles. Turn right and follow the blue blazes an additional 0.4 miles to Silent Cliff, which affords great vistas.
Silver Lake Trail
The Silver Lake Trail (Forest Road 27) provides access to the Falls of Lana picnic area, Silver Lake recreation area/campground, and multiple loop trails. Park on the east side of Vermont Route 53, 0.2 mile south of Branbury State Park. From Route 53, the trail follows Forest Road 27 and will pass under a large “penstock” that brings water from Silver Lake to the Route 53 pow-er plant. After approximately 0.5 miles, you will reach the junction with the Rattlesnake Cliff Trail on a sharp curve in the road. Straight ahead, across Sucker Brook, is the picnic area at the Falls of Lana, Rattlesnake Point, and the Oak Ridge, Moosalamoo, and North Branch Trails. Bearing right at this junction takes you up a series of switchbacks to the north end of Silver Lake where you can access the Silver Lake Interpretive Trail (looping around the lake) or the Chandler Ridge and Leicester Hollow Trails.
Texas Falls Nature Trail
This 1.2-mile loop trail starts with magnificent views of Texas Falls-a series of cascades tumbling 140 feet through a steep and narrow cataract. The falls are also the site of a historic mill powered by the energy of the falling water. From Vermont Route 125, 3.1 miles west of Vermont Route 100 in Hancock, and 3.2 miles east of Middlebury Gap, turn north on Texas Falls Road to the Texas Falls Recreation Area. Across the road from the first parking area is Texas Falls. Just across a footbridge, the nature trail begins.
Thundering Falls Trail/Appalachian Trail
Thundering Falls is the only universally accessible portion of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. The trail passes through the Ottauquechee River floodplain on 900 feet of boardwalk before ascending via accessible switchbacks to a viewing platform of Thundering Falls, reportedly the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. From Vermont Route 4 in Killington, take River Road (towards Killington Municipal Offices) for approximately 2 miles. The small River Road parking area can be found on the left.
Warren Falls
Warren Falls is a heavily used observation site with high cliffs, fast water, deep swimming holes, and multiple footpaths. A gentle, short (0.1 mile) trail leads to an accessible overlook that provides views of the cascading Mad River. Other trails are marked as access points to viewpoints or to wade in the river. Located along Route 100, just south of the Village of Warren.
Bald Mountain
Length: 7.2 mile round trip via Bald Mountain Trail or 4.0 mile round trip via Bear Wallow Trail. Elevation Change: 2142 feet via Bald Mountain Trail or 1580 feet via Bear Wallow Trail. From Bennington, the Bald Mountain Trail begins at the end of North Branch Street Extension and climbs 3.6 miles to the summit. From Woodford Hollow the Bear Wallow Trail begins near the water tank on Bolles Brook Road, which is north of the Woodford town hall on Route 9. The trail climbs 2.0 miles west to the summit of Bald Mountain.
Bourn Pond
Length: 5.6 mile round trip. Elevation Change: 425 feet. Park at the end of Forest Road 70 and take the connector trail 0.3 miles, turn left onto Branch Pond Trail and continue 2.5 miles to Branch Pond.
Bromley Mountain
Length: 6.0 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 1380 feet. Five miles east of Manchester Center on Route 30/11 is a paved parking area to access the AT/LT. From the parking area, hike north on the AT/LT for 3.0 miles to the top of Bromley Mountain. As the trail nears the summit, it opens onto Bromley Mountain’s “Run Around” ski trail.
Greendale Loop
Length: 4.0-mile loop. Elevation Change: 260 feet. The Greendale Trail begins at the end of Greendale Road (Forest Road 18), just beyond Greendale Campground. Cross the bridge over Greendale Brook and bear left at the fork, continuing west 1.0 mile to the junction with Jenny Coolidge Road (Forest Road 17). Turn left and follow Jenny Coolidge Road 2.0 miles back to Greendale Road. Turn left and follow Greendale Road 1.0 miles back to the campground.
Griffith Lake from FR 58
Length: 4.0 mile round trip. Elevation Change: 217 feet. Off Hapgood Pond Road in Peru, turn onto North Road (Forest Road 22) and continue for 0.5 miles, turn left onto Mad Tom Notch Road (Forest Road 21), drive 2.0 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 58. The trailhead is at the end of Forest Road 58. Hike north following the old carriage road for 2.0 miles to Griffith Lake.
Grout Pond Trails
Length: variable, up to 10.3 miles round trip. Elevation Change: up to 260 feet. A series of trails wind around Grout Pond and access the north end of Somerset Reservoir. There are more than 10 miles of trails for both summer and winter use.
Hapgood Pond Trail
Length: 0.8-mile loop. Elevation Change: 33 feet. The trail is located at the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area, north of Peru, off Hapgood Pond Road. The trail begins at the picnic area and continues 0.8 miles around the north edge of the pond to the dam. There is a fee charged for day use of the Hapgood Pond Recreation Area.
Harmon Hill
Length: 3.6 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 970 feet. About 5 miles east of Bennington along Route 9 is a trailhead for the AT/LT. Hike south up Harmon Hill to a vista overlooking Bennington. This section of the AT/LT is 1.8 miles in length , but the first mile is a very steep incline with many stone steps.
Haystack Mountain
Length: 4.8 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 1020 feet. Leaving Route 9, turn onto Haystack Road entering the Chimney Hill Development. Turn right onto Binney Brook Road and climb through several switchbacks until turning right onto Upper Dam Road. Park along Upper Dam Road near the bulletin board that marks the trailhead. The trail follows a gated road until you turn left onto the Deerfield Ridge Trail at 0.5 miles. Continue 1.7 miles until reaching a junction, then turn right to reach the summit of Haystack Mountain. From the rock outcropping you can view Haystack Pond and off into the Deerfield Valley.
Lake Trail
Length: 6.6-mile round trip to Griffith Lake or 5.6 mile round trip to Baker Peak. Elevation Change: 1910 feet to Griffith Lake or 2100 feet to Baker Peak. Two miles north of Emerald Lake on Route 7, go east on South End Road to the trailhead parking area. Follow Lake Trail 2.0 miles to the McGinn Brook crossing, shortly after the trail divides. Left 0.8 miles is the summit of Baker Peak and right 1.3 miles is Griffith Lake.
Griffith Lake/Baker Peak via Lake Trail
Little Pond
Length: 5.0 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 340 feet. From the trailhead located along Route 9, follow Forest Road 275 north for 2.5 miles to Little Pond.
Little Rock Pond
Length: 4.0 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 350 feet. From Route 7 in Danby, turn east onto Brooklyn Road (Forest Road 10). Park at the paved parking lot across from the AT/LT trailhead. Follow the AT/LT north 2.0 miles to Little Rock Pond.
Little Rock Pond/Green Mountain Loop
Little Rock Pond/Green Mountain Loop
Length: 6.6-mile loop. Elevation Change: 1070 feet. From Route 7 in Danby, turn east onto Brooklyn Road/Forest Road 10. Park at the paved parking lot across from the AT/LT trailhead. Follow the AT/LT north 2.0 miles to Little Rock Pond. The Green Mountain Trail begins at the north end of the pond. You can follow the AT/LT to the junction or take the Little Rock Pond Loop Trail following the west shore of the pond. The Green Mountain Trail ascends ledges to the peak of Green Mountain and continues south along the ridgeline for 4.1 miles to the Green Mountain Connector Trail which then travels 0.5 miles back to the AT/LT parking lot.
Little Rock Pond/Green Mountain Loop
Lye Brook Falls
Length: 4.6 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 740 feet. From Route 7, travel 0.25 miles east on Route 11/30. Turn right onto East Manchester Road. After 1 mile turn left onto Glen Road. Bear right at the fork onto the Lye Brook Access Road (a spur road not maintained for winter access). Park at the trailhead at the end of the spur road. Follow the Lye Brook Trail south for 1.8 miles, take a 0.4 mile spur trail on the right. The trail traverses a landslide from Tropical Storm Irene and leads to a 125 foot cascading waterfall.
Prospect Rock
Length: 3.5 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 1000 feet. Parking is available from April 1 to November 1 at the end of the Rootville Road, next to the water tower (do not block access to the private driveway or the old Rootville Road). No winter parking is available! Follow the old Rootville Road south. The 1.7-mile climb leads to a short spur trail on the right that accesses a vista overlooking Manchester Village and the Taconic Mountain Range.
Spruce Peak
Length: 4.8 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 590 feet. Five miles east of Manchester Center on Route 11/30 is a paved parking area to access the Appalachian/Long Trail. Cross the highway and hike south on the AT/LT for 2.4 miles to Spruce Peak. A short spur trail leads to the summit, which affords a small view of Manchester Valley and the Taconic Mountain Range.
Stratton Mountain
Length: 7.6 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 1730 feet. Park at the AT/LT trailhead on the Kelley Stand Road. Follow the AT/LT north 3.8 miles to the top of Stratton Mountain. Climb the historic fire tower at the peak for a panoramic view of southern Vermont.
Stratton Pond Trail
Length: 7.8 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 390 feet. Park at the Stratton Pond trailhead on the Kelley Stand Road. Hike north 3.9 miles to Stratton Pond.
White Rocks Cliffs
Length: 3.2 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 1250 feet. Leaving from the White Rocks Picnic Area, follow the Keewaydin Trail for 0.4 miles east to the Appalachian/Long Trail (AT/LT). Continue south (right) on the AT/LT for 1.0 miles. Turn right at the rock cairns. The trail descends 0.2 miles to the cliff vista.
Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area
White Rocks Ice Beds Trail
Length: 1.8 miles round trip. Elevation Change: 180 feet. Leaving from the White Rocks Picnic Area, follow the Ice Beds Trail west for 0.2 miles. Travel up through a series of switchbacks to a vista of the White Rocks Cliffs. To reach the ice beds, bear right and continue down the trail 0.7 miles to the base of a talus pile of massive rocks. Ice that forms deep within recesses of the rock pile remains late into the summer.
Finger Lakes National Forest Day-Hikes in New York
Backbone Trailhead
The Backbone Trail begins at the Backbone Horse Campground. The trail traverses the Forest through shrub-lands, pastures, old roads, and many old homestead sites. It intersects the Interloken and Burnt Hill Trails to the south and the No-Tan-Takto trail to the north. It is a relatively flat, primitive trail with natural tread, gravel in wet places, and traverses through fenced pastures. Please close gates behind you.
Burnt Hill Trail
The Burnt Hill Trail is located on the southern end of the Forest, extending south from Picnic Area Road. It includes forests, shrub-lands and pastures and offers many beautiful vistas along the way. It is a primitive trail with a natural tread. It has gravel in wet areas and traverses through the fenced pastures. Please close gates behind you. The trail intersects the Interloken Trail.
Caywood Point
Caywood Point is the only part of the Finger Lakes National Forest bordering Seneca Lake. Fossenvue Trail is a gravel path descends through forest to an open area beside the lake with a gravel beach and panoramic views. Please be aware that the last portion of the trail can be quite steep.
Finger lakes Trail
This portion of the trail is part of a much larger regional trail system. Passing through remote areas of the Southern Tier of New York State, the main Finger Lakes Trail is 559 miles long and connects the Catskills with the Allegheny Mountains. Some of this trail crosses private land between sections of the Finger Lakes National Forest; please respect private property rights. This portion of the Finger Lakes Trail is also part of the North Country Trail, a National Scenic Trail that originates in North Dakota and meanders east to Lake Champlain. The portion of the trail that crosses the Finger Lakes National Forest is primitive in nature with a natural tread and boardwalk over wet areas. Portions of the trail are moderately steep as it travels through hardwood forest and open areas. There is an Adirondack style shelter that is available for camping on a first come-first served basis. Enjoy old vineyards and beautiful vistas from this trail, including views of Seneca Lake.
Gorge Trail
The Gorge Trail traverses through Hemlock and hardwood forests, following the gorge between Burnt Hill Road and Mark Smith Road. It is located on the southern portion of the Forest and is accessed from the Burnt Hill Road/Gorge Pond parking area or a parking area on Mark Smith Road, about Âľ miles north of State Highway 79. This trail intersects the Interloken Trail. Gorge Pond is located just east of the Gorge Trail trailhead on Burnt Hill Road.
Ravine Trail
The Ravine Trail passes through hemlock and hardwood forests. As the trail loops around, it crosses a stream in 3 places with native rock step crossings. It is a primitive trail with a natural tread and is steep in some places. The Ravine Trail connects with the Interloken Trail at Burnt Hill Road.
South Slope Trail
The South Slope Trail is located at the south end of the Forest. The trail passes through hardwood and conifer stands and crosses a small stream. It is a primitive trail with plank boardwalk over wet areas. This trail intersects the Interloken Trail, and shares a portion of the Finger Lakes and North Country Trail Systems
Scenic Drives
Go for a drive!
Scenic drives are available on paved and unpaved roads throughout the National Forest with opportunities for exploring trails, recreation sites, streams and rivers along the way.