Hiking at Sugarbush: summer trails at Lincoln Peak, Vermont

According to the resort, Sugarbush's hiking trails are open daily during the summer season and free to use. The routes described on its hiking page are at the Lincoln Peak area. They follow work roads and ski trails, and the resort says they connect to Vermont's Long Trail. It recommends downloading the online trail map before heading out.

Two easy loops to start

The Lollipop Loop (about 1.1 mi, or 1.8 km, 100 ft or 30 m of elevation gain, 30 minutes to 1 hour) starts at the corner of Sugarbush Access Road and Inferno Road. It follows Clay Brook and loops back on itself; you can also turn into the lower parking area and follow the trail alongside Sugarbush Access Road. The Super Bravo Loop (about 1.0 mi, or 1.6 km, 45 minutes to 1 hour) starts at the Super Bravo Lift. It places both loops among its easy trails.

Intermediate routes from the Gate House Lift

The Sleeper Road to Castle Rock Runout Loop (about 3.1 mi, or 5.0 km, 750 ft or 229 m of elevation gain, 1.5 to 2 hours) climbs the Sleeper Road work road to the top of the Gate House lift, where the resort points to views of the base area and the Mad River Valley. It then descends on the Castlerock Run Out ski trail, which is multi-use. The Gatehouse Woods Loop (about 2.5 mi, or 4.0 km, 750 ft or 229 m of elevation gain, 1.5 to 2 hours) starts from the same spot. Half of this loop is on a more rugged hiking and biking trail in the woods, where you look for the yellow hiking trail signs.

Allyn's Lodge and the top of Heaven's Gate

The Lower Jester to Allyn's Lodge route starts at the bottom of the Super Bravo Lift. The resort lists it under its advanced trails, with a moderate rating: about 2 mi (3.2 km) one way, 1,600 ft (488 m) of elevation gain, 1 to 1.5 hours one way. From Allyn's Lodge, the Top of Heaven's Gate route (about 2.0 mi, or 3.2 km, round trip, 700 ft or 213 m of elevation gain, about 1.5 hours) follows the work road and then the Jester ski trail to the summit. There is a large observation deck there with 360° views and access to the Long Trail. The resort asks hikers to keep clear of the Heaven's Gate construction project and the re-vegetation areas.

Castle Rock Summit, the longest route

The Castle Rock Summit route is about 6 mi (9.7 km) round trip with 2,300 ft (701 m) of elevation gain. The resort rates it hard. It starts at the Super Bravo Lift, goes under the lift on the work road, follows Clay Brook on the Castlerock Run Out ski trail, passes the base of the Castlerock lift, then takes the Troll Road ski trail to the summit, where the Castlerock Hut stands. The resort points to views to the east from there.

Before you go

The resort asks hikers to stay clear of mountain operations and construction zones. For Lincoln Peak, it suggests a sunrise or sunset from the summit, a picnic at Allyn's Lodge, or a walk through the woods with the kids. Sugarbush is located in the Green Mountain National Forest and operates under a permit from the Forest Service.