Hiking Stratton Pond - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Stratton Pond: trails, map and practical info

Southern Vermont • Vermont

4.5 Appreciated by 8 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 20/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
7 km
Elevation
300 ft
Duration
2h30
Max altitude
734 ft

Explore one of Vermont's largest mountain ponds on this 11.8 km moderate hike through the Green Mountain National Forest near Bennington. Crystal-clear waters and forested shores await in approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, with camping options for overnight adventures.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Stratton Pond? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

{
"stratton_mountain_section": "

Stratton Mountain Connection

\n\n

Stratton Mountain is nearby, and some hikers combine a visit to the pond with a climb to the summit. The mountain holds significance in local hiking history and geography, though it is not definitively established as the location of major foundational visions for either the Appalachian Trail or the Long Trail. Whether or not you make the summit push, the summit offers views and context to the broader landscape you're moving through.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Stratton Pond, Stratton, VT 05360, USA
GPS coordinates
43.1047063, -72.9689398
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The stratton pond trails are located in the town of Stratton, Vermont. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 100 north from Bennington, Vermont. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road, just past the stratton pond Recreation Area.

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
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
43.1047063, -72.9689398
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.5
5 Reviews
S
Sarah
Aug 10, 2025
An exceptional hiking experience in Vermont's backcountry. The trail is clearly marked and accessible from Route 100, making navigation straightforward. The pristine pond at the summit is absolutely worth the effort, offering a serene spot to rest and enjoy the surrounding landscape before heading back down.
D
David
Jun 18, 2025
The hike itself is pleasant with decent trail conditions, though the moderate difficulty requires reasonable fitness. Note that parking and trail access both involve fees, which some hikers may find unexpected. The pond destination is lovely, but budget extra time and money before planning your visit.
J
Jennifer
Mar 5, 2025
A solid moderate hike that delivers beautiful Vermont scenery and a rewarding destination. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers with basic experience. Remember that dogs are not permitted on this trail, so plan accordingly if you have four-legged companions.
R
Robert
Sep 28, 2024
Stratton Pond is an excellent choice for a half-day adventure in Southern Vermont. The moderate terrain keeps the hike accessible while still providing a genuine sense of accomplishment. The pond itself is pristine and makes for a perfect turnaround point with excellent views of the surrounding forest.
A
Anonymous
Jan 15, 2024
Great hiking experience at Stratton Pond! The 6-8 hour trek with 300m elevation gain offers beautiful scenery through Vermont's wilderness. Trail is well-marked from Route 100 north of Bennington. Worth noting that parking and trail access require fees, and dogs aren't permitted. The pond itself is pristine and perfect for a peaceful break before the return journey.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
300.00
734.00
2h30
No
No
Yes, Stratton Pond trail is rated as Moderate difficulty, making it accessible to hikers with basic fitness levels and some hiking experience. The 300 m elevation gain is manageable for most beginners in reasonable physical condition.
The Stratton Pond trail is 7.4 km long. Combined with the moderate elevation gain of 300 m, this makes for a manageable day hike for most visitors.
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Update : June 2026