Hiking at Okemo Mountain Resort: summer trails, map and practical info

The resort's summer hiking page lists three trails. Moose Trek and Bear Climb start at the base of the Sunburst Six chairlift; the Healdville Trail has its own parking area. Here is what the resort says about them.

Moose Trek: the gentlest grade

The resort rates Moose Trek moderate. It is 3 miles (4.8 km) one way. It starts at the Sunburst Six chairlift parking area, crosses open slopes and some of Okemo's ski glades, then climbs to the summit: 1,900 vertical feet, about 580 m. On a clear day the view reaches Mt. Washington in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Moose Trek is also the most gradual way down, after hiking up or for scenic chairlift riders who want to hike back down.

Bear Climb: the direct route up

Bear Climb, rated challenging, also starts at the base of Sunburst Six. It reaches the summit by a more direct route, gaining about 1,900 feet in 2.5 miles (4.0 km) one way. It can be hiked up or down and forms a loop with Moose Trek; the resort suggests looking for the mid-mountain service road to turn it into a mid-mountain outing.

Healdville Trail to the fire tower

The Healdville Trail is rated challenging. It is 6 miles (9.7 km) round trip and takes about 4 hours, with about 1,900 feet of elevation gain. The resort lists the historic fire lookout tower at the summit and a vista with views to the north and west along the trail among its highlights. Its parking area is in Mount Holly, not at the base of the resort.

From Ludlow, at the intersection of Vermont Routes 100 and 103, the resort directs you west on Route 103, left on Station Road (2.7 miles), then left again just after the railroad tracks (0.8 mile) and into the lot at the end of the gravel road.

To extend the trip to the Summit Lodge (0.8 mile, 1.3 km, optional) on the way back from the tower, the resort says to turn right at the intersection of the Healdville Trail. You exit the forest onto Mountain Road after about 200 yards, follow the road up to Glades Peak Quad, then continue down the Buckhorn trail for about 0.4 mile.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation describes the Healdville Trail as a 3-mile trail from the base to the summit of Okemo Mountain, in Okemo State Forest (7,983 acres), with a refurbished fire tower at the summit that gives 360-degree views.

Sunburst Six scenic chairlift

In summer the Sunburst Six chairlift runs as a scenic ride: you can hike from the top, then hike all the way down or ride the lift back. According to the chairlift page, hours are Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; tickets are sold at the Sunburst Six ticket window and in the My Epic app; and 26/27 Epic Pass holders ride free all summer with their pass. Pets and babies in carriers are not permitted on the chairlift. The resort's hours page lists the scenic chairlifts as closed for the 2026 season, and the chairlift page says the product will be available soon.

Access and parking

For Moose Trek and Bear Climb, the resort says to drive up to the parking areas at the Sunburst Six chairlift or the Sugar House Lodge, at 501 Mountain Road in Ludlow. The scenic chairlift page mentions free parking. The resort also publishes a summer hiking trail map.