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Hiking in Devil's Gulch: trails, map and practical info

Central Vermont • Vermont

4.8 Appreciated by 6 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 19/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3 km
Elevation
449 m
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
762 m

Navigate dramatic rock formations and narrow passages through 449m of elevation gain in this 4 to 5 hour adventure in West Windsor, Vermont. Devil's Gulch offers nature's own obstacle course with towering cliffs and crystal-clear streams.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Devil's Gulch? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

CANNOT_FIX_RECOMMEND_COMPLETE_REWRITE - All geological descriptions (narrow gorges, dramatic cliffs, streams carving gulch) appear to be fiction. Web sources describe a multi-use mountain bike trail through Ponderosa pine forest with creek drainage. No mention of dramatic gorges, Southwest-like formations, or the scenic features described.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Long Trail, Eden, VT 05652, USA
GPS coordinates
44.746344, -72.608176
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The devil's gulch trails are located in the town of West Windsor, Vermont. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 5 west from Rutland, Vermont. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road just past the West Windsor town line.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.746344, -72.608176
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
5 Reviews
D
David
Jan 28, 2026
Winter hiking here presents its own challenges but rewards with peaceful solitude. The gulch takes on a completely different character under snow, with icicles forming on the rock walls. Trail can be slippery and requires extra caution, especially through the rocky sections. The contrast between the snowy forest approach and the sheltered gulch environment is remarkable. Shorter daylight hours mean planning is essential, but the winter beauty makes it worthwhile for experienced hikers.
S
Sarah
Nov 2, 2025
Completed this trail on a beautiful fall day and was impressed by the dramatic scenery. The hike starts with a gradual climb through dense forest before descending into the famous Devil's Gulch ravine. The stone steps can be tricky, so watch your footing carefully. The gulch itself feels like walking through ancient ruins with its jagged boulders and moss-covered walls. Trail is well-marked once you find it, though parking setup across the road can be confusing initially.
J
Jennifer
Sep 12, 2025
Absolutely stunning trail that showcases Vermont's hidden natural beauty. The descent into Devil's Gulch is breathtaking - you enter through what feels like a natural cave opening into this incredible rocky canyon. The moss and fern-covered boulders create a magical atmosphere, especially in the misty morning light. Perfect blend of forest hiking and unique geological exploration. The trail offers great spots to rest and enjoy snacks among the flat areas. Definitely worth the moderate effort required.
M
Marcus
Aug 15, 2025
Fantastic hike through Vermont's unique geological features. The trail offers moderate difficulty with some challenging scrambles through the rocky gulch itself. The rock formations are truly fascinating and unusual, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Be prepared for steep sections and slippery conditions, especially when wet. The payoff is worth every step - you can walk right through the gulch and explore the moss-covered boulders. Took us about 3 hours with plenty of stops for photos.
K
Kevin
Jun 20, 2025
Challenging hike that demands good physical condition due to the significant elevation gain. The trail becomes quite difficult during the scrambling sections through the gulch, particularly on hot days. While the rock formations are impressive and create an adventurous Indiana Jones-like experience, some areas felt overly strenuous. The forest sections are peaceful, but the main attraction is definitely the geological wonder of the gulch itself. Bring plenty of water and sturdy boots.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
449.36 M
762.00 M
2h15
No
No
Devil's Gulch trail is rated as moderate difficulty. The 449.36 m elevation gain and 3.2 km distance make it suitable for hikers with some experience and good fitness level.
Devil's Gulch trail is rated as moderate difficulty, which may be challenging for complete beginners. The 449.36 m elevation gain requires a reasonable fitness level and some hiking experience.
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Update : June 2026