Stratton Mountain Trail

Green Mountain National Forest

Caring for the Land and Serving People

Length:  7.6 miles round trip	Feature:  Mountain, View
Max elevation change:  1730 feet	USGS maps:  Stratton Quad
Amount of use:  Heavy	Hiking level:  Moderate – Difficult
Average hike time:  5 – 6 hours round trip

Trail Description:

This section of the Appalachian/Long Trail, marked with white blazes, travels to the summit of Stratton Mountain.  The trail begins a gradual ascent from the parking area through a mixed hard/softwood forest. At 1.4 miles the trail crosses Forest Road 341, and begins the steeper climb up the mountain.  The trail flattens out for a little while following a ridgeline, then climbs again using switchbacks.  Vista openings

along the trail offer beautiful views of Somerset Reservoir to the south. At the summit of Stratton Mountain, you may climb a recently renovated 70 ft. fire tower that was originally erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. The tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Green Mountain range and the Taconic Mountains to the west.  A Green Mountain Club caretaker is stationed at the summit during

summer and fall months, to assist hikers and help preserve the natural area.  There is no camping at the summit due to the volume of visitors and the sensitive alpine ecosystem. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.

A two-day overnight loop may be made by continuing to Stratton Pond where there is a tenting area and a shelter.  Continue hiking out the Stratton Pond Trail to the Stratton-Arlington Road, and turn left proceeding back to the parking lot (total loop of 11.7 miles).  At Stratton Pond a $5 per person/night fee, paid to the Green Mountain Club caretaker, helps maintain the shelter and trails, monitor impacts, and protect vulnerable soil, water, and vegetation.

Directions:

From Route 7 in Arlington, take the Arlington exit and turn west on Route 313 at the end of the exit ramp. Take the first right onto South Rd. and follow to the end.  Turn right onto Kansas Road and follow over Route 7 and over a two-lane bridge.  After the bridge turn right and travel east on the Kelley Stand Road for about 9.6 miles.  

From Route 100 in West Wardsboro, travel west on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka: Kelley Stand Road) for about 7 miles; The parking area is at the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail crossing on the north side of the road.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

231 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701

(802) 747-6700 Phone                                           (802) 747-6766 FAX Website: www.fs.usda.gov/greenmountain

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Recreational Opportunity Guide                                                  Stratton Mountain Trail

Area Services:

Food and  Services: Arlington or West Wardsboro

For all Emergencies:  Call 911

911 Information: The trailhead is in the Town of Stratton,  1376 Stratton-Arlington Road

For More Information:

Contou.-lnte.-val 50 Feet

Manchester Ranger District, 2538 Depot St. (Rte 11/30), Manchester Center, VT  05255, (802) 362-2307

This Recreation Guide is Available  in Large Print at Forest Service Information  Centers