Mount Mansfield Loop from Underhill State Park

Approaching from Underhill State Park, the Mount Mansfield Loop trail climbs the western flank, offering a top-tier way to experience this iconic peak.

This route climbs through northern hardwood forest into increasingly rugged, rocky terrain before emerging onto the mountain’s spectacular alpine ridge line.

Above treeline, the landscape changes dramatically, with exposed bedrock, low-growing alpine vegetation, and sweeping views in almost every direction.

Heading up, there are two rock-scramble puzzles on this route. One is a sheer ledge with a narrow foothold and a tricky lift at the top. The other is a short jump across a small split rock crevice. Great fun with friends to help out but something to think about if you’re doing this route solo.

Note: Mount Mansfield supports one of the largest remaining areas of alpine tundra in Vermont, a fragile environment where plants survive harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and a remarkably short growing season. To avoid damaging this sensitive habitat, please stay on the marked trails and walk only on exposed rock.

On the way down, this route also includes a short side-quest to Cantilever Rock, which is well worth visiting.

This is quite a strenuous mountain hike, with sustained elevation gain, steep rocky sections, and significant exposure to wind and weather near the summit. The terrain demands care, especially when wet, and conditions on the ridge can be much colder and windier than at the trailhead.

This is definitely a Ten Essentials kind of hike.

For experienced hikers comfortable with steep mountain terrain, however, the Underhill approach delivers a banger combination of physical challenge, alpine goodness, and some of the best mountain views in New England.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike Mount Mansfield Loop Trail

Allow 6-8 hours for this hike, which includes time for an extended summit hang.

What is the elevation gain for Mount Mansfield Loop Trail

The elevation gain for this route is apx 2,700 feet / 820 meters.

Mount Mansfield loop trail parking

Park at Underhill State Park which requires a fee. Cash is best. We got there around 6:00am during fall foliage and picked up one of the last spots.

Mount Mansfield Loop Trail Hiking Trail Guide

This Mount Mansfield Loop hiking route includes…

• Paid parking at Underhill State Park
• Many turns and junctions, so good navigation skills are crucial
• Two tricky rock puzzles that require steady nerves
• Incredible jaw-dropping views from the ascent, ridge, and descent
• A worthy side-quest to an impressive geological formation

A full breakdown is provided below in my hike notes with lots of photos.

Mount Mansfield Loop Trail Notes & Gallery

The walk in is long, and steep in spots, but soon enough the views from Mount Mansfield’s south western ridge open up and the rest of the kind is, frankly, quite amazing.

This is the second sketchy rock moment on the way up. It doesn’t look too bad, here, but I did have to screw up my courage to jump across this small ravine. Then I helped my friend, Shayna, and one of the hikers behind her. Good fun.

The views just keep getting better and better. The views extend to other ridgelines and out to the west toward Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

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The parent mountain for this hike is Mount Mansfield.