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Hiking in Deer Leap Trail: trails, map and practical info

Green Mountains • Vermont

4.8 Appreciated by 4 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 20/05/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
115 ft
Duration
1h15
Max altitude
610 ft

Experience 115 m of elevation gain over 2 to 3 hours in Vermont's Green Mountains, featuring spectacular ridge views and a steep descent to Deer Leap Falls through mixed hardwood and hemlock forests.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Deer Leap Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The deer leap trail is a moderate hike located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The trail begins at an elevation of 2,000 feet and climbs to an elevation of 2,500 feet, offering hikers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner hikers. The hike takes approximately two hours to complete, and hikers can expect to see deer and other wildlife along the way.

The deer leap trail is a moderate hike in the Green Mountain National Forest of Vermont. The trailhead is located just off of Route 9, about 2 miles north of the town of Manchester. The hike is a little over 2 miles long, and it's a popular trail for locals and visitors alike.

The trail begins by crossing a small stream and then climbs steadily uphill through a mixed hardwood forest. The views from the ridge are spectacular, with vistas of the Green Mountains to the east and the Taconic Range to the west.

The trail then descends steeply to Deer Leap Falls, where you can take a break and enjoy the view before continuing on your way. The hike then winds its way back to the trailhead, passing through a beautiful hemlock forest along the way.

This is a great hike for anyone looking for a moderate workout with some beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
139 US-4, Killington, VT 05751, USA
GPS coordinates
43.6642141, -72.8326856
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The deer leap trail is located in the town of New Paltz, in Ulster County, New York. To get there, take NY-299 west from the intersection of I-87 and US-9W in Kingston. After about 10 miles, turn left onto Platte Clove Road. After about 2.5 miles, turn left onto Meads Mountain Road. The trailhead is about 1 mile up the road on the right.

The deer leap trail is located in Vermont. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 4 off of I-91 and head east on Route 5. The trailhead will be on your left after about 1.5 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)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
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
43.6642141, -72.8326856
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
115.00
610.00
1h15
No
No
Yes, the Deer Leap Trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and those with minimal hiking experience. The 2.4 km distance and 1h15 estimated duration make it an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Deer Leap Trail has 115 m of elevation gain, which is modest and manageable for hikers of all abilities. This gentle climb contributes to the trail's Easy difficulty rating.
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Update : June 2026