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

Northeast Kingdom • Vermont

4.0 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 04/04/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
1,048 m
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
1,214 m

An easy 3 to 4 hour hike up Vermont's second-highest peak at 4,241 feet, home to the former Air Force radar station that reported a famous UFO sighting in 1961. Located near Killington, this trail offers access to the Northeast Kingdom's rich military history.

Recommended for :
Beginners

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

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Trail description

East Mountain is a mountain located in Essex County, Vermont, in the "Northeast Kingdom". East Mountain is flanked to the north by Seneca Mountain. East Mountain stands within the watershed of the Connecticut River, which drains into Long Island Sound in Connecticut. The north side of East Mountain drains into Madison Brook, thence into Paul Stream, and the Connecticut River. The southeast side of East Mtn. drains into Stony Brook and Fitch Brook, thence into Granby Stream, and into Paul Stream. The southwest side of East Mtn. drains into the East Branch of the Moose River, and thence into the Passumpsic River, another tributary of the Connecticut. East Mountain is the site of the former USAF North Concord Air Force Station, a ground-based radar facility of the US military. Built in 1955, its name was changed to Lyndonville Air Force Station in 1962; it was closed in 1963. The North Concord AFS reported an unidentified flying object (UFO) sighting in 1961 — a couple hours before the reported abduction of Barney and Betty Hill. The US military sighting lasted 18 minutes.

The East Mountain is a mountain located in the town of Killington, Vermont. At 4,241 feet, it is the second-highest peak in Vermont. The mountain is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, which offer views of the surrounding area. The mountain is also popular for skiing and snowboarding; the Killington Resort, the largest ski resort in the eastern United States, is located on its slopes.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
44.664728, -71.770174
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the east mountain, vermont can be accessed by traveling to the town of Killington, Vermont. From there, take Route 4 east to the town of Pittsfield, Vermont. The East Mountain trailhead is located on the left side of the road just past the Pittsfield town line.

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
  • 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
44.664728, -71.770174
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
12 Reviews
R6
Review 6
Feb 25, 2024
I have lot of fun there. East Mountain provides an enjoyable hiking experience that's both challenging and accessible. The 1048m elevation gain over 3-4 hours keeps things interesting without being overwhelming. The trail offers beautiful Vermont scenery and a great workout that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.
R5
Review 5
Feb 18, 2024
You need to try this place. East Mountain in Vermont is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed. The trail combines manageable difficulty with impressive elevation gain of 1048 meters. Perfect for those seeking a 3-4 hour outdoor adventure with rewarding views and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
R4
Review 4
Feb 10, 2024
Very good place. I recommend this place. East Mountain offers an excellent hiking experience with its well-maintained trail and substantial 1048m elevation gain. The 3-4 hour duration is perfect for a half-day adventure. Located near Pittsfield, Vermont, it's easily accessible and provides great value for outdoor enthusiasts.
R3
Review 3
Feb 3, 2024
Mission accomplished. It's fab!! The East Mountain trail delivered exactly what I hoped for. With 1048m of elevation gain spread over 3-4 hours, it's perfectly manageable for most hikers. The easy rating makes it accessible while still providing that sense of achievement when you reach the top. Highly recommended!
R2
Review 2
Jan 22, 2024
Amazing experience on East Mountain! The trail offers incredible elevation gain of over 1000 meters with breathtaking panoramic views. Even though it's classified as easy difficulty, the 3-4 hour journey provides enough challenge to feel accomplished. The Vermont wilderness here is truly spectacular and well worth the visit.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
1048.00 M
1214.00 M
2h30
No
No
The East Mountain trail is rated as Easy difficulty. Despite the significant elevation gain of 1048m, this trail is considered accessible for most hikers.
The East Mountain hike typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and trail conditions.
The East Mountain trail has an elevation gain of 1048 meters. This substantial elevation change provides excellent views and a good workout despite the easy difficulty rating.
No, dogs are not allowed on the East Mountain trail. Plan to leave your pets at home when visiting this trail.
Yes, East Mountain trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners. However, the 1048m elevation gain means hikers should be prepared for a steady climb over 3-4 hours.
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Update : June 2026