Mount Mansfield's High Point - Mountain Summits on Waymarking.com

The mountain gets its name because when viewed from the east its summit ridge resembles the profile of a human face, and the names of its prominent features reflect this: Adams Apple (4,060'), Chin (4,393', highest point), Nose (4,062') and Forehead (3,940'). For about 2.3 miles (from the Adams Apple to the Forehead) the Long Trail is almost constantly above treeline, the only such long stretch of alpine zone in Vermont. Please stay on the trail to avoid harming the delicate vegetation.

Mount Mansfield is the most frequently visited mountain in Vermont with nearly 40,000 visitors walking its upper reaches every year.

The classic loop goes up by the Long Trail from Smuggler's Notch (on VT 108, east of the mountain), past Taft Lodge, to the col (Eagle Pass) between the Chin and the Nose. There is a section with steep ledges between the Chin and Eagle Pass, Follow the ridge for about 2 miles to the Summit Station at the base of the Nose. Descend a short distance on the Toll Road, then take the Haselton Trail to the base of the mountain on VT 108, about a mile south of where you started. This loop is about 6.5 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Note that the entire ridge is very exposed to the elements.

In bad weather it is much preferable to avoid the loop and just go up and back on the Long Trail. The amount of exposure can be further reduced by going from Taft Lodge to the Chin by the very steep, but sheltered, Profanity Trail.

Another popular approach is from Underhill State Park to the west of the mountain. The scenic route is the Sunset Ridge Trail, which follows the Sunset Ridge above treeline for almost a mile. This is 3.3 miles (one way) with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet. You can return the way you came, or make a loop back to the same trailhead by following the Laura Coles Trail, saving about 0.6 miles.

Those who want to get to the summit the easy way can use the toll road or gondola to get up to the ridge.

Altitude in Feet: 4393

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