Mount Mansfield

Mountain Vermont's highest peak, site of Stowe ski area

Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield anchors Stowe’s ski area and offers summer hikes along an exposed alpine ridge; visitors come for downhill skiing, Long Trail access and panoramic views, especially during foliage season.

Main image

Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in the U.S. state of Vermont with a summit elevation of 4,393 feet and a distinctive summit ridge. It is a regional landmark for both hiking and winter sports.

Footpaths, including a section of the long-distance Long Trail, cross the summit ridge and provide day-hike opportunities; the ridge is noted for sensitive alpine vegetation and exposed rock. In winter the slopes are used by nearby ski facilities and backcountry skiers.

The mountain has been managed for recreation and conservation with state forest and park protections in place to balance visitor use and habitat preservation. Trailheads and visitor information are provided from nearby towns, including the resort community of Stowe.

Mount Mansfield is located in northern Vermont, a short drive from Stowe and other northern Vermont communities.

  • Elevation and vegetation protection: At 4,393 feet the mountain is the highest point in Vermont and supports fragile alpine vegetation near the summit; stay on marked trails to protect sensitive tundra.
  • Best viewing times: Fall foliage and long-distance outlooks are among the most popular reasons to hike the summit ridge, with clear days offering broad views across northern Vermont and into neighbouring states and provinces.

What to See #

  • Summit ridge and Long Trail: The main summit ridge, often described as a profile-shaped ridge, includes named features used by hikers and is crossed by the Long Trail and local routes.
  • Stowe ski area: Nearby downhill skiing and lift facilities at Stowe sit on the mountain's slopes and provide winter recreation with access to alpine terrain.

How to Get to Mount Mansfield #

The most common approaches are from Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch. From Stowe, follow VT Route 100 and local trailhead signs to parking areas; the Long Trail and several marked routes access the summit ridge within a 15-30 minute drive of downtown Stowe.

Tips for Visiting Mount Mansfield #

  • Park at Stowe (about 6 miles/10 km from the Mansfield summit ridge) and use marked trailheads; the Long Trail crosses the summit ridge.
  • Summit ridgeline exposure means wind and sudden storms; plan early starts and check local forecasts.
  • Fall leaf-peeping brings crowds-arrive before sunrise for silence and the best light.

Best Time to Visit Mount Mansfield #

Autumn and summer are the most popular seasons-autumn for foliage, summer for accessible hiking; winter for experienced snow travelers only.

Summer
June-August · 5-20°C
Warm lower elevations, pleasant ridge conditions; green and buggy in the woods.
Autumn
September-October · -5-12°C
Peak foliage season and crisp, clear ridge days; busy on weekends.
Winter
December-March · -20-0°C
Extreme alpine conditions with snow and ice; serious winter gear required.

Weather & Climate near Mount Mansfield #

Climate

Mount Mansfield's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1741 mm/year), wettest in August.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-17° -8°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -7°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -2°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (183 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

183 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-13° -4°

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Mount Mansfield