Hiking Dorset Mountain, Vermont - panoramic view
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Hiking in Dorset Mountain, Vermont: trails, map and practical info

Green Mountains • Vermont

4.0 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2015Updated 27/05/2026
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
10 km
Elevation
1,146 m
Duration
4h30
Max altitude
1,006 m

This very hard 10.3 km trek with 1,146 m elevation gain leads to Vermont's Dorset Peak, home to the world's largest underground marble quarry. Expect 6 to 8 hours on this challenging Taconic Range adventure near Manchester Center.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Dorset Mountain, Vermont? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

2 community photos

Trail description

Dorset Mountain located in Vermont, on the border of Rutland and Bennington counties, is a mountain of the Taconic Range. The highest summit of Dorset Mountain is within the town of Danby. An unmaintained hiking trail ascends Dorset Peak from the southwest. Dorset Mountain was once the proposed site of a controversial alpine ski resort project in the 1960s. Dorset Mountain is flanked to the south by Netop Mountain, Dorset Hill, and Mount Aeolus; to the west by The Scallop; to the northwest by Woodlawn Mountain; and to the southwest by Spruce Peak and The Gallop, subordinate peaks on the combined northern ridge of Bear Mountain and Mother Myrick Mountain. All of these mountains are of the Taconic Range. To the east, Dorset Mountain is flanked by Peru Peak and Styles Peak of the Green Mountains. The east face of Dorset Mtn. drains into the upper part of Otter Creek, thence into Lake Champlain, and ultimately into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Canada. The northern slopes of Dorset Mtn. drain into Mill Brook, thence into Otter Creek. The southwestern slopes drain into the Mettawee River, and thence into the south bay of Lake Champlain. The southeastern extension of Dorset's massif drains into Batten Kill, thence into the Hudson River, and into New York Harbor. Dorset Mountain is home to the largest underground marble quarry in the world. The quarry is entered through the same opening that has been in use for over 100 years. The mine is 1 ½ miles deep, and this is where Danby Marble is quarried. Vermont Quarries Corporation took over the production and operation of the famous Danby Marble quarry in 1992.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
43.309277, -73.028248
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at one of the following trailheads:

  1. Long Trail/Appalachian Trail Parking Area: Located on Route 30/11, this parking area provides access to the trail network. The address is approximately 2 miles east of Manchester Center.

  2. Dorset Quarry Parking Lot: Situated near the intersection of Route 30 and Dorset West Road, this lot offers another entry point to the trails.

Ensure you check local maps or guides for specific directions and trail conditions before heading out.

When?

Opening hours
No information
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
  • 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
43.309277, -73.028248
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
12 Reviews
R6
Review 6
Apr 8, 2024
It's a real pleasure to go there despite the challenging nature of this trail. The 10.3km Dorset Mountain hike with 1146m elevation gain offers a perfect escape into Vermont's wilderness. Though rated very hard and taking 6-8 hours, the peaceful mountain environment and rewarding summit experience make it a joy for dedicated hikers seeking adventure.
R5
Review 5
Mar 25, 2024
Just beastly =) This Dorset Mountain trail is no joke with its 1146m elevation gain over 10.3km! The very hard difficulty rating is spot on - expect a grueling 7-hour workout that will push your limits. But if you're up for the challenge, the rugged Vermont terrain and summit views are absolutely incredible. Bring your A-game for this beast!
R4
Review 4
Mar 10, 2024
Very good place. I recommend this place for serious hikers seeking a challenge. The 10.3km Dorset Mountain trail with 1146m elevation gain is classified as very hard for good reason. Plan for 6-8 hours and bring plenty of water. The trailheads off Route 30/11 provide good access, though parking isn't free. The demanding climb rewards you with exceptional Vermont mountain scenery.
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Amazing trail experience on Dorset Mountain! The 10.3km distance with significant elevation gain of 1146m provides an excellent full-day adventure. This very hard difficulty trail took me about 7 hours, but the challenging terrain and beautiful Vermont mountain vistas made it one of my most memorable hikes. Definitely worth the effort for experienced hikers.
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Another beautifull hike in Vermont! The 6-hour ascent of Dorset Mountain offers stunning scenery throughout the 10.3km journey. Despite the challenging 1146m elevation gain and very hard difficulty rating, the diverse landscapes and pristine wilderness areas make every step worthwhile. Just be prepared for a serious workout on those steep sections.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
1146.00 M
1006.00 M
4h30
No
No
The Dorset Mountain trail is located in Vermont's Green Mountains and offers views characteristic of this region. The trail gains 1146 m in elevation over 10.3 km, providing varied scenery throughout the hike. Check current trail conditions and local guides for specific viewpoints and features along the route.
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Update : June 2026