Mt. Mansfield State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · VT

Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Mt. Mansfield State Forest is Vermont's largest state forest offering a diverse range of outdoor activities amidst rich biodiversity and stunning mountain landscapes.

State Forest44,4444+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

44,444

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Mt. Mansfield State Forest is Vermont's largest state forest offering a diverse range of outdoor activities amidst rich biodiversity and stunning mountain landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Mt. Mansfield State Forest spans over 44,444 acres in Vermont, housing the highest peak in the state, Mt. Mansfield. Its unique geology includes a combination of rugged mountain terrain, dense forests, and alpine tundra at the summit. The area is rich in biodiversity, featuring hardwood forests, diverse wildlife including bear and moose, and rare plant species. Established in 1939, the forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering extensive hiking trails, including sections of the Long Trail, Vermont's famous hiking trail, and backcountry skiing opportunities. The forest's appeal lies in its varied topography and ecological richness, making it a favorite for both leisurely walks and challenging climbs. Key attractions include the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield, providing breathtaking panoramic views and ample opportunities for photography. This state forest is popular among both locals and visitors for its natural beauty and recreational offerings.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The summit of Mt. Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont, offering extraordinary views.✦ Rare alpine tundra ecosystem home to unique plant species.✦ Stowe Mountain Resort within the forest providing ski and snowboard opportunities.✦ The Long Trail, a historic hiking path traversing the length of Vermont.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Mt. Mansfield State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mt. Mansfield State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entry fees for forest access; some activities may require fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Underhill State Park Campground

Located at the foot of Mt. Mansfield with hike-in tent sites and lean-tos.

Smugglers’ Notch State Park Campground

Offers drive-in tent/RV sites, nearby hiking trails, and proximity to Smugglers' Notch.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Stowe, Vermont
⌖ 7.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont offers a stellar mix of outdoor adventures. With its excellent trails, skiing, and cycling routes, it’s perfect for those seeking to explore the Green Mountains and more.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Jeffersonville, Vermont
⌖ 7.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jeffersonville, Vermont

Jeffersonville is a vibrant hub for outdoor adventurers seeking hiking, skiing, and biking opportunities in the heart of Vermont's mountainous landscape.

Noyan, Vermont
⌖ 8.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Noyan, Vermont

Noyan is a quiet Vermont border town offering peaceful hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in a rural setting. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude amid gentle countryside and seasonal outdoor activities.

Late spring through early fall for paddling, biking, and hiking; winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Jericho, Vermont
⌖ 9.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jericho, Vermont

Jericho, Vermont offers quiet forest trails, mountain biking, paddling on the Browns River, and cross-country skiing in winter. It’s a serene spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Green Mountains’ beauty without the crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Johnson, Vermont
⌖ 9.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johnson, Vermont

Johnson, Vermont is a charming town tucked along the Lamoille River offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and winter sports in a tranquil natural setting. Ideal for adventurers seeking peaceful forests and rivers.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Morrisville, Vermont
⌖ 10.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morrisville, Vermont

Morrisville, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities year-round. With scenic lakes, forested trails, and proximity to premier ski resorts, it’s an accessible basecamp for exploring Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mt. Mansfield State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip