Underhill, Vermont
Mount Mansfield via Sunset Ridge
Vermont's highest summit via the most scenic open-ridge route.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 6.6 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 2,550 ft
- Duration
- 5–7
- Best Season
- Jun–Oct
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Features
- Highest point in VT, Alpine ridge
About the trail
Mount Mansfield (4,395 ft) is Vermont's tallest peak, its profile famously resembling a human face in repose. The Sunset Ridge Trail is the most spectacular approach, breaking above treeline early and following an exposed alpine ridge with sweeping views west to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The summit is 'the Chin' — the highest of several named features along the ridge.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 44.5438, -72.8145Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Enter Underhill State Park off Mountain Road.
- Park at the day-use lot and walk the CCC Road 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
- Climb the Sunset Ridge Trail past the Cantilever Rock spur.
- Reach the Long Trail and turn north for the Chin summit.
- Descend via the Laura Cowles Trail for a loop.
Parking
Underhill State Park, $5/person day-use fee.
Tips from the trail
- Above treeline alpine plants are critically rare — stay on rock and cairned paths.
- Thunderstorms build fast over the ridge; turn back if you hear thunder.
- Cantilever Rock (a 30-ft horizontal stone) is a worthwhile 5-minute detour.