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
Use restrictions: No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles
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.
Stratton is the highest mountain in southern Vermont. It was at the summit of Stratton Mountain that James P. Taylor in 1909 conceived the idea of a hiking trail spanning the length of Vermont, known as the Long Trail. Here is also where Benton MacKaye in 1921 had the idea of creating a trail from Maine to Georgia, now known as the Appalachian Trail.
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.
From Route 7 in Arlington, take the Arlington exit and turn west on Rte 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 Rte 7 and over a one-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.
Food and Services: Arlington or West Wardsboro
For all Emergencies: 911, #1376 Stratton-Arlington Road
911 Information: The trailhead is in the Town of Stratton, off Stratton-Arlington Road.