Hiking Mt Ellen - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mt Ellen: trails, map and practical info

Central Vermont • Vermont

4.5 Appreciated by 4 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 19/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
9 km
Elevation
875 ft
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
4,083 ft

Standing as one of Vermont's highest peaks, this challenging ascent features 875 m of elevation gain over 6 to 8 hours. The route follows America's oldest long-distance trail with panoramic views across the Green Mountains.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Mt Ellen? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Seasonal Context

Fall is a particularly strong season on Mt. Ellen. The elevation changes create a layered foliage effect as different tree species turn at different rates — the upper mountain often showing color before the valleys below. That said, fall also brings shorter days and busy trailheads, especially during peak foliage weekends. Parking areas can fill up early, so an early start is worth it both for the parking and for the light.

Spring mud season is worth factoring into your planning. Trails on Mt. Ellen can be soft and heavily churned during the melt, which is hard on both the trail surface and your boots. Summer offers the most reliable conditions overall, though afternoon thunderstorms are a real consideration in the Green Mountains — another reason to start early and aim to be off exposed ridgelines before midday.

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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
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
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Mt Ellen, Warren, VT 05674, USA
GPS coordinates
44.1600589, -72.9292834
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The mt ellen trails are located in the town of Warren, Vermont. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 10 off of I-89 and head east on VT-100. The trailhead will be on your left after about 2 miles.

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
44.1600589, -72.9292834
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
3 Reviews
J
James
Jun 10, 2025
Solid mountain hike but quite strenuous with significant elevation gain. The trail can be muddy in sections, especially after rain, which adds to the difficulty. Parking requires a fee, which is worth noting. The views are nice, but the steep terrain makes this better suited for experienced hikers rather than casual walkers.
E
Emma
Mar 28, 2025
Great winter hiking option with proper preparation. The trail becomes more technical in snowy conditions, but the solitude and crisp mountain air make it worthwhile. The distance is manageable, though the elevation gain keeps things interesting. Recommended for winter-ready hikers seeking a less crowded Vermont peak experience.
D
David
Sep 14, 2024
Excellent trail for building endurance and enjoying Central Vermont's natural beauty. The climb is relentless but the summit views compensate for the effort. Trail conditions are generally good, though some rocky sections require careful footing. A rewarding hike that delivers on the challenge rating and provides genuine mountain satisfaction.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
875.00
4083.00
4h30
No
No
No, Mt Ellen is rated as a Hard hike and is not recommended for beginners. With an elevation gain of 875 m over 8.5 km, this trail requires good physical conditioning and hiking experience. Consider starting with easier trails in the area before attempting Mt Ellen.
Mt Ellen can be hiked year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season. Summer and early fall typically offer the most stable weather and longest daylight hours, which is important since trails close at sunset. Winter hiking requires specialized gear and experience due to snow and ice.
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Update : June 2026