Vermont Highpoint
Mount Mansfield
4,393 ft · Mt. Mansfield State Forest · Green Mountains
HikeLoading map…
Vermont’s highpoint is the Chin on Mount Mansfield. The Nose and Forehead are lower points along the same summit ridge.
USGS GNIS 1461774: Mount MansfieldStandard route
Sunset Ridge Trail – Long Trail North
From the Underhill State Park parking area, follow the park access road toward Sunset Ridge Trail. Climb the exposed western ridge, then continue briefly on the Long Trail north to the Chin, the highest point on Mount Mansfield. Return the same way.
Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation gain
2,628 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Difficult
Trailhead
Underhill State Park
Typical hazards: The upper route crosses exposed rocky ledges. Wet rock, ice, strong wind, thunderstorms, and rapidly changing mountain weather can make the ridge hazardous.
Green Mountain Club: Sunset Ridge to Mansfield SummitAlternative routes
Laura Cowles – Sunset Ridge Loop
A steeper alternative from Underhill State Park climbs Laura Cowles Trail to the summit ridge and returns by Sunset Ridge.
Green Mountain Club: Laura Cowles and Sunset Ridge LoopAccess
Underhill State Park
Underhill State Park provides the primary western hiking access to Mount Mansfield and lies within Mt. Mansfield State Forest.
The park gate is seasonal.
The route begins from the Underhill State Park parking area. Green Mountain Club advises using the parking area before the gate when the park gate is closed. Do not treat the Stowe ski area, Toll Road, or summit visitor facilities as the trailhead for this route.
Know before you go
Protect the summit ridge
Stay on marked trails and exposed rock in the alpine zone to avoid damaging rare and fragile summit vegetation.
Respect seasonal trail closures and all posted mud-season restrictions.
If a trail is saturated or muddy enough that travel would require walking on surrounding vegetation, choose another hike.
Pets are permitted in Underhill State Park; clean up after them.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Mountain weather and trail conditions can change quickly. Vermont’s spring mud season can bring trail closures or conditions unsuitable for hiking, especially at higher elevations. Check current trail status before leaving and respect posted closures.