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Long Trail: Stratton Pond to Big Branch (Appalachian Trail)
Hiking Trail
Hard
32.97 mi
6,631 ft
A remote stretch of Vermont's Long Trail known for its summit of Stratton Mountain and Peru Peak.
Begin this segment of the Long Trail at the Stratton Pond Parking area along Stratton Arlington Road, accessed from VT-100. Should the parking area be full, a few other opportunities lie east on the road.
The first stop for the trail is 3,900-foot Stratton Mountain, considered the highest point in the southern Green Mountains. A fire tower built by the CCC in 1934 is located on the summit. Enjoy its commanding 360-degree views from the deck before heading north on the coaligned Appalachian and Long Trails.
After a short traverse northwest, the trail reaches Stratton Pond, a popular destination for hikers. Pair the LT with the Stratton Pond Trail for an excellent hiking, running, or overnight loop. A shelter along the eastern shore is a popular option to spend the night.
As a note, the USFS lists the following notice on their website: "Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail, and the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. As a result of this heavy use, the potential for impact on the shoreline and the pond’s ecosystem is serious. Camping is restricted to the designated sites only. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry-out/carry- in."
Heading north, the LT passes over Prospect Rock and Spruce Peak on its way to VT-11. From the summits, enjoy the picturesque vantage points of Manchester Valley to the west.
At VT-11, a parking area lies on the north side of the road and provides access to Manchester, should you need to head into town for a resupply.
Heading north, the trail crosses over the top of Bromley Mountain. A larger clearing near the top of the lift makes for plenty of views. Further north, you'll pass over Mad Tom Notch Road before entering the heart of Peru Peak Wilderness.
Expect limited trail markings and blazes in this area, but enjoy the countless views from the summits of Styles Peak and Peru Peak, both hovering around 3,400 feet. Arguably, Styles Peak gives the best view should you be hiking an out-and-back from the road.
Peru Peak transitions into Big Branch Wilderness as the countless views continue. This area is also home to a particularly diverse ecosystem, popular with hunters in the fall.
To round out the portion of this segment, the trail crosses over Big Branch, offering an opportunity to cool off before reaching the northern terminus along Brooklyn Road.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Begin this segment of the Long Trail at the Stratton Pond Parking area along Stratton Arlington Road, accessed from VT-100. Should the parking area be full, a few other opportunities lie east on the road.
The first stop for the trail is 3,900-foot Stratton Mountain, considered the highest point in the southern Green Mountains. A fire tower built by the CCC in 1934 is located on the summit. Enjoy its commanding 360-degree views from the deck before heading north on the coaligned Appalachian and Long Trails.
After a short traverse northwest, the trail reaches Stratton Pond, a popular destination for hikers. Pair the LT with the Stratton Pond Trail for an excellent hiking, running, or overnight loop. A shelter along the eastern shore is a popular option to spend the night.
As a note, the USFS lists the following notice on their website: "Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail, and the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. As a result of this heavy use, the potential for impact on the shoreline and the pond’s ecosystem is serious. Camping is restricted to the designated sites only. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry-out/carry- in."
Heading north, the LT passes over Prospect Rock and Spruce Peak on its way to VT-11. From the summits, enjoy the picturesque vantage points of Manchester Valley to the west.
At VT-11, a parking area lies on the north side of the road and provides access to Manchester, should you need to head into town for a resupply.
Heading north, the trail crosses over the top of Bromley Mountain. A larger clearing near the top of the lift makes for plenty of views. Further north, you'll pass over Mad Tom Notch Road before entering the heart of Peru Peak Wilderness.
Expect limited trail markings and blazes in this area, but enjoy the countless views from the summits of Styles Peak and Peru Peak, both hovering around 3,400 feet. Arguably, Styles Peak gives the best view should you be hiking an out-and-back from the road.
Peru Peak transitions into Big Branch Wilderness as the countless views continue. This area is also home to a particularly diverse ecosystem, popular with hunters in the fall.
To round out the portion of this segment, the trail crosses over Big Branch, offering an opportunity to cool off before reaching the northern terminus along Brooklyn Road.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stratton Arlington Rd Climb | 0.63 mi | 207 ft | 6.1% |
| Up and Over! | 6.08 mi | 1,519 ft | 0.2% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 2.88 mi | 1,588 ft | 10.4% |
| Reviewing Prospects | 0.98 mi | -249 ft | -4.7% |
| Spruce Peak to VT-11 | 2.31 mi | -266 ft | -1.4% |
| 11/30 to Bromley Peak | 2.74 mi | 1,434 ft | 9.8% |
| 11/30 to Bromley Shelter (AT/LT) | 0.56 mi | 568 ft | 19.0% |
| Bromley Shelter to Bromley Peak | 0.72 mi | 653 ft | 17.1% |
| Style's Peak from Mad Tom Notch Road (AT/LT) | 1.14 mi | 909 ft | 14.9% |
| Peru Peak Climb (AT/LT) | 0.25 mi | 217 ft | 15.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.53 mi | 138 ft | 4.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.33 mi | 135 ft | 7.5% |