Climb Stratton Mountain
Climb southern Vermont’s highest peak with an experienced trail guide
Climb Stratton Mountain
with a local trail guide
When I moved to the Berkshires in 2020, Stratton Mountain was one of the first big Vermont peaks I climbed.
I remember expecting a tough, relentless ascent. After all, Stratton rises to nearly 4,000 feet and is the highest mountain in Southern Vermont. Instead, I found a really enjoyable hike up—I kept waiting for the steep part, but it really just didn’t happen. We were at the Fire Tower with its incredible 360° views before we knew it!
Once at the summit, we’ll ascend the Fire Tower to take in the incredible 360° views into 4 states.
The trail gains elevation gradually, making the hike feel far more approachable than many famous New England peaks. 1,800’ over 3.5 miles.
I've returned numerous times since. In winter, I'm often skiing nearby at Stratton Ski Area. In the warmer months, I love driving up to enjoy the (relatively) easy climb, the incredible summit view, and hiking along the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
Today, it's one of my favorite mountains to guide hikers up. Hiring a knowledgeable, friendly guide makes the experience so easy!
Check out the different ways we can hike it together 👇
Stratton Mountain is one of the easiest big mountain climbs in all of Vermont…
Closest Vermont mountain climb to New York and Boston!
And it’s on the Appalachian Trail!
Why Hike Stratton Mountain
In my opinion, Stratton offers one of the best combinations of scenery, views, wilderness, and accessibility anywhere in the region.
It’s Wild
The mountain sits deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, in a remote and beautiful part of Southern Vermont. Despite being close to the well-known ski resort, the hiking experience feels surprisingly wild. Once you're on the trail, you're surrounded by miles of protected forest, with few signs of civilization.
It’s Close
Want to hike in Vermont, but want to do it as a day trip? Prefer a shorter car ride? Stratton Mountain is the closest Vermont mountain to the big metro areas in the Northeast, like New York City, Boston, Connecticut, and New Jersey. It takes forever to get to Stowe (Mt. Mansfield), Camel’s Hump, or the Presidential Range in NH. Stratton, however, is the first big mountain in the state.
Doable Climb
Stratton is the most accessible of the big Vermont mountain peaks. If you/r group is in even decent shape, hiking up the 3.5 miles and 1,800’ to the summit is quite achievable. Hike a big mountain without killing yourself! (Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss whether you are up for it)
The Appalachian Trail
One of the things that makes Stratton so cool is that it’s on the Appalachian Trail. Much of our route follows this legendary footpath, sharing the same trail used by thru-hikers making the incredible 2,200-mile journey from Georgia to Maine. Every time I hike here, I love chatting with the thru-hikers we meet—always so fun to ask how their little hike is going!
And then there's the summit!
At the top stands Stratton's historic fire tower. We'll climb up the tower for sweeping views across Vermont, the Berkshires, the Adirondacks, and into New Hampshire. Unlike many New England summits that are heavily wooded, Stratton delivers a truly spectacular panorama and one of the best summit experiences in Vermont.
Check out the two ways we can hike Stratton ⬇️
Classic Stratton Summit Hike 🥾
7 miles round trip • 3.5-5 hours • 1,800 feet of elevation gain
This route follows the Appalachian Trail directly to the summit and back.
Although the climb gains nearly 1,800 feet, the trail is remarkably moderate. Instead of steep scrambles and rocky pitches, Stratton climbs at a comfortable grade through beautiful hardwood forest before reaching the summit ridge and the big payoff at the fire tower. (And if we are fast, we may have time to hike over to the ski area summit for more views.)
For hikers looking to climb a real Vermont mountain without tackling extreme terrain, this is one of my favorite recommendations.
Highlights:
Climb the highest mountain in Southern Vermont
Hike a beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail
Ascend the historic fire tower
Enjoy spectacular summit views
Moderate trail grades throughout the climb
Great introduction to bigger mountain hiking
Rates for Classic Stratton Hike:
$195, 1 hiker
$300, 2 hikers
+ $70 each additional hiker
Stratton Mountain from Stratton Pond
Stratton Mountain & Stratton Pond Loop 🏞️
11 miles • About 6–7 hours • 2,100 feet of elevation gain
This day-long route is truly a Vermont adventure! It combines the summit of Stratton Mountain with one of Southern Vermont's most beautiful backcountry destinations: Stratton Pond.
We'll climb to the summit via the Appalachian Trail, enjoy the views from the fire tower, and then continue on a scenic loop through the surrounding forest.
One of the reasons I love this route is that once we've completed the climb, much of the remaining hike is relatively gentle—we get the “hard” part out of the way at the start! The trail gradually descends toward Stratton Pond before winding back through peaceful forest to the trailhead. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a full day in the Green Mountains without feeling like you're working hard every step of the way.
The pond itself is a beautiful spot to relax, have a snack, and soak in the scenery before continuing on.
Highlights:
Summit Stratton Mountain
Hike on the Appalachian Trail
Visit scenic Stratton Pond
Enjoy easier terrain after the main climb
Experience more of the Green Mountain wilderness
One of Southern Vermont's classic hiking loops
Rates for Stratton Mountain & Pond Loop:
$295, 1 hiker
$425, 2 hikers
+ $85, each add’l hiker
Fill out the form below for more info or to book your hike 👇
Meet your guide!
Hey what’s up! I’m a Berkshires local who knows all the best trails. I’ve led hundreds of hikers over 7+ years, with dozens of 5-star reviews. I’m safety certified and love chatting with visiting hikers as we go. Read more…
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