Underhill State Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Vermont, Underhill State Park is the place for you. It’s located on the west slope of 4,300-foot Mount Mansfield and is part of the 39,837-acre Mount Mansfield State Forest. You can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife watching while exploring the beautiful park.
Underhill is a perfect place for a picnic or a family outing. It has a beautiful open-log pavilion that seats about 50 people and features a fireplace, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. This park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, wood frogs, and a yellow-spotted salamander.
While Underhill is known for its challenging hiking trails, there are plenty of other activities in the park to keep the entire family happy. During winter months, campers can take advantage of the park’s hiking and mountain biking trails, which run throughout the park. Sledding in the icy terrain is a popular winter activity for many residents, as it is surrounded by a pristine forest.
Hiking is another popular activity in Underhill State Park. You can choose from four hiking trails that lead to the summit ridge of Mount Mansfield. One of these trails begins at the group camp and continues up the southern end. Another trail, Sunset Ridge, leads to a scenic vista.
Stowe ski area
If you’re looking for a little bit of adventure and fun in the snow, you’ve come to the right place. While the ski area isn’t huge, it is home to several attractions and activities. There are also many restaurants, so you won’t be at a loss for places to dine. For breakfast, you can try Butler’s Pantry, a local favorite. If you’re visiting during the high season or want to make sure you get a table, you should make a reservation ahead of time.
Aside from skiing and snowboarding, you can also hike Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont. The ridgeline of this mountain extends into Stowe, Cambridge, and Underhill. When viewed from above, it looks like an elongated man. It is an excellent place for hiking and has many trails for all skill levels. If you don’t want to go out on the slopes, you can still enjoy the view from the top of Stowe Mountain Resort.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Underhill, Stowe, Vermont, make sure to choose a place that offers everything you’re looking for. There are plenty of options for lodging in Stowe, and the Trapp Family Lodge is a great choice. The hotel has Austrian-inspired architecture and incredible mountain views.
If you’re a fan of art, the Stowe Mountain Museum is a great place to visit. The museum hosts many events, including the annual Stowe Mountain Film Festival. And if you’re a beer fan, you can enjoy one of the local breweries.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, hiking is another great activity in Underhill State Park. The park has several trails that lead to the summit ridge of Mount Mansfield. Sunset Ridge Trail is a three-mile trek, while Vermont’s Long Trail crosses the summit. The trails on the other side of the mountain overlap, so it’s possible to plan a loop. Depending on the type of activity you’re looking for, you can spend the day on your own or with a group.
In the winter, you can get in some skiing. Stowe Mountain Resort has been providing Vermont with fun for 85 years. If you’re not a skier, you can explore the area’s hiking trails and learn more about this winter sport. The town has also been named one of the top 10 ski towns in the United States by Forbes.
Trails to summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park
There are two main hiking trails in Vermont that climb Mt. Mansfield’s summit ridge. The first trail is called the Sunset Ridge Trail and it begins at Underhill State Park. To reach the park, take either Pleasant Valley Road or Mountain Road. Turn right at the end of the road onto the Sunset Ridge Trail. The trail begins on an old CCC road. After a sharp right turn, it bears left, and the trail is named after its creator. It is possible to hike to the summit year-round. However, the Green Mountain Club discourages hiking at such high elevations during the closed season.
The mountain offers outstanding views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. It is also home to the Stowe resort. If you want to enjoy views of the ski slopes, you can hike to the summit via the Sunset Ridge trail. The hike will be relatively short, but it will be rewarding.
There are several trailheads in Underhill State Park that lead to the summit ridge of Mt. Mans–four total – and several trails that connect them. Sunset Ridge trail connects to the Long Trail, and the Long Trail encircles the summit ridge. Both trails provide fantastic views and are less crowded than the Sunset Ridge Trail.
Sunset Ridge Trail – The most popular and widely used trail to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield is located at the southern end of the park. It begins at the CCC access road and climbs gradually through quiet woods. The trail then leads over a rocky ridge and leads to the summit cone. This trail is not recommended during inclement weather.
Parking: Parking is limited at Underhill State Park. At peak times, you might need to park on Mountain Road near the State Park entrance. However, there is primitive camping in the lower elevations south of Nebraska Notch. A map is helpful in choosing the best route and avoiding confusing junctions.
Sunset Ridge Trail: The Sunset Ridge Trail is an easier and more direct route to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfeld. It begins near the CCC road gate and ends about 2/3 of the way up the mountain. This is the easiest route to the summit from the western side. The Sunset Ridge Trail is the easiest way down the mountain and is also recommended for people who want to complete the loop.
