Outdoor Recreation:

Sugarbush/Mad River Valley

The Sugarbush / Mad River Valley is located in Central Vermont and includes the towns of Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, Moretown, and Duxbury . The valley is bordered on one side by farmlands and the Mad River and on the other, the Green Mountains.

Rentals are available locally from Clearwater Sports in Waitsfield. They will also arrange guided day trips, full moon cruises or shuttle trips. The valley is the home of Mad River Canoe, there is a factory showroom.

Central Vermont offers a variety of warm-water and cold-water fishing opportunities. Sections of two of Vermont's largest and most productive trout streams, the Lamoille and Winooski rivers, as well as the Waterbury and Green River reservoirs are found here. It is also home to the Dog River, one of Vermont's top wild trout streams, and the Woodbury-Calais Lakes Region, which offers good to excellent fishing for trout, bass, and panfish. Fish commonly found in Vermont's waters include landlocked salmon, yellow perch, brook trout, lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Among the most popular ice fishing species are salmon, lake trout, walleye, and northern pike. Open water fishing season in Vermont begins the second Saturday in April, when the statewide season for trout and salmon opens on inland lakes and streams. Ice fishing season on lakes with no trout & salmon begins with the onset of safe ice, usually late December or early January. Most large cold water lakes that have a closed season for trout and salmon also have a special ice fishing season for trout, salmon, and bass that opens on the third Saturday in January and closes the second Sunday in March. Check the guide to Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Laws for regulations on the water you intend to fish. It is available free at all hunting and fishing license agents. You may also contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department at 802-241-3700 or look them up on the web at www.anr.state.vt.us/fw/fwhome

The Sugarbush Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed beautiful and challengeing 18 hole mountain course. 802-583-6725

• Barre Country Club, Plainfield Rd Barre, 18 holes 802-476-7658
• Blush Hill Country Club, Blush Hill Rd, Waterbury 9 holes 802-244-8974
• Montague Country Club, Randolph Ave, Randolph 18 holes 802-728-3806
• Montpelier Golf Club, Country Club Rd, Montpelier 9 holes 802-223-7457
• Northfield Country Club, Roxbury Rd, Northfield 9 holes 802-485-4515
• Stowe Country Club, Cape Cod Rd, Stowe 18 holes 802-253-4893
• White River Golf Club, Rt 100, Rochester 9 holes 802-767-4653
  
  
  

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Being bordered on two sides by mountains make for some very good day hikes. We are also adjacent to the LongTrail, making the Sugarbush / Mad River Valley a perfect place to resupply and rest if you are doing the Long Trail.

Dolomite Trekking Center at Sugarbush Sugarbush Ski Area home of classic Vermont terrain and Dolomite, craftier of classic high mountain footwear have teamed up with the US Forest Service and the Green Mountain Club to offer a variety of trekking opportunities.

Choose varying degrees of challenge, from guided ecological treks to more difficult adventures to the 3,975 ft summit of Lincoln Peak and on to the Long Trail.

A Dolomite rental shop is on site

Here are a few day hikes there are many more:

Mt. Abraham Elevation 4006'
3-4 hours roundtrip, elevation gain 1,600', 5.2 miles. This popular hike is usually done from Lincoln Gap. Off Rt 100 in Warren trail head is on Lincoln Gap Rd. Park at the top of Lincoln Gap and follow the Long Trail north for 2 1/2 miles passing the Battell Shelter after 1.8 miles. The rocky summit is above timberline offering panoramic views. This is a well traveled trail and a good hike for kids. Descend by the same route. Lincoln Peak is 0.8 miles farther north on the Long Trail and the descent from here by the ski trails(Sugarbush South Basin) is sometimes done.

Sunset Rock 2424'
One Hour roundtrip, elevation gain 500', distance 1.5miles. A favorite easy hike to a dramatic spot. Great views to the west towards Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Off Rt 100 in Warren trail head is on Lincoln Gap Rd, Park at the top of Lincoln Gap and follow the Long Trail south. Trail climbs steeply at first then gently up and down before opening abruptly onto Sunset Ledge.

Mt Ellen - Sugarbush Loop
4-6 hours Roundtrip, elevation gain 2,500', 5.5 miles. From the parking lot at Sugarbush North, follow the service road to the top of Mt. Ellen 4083', this is the left side of the ski area. From here follow the Long Trail south 1.6 miles to the Castlerock chair lift at South Basin. Walk down the ski runs to the South Basin parking area. Mt. Ellen offers the highest lift served skiing in Vermont and is tied with Camels Hump for the third highest mountain in Vermont. Only Mt Mansfield (4393') and Killington (4241') are higher.

Appalachian Gap to Lincoln Gap
5-8 hours one way, one way distance 11.6 miles. Either take the Long Trail south from App Gap or the Long Trail north from Lincoln Gap. From the north, Mt. Ellen (4083') is reached after 5.3 miles and Lincoln Peak after 8.2 miles. An arduous, but very rewarding hike offering beautiful views from the high, rugged and at times very narrow ridge of the Green Mountains. This is a classic hike - although many know about it few have done it. Take precautions with regards to the weather and make sure you are up to it physically. It is a high and exposed ridge, and although there are escape routes down the ski runs, you will want to be well prepared in case you are overtaken by stormy weather.

General Stark Mountain 3662'
4-5 hours roundtrip, elevation gain 1,285', 6.2 miles.Off Rt 100 take Rt 17 to the Appalachian Gap. Take the Long Trail South for 3.1 miles to the summit, passing the top of the Mad River Glen Ski area. There are three overnight shelters near there. (Theron Dean, Stark's Nest, and Glen Ellen Lodge)

Camels Hump 4083'
3-5 hours roundtrip. For many this distinctive peak offers the finest mountain hike in Vermont. From the top the view is like that from an airplane - the mountain is at your feet. Of the higher peaks it is the only one undeveloped: no ski lifts, no roads, no radio towers. The summit area is above timberline and supports artic-alpine tundra vegetation. Off Rt 100 in Duxbury turn onto River Rd and proceed 4.5 miles to a three way intersection. Turn left for 3.5 miles to the parking area. Summit is 3.4 miles by the well maintained Forestry Trail. Views of the White Mountains, Adironacks, and in Vermont from Mt Mansfield south to Mt Ascutney.The trail is open from spring to late fall. A popular variation is to take the Dean Trail (left off the Forestry Trail) to Wind Gap on the Long Trail and then the Long Trail north to the summit descending by way of the Forestry Trail. 4-6 hours roundtrip. Note trail intersections carefully to avoid confusion on the return!

There are many other day hikes in the area . For other reference call the Green Mountain Club, at 1-802- 244-7037 or consult the guide book of the Long Trail and the Day Hikers Guide to Vermont published by the Green Mountain Club or 50 Hikes in Vermont published by Countrymans Press. If you have another favorite hike in the North Central Vermont Area let us know and we will add it to the list.

Central Vermont provides a wide range of options for those interested in riding, in addition to the Mad River Valley hosting three weeks of The Vermont Equestrian Showcase.

Autumn Harvest Inn & Restaurant (802)-433-1355. Riding packages offered in conjunction with Autumn Phoinix Riding Stables. Eighteen-room country inn located just a few miles from Birch Meadow. Spectacular views. Two nights or more with riding and some meals included. Weekend or mid-week packages.

Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm (802) 496-7141. Tour the Mad River Valley's mountains, meadows and forests on one of the oldest breeds in the world. The tireless and efficient movement of the Icelandic Horse makes them the ideal saddle horse, seeming to effortlessly dance over the earth with lightness and power. Ride in any season.

Other stables include:

Dana Hill Stable. Group lessons, packages and extensive coaching weeks. For adults and children. Rt 17, Fayston 802-496-6251

Mad Mountain Ranch. Western trail rides for all ages and abilities. Rt 17 Waitsfield 802-496-5396

Mad River Stables. Private or semi private lessons, your horse or ours. Old Route 100 (Off Rt. 100B), Moretown Vt 802-223-2359

Navajo Farm. Riding instruction and trail rides, Reservations needed. Rt 100 Moretown Vt 802-496-3656

Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm. Pony treking tours by the 1/2 day and full day. Common Rd Waitsfield Vt 802-497-7141.

Viking Horse Farm, Icelandic Horse Center Riding instruction, trail rides horses sold and trained. Off Airport Rd Warren VT 802-583-4450.

The Mad River Valley is home to some of the best mountain biking in the country. The trememdous variety of terrain from smooth dirt roads to technical single track, offers riders of all abilities endless miles of riding.

One of the local bike shops rent mountain bikes and provides guided regularly scheduled tours. For specific information and details about the Mad King Challenge (the ultimate test) call 802-583-6572 weekends only. Rentals:Clearwater Sports 802-496-2708.

The Mountain Bike center offers excursions for all ability levels from on road beginner to an expert single track race loop. A Dual Slalom Course and a Moto Park with a variety of terrain diversions are permanantly set up for all bikers. Guided Mountain Bike Tours 10 AM and 1PM, two hours of instruction and an introduction to the designated trail networks. An accessory retail and basic repair bike shop is at your disposal. Pro Flex 455 Mt Bikes and helmets are available for rent.

The rides given here are on town or other public roads or areas. There are other rides commonly done that may or may not be on private property. Obtain permission if in doubt and respect property owner signs.

Plum Creek Road Climb 6 miles
From Rt 100, ride up Rt 17 0.2 miles, taking the gravel road left immediately following the lumber mill. This is a long and steep climb which starts out very steeply. If you can do this ride without stopping, you are in good shape. about a 20 minute climb. Not much in the way of views until you reach the small house at the end of the main track. Descend by the same route.

Tucker Hill Rd 5 miles
From Rt 100 in Waitsfield ride about 0.6 mile on Rt 17 to tucker Hill Rd on your left. This is a moderately steep gravel road about 1.8 miles long which takes you past old farms and newer homes. The views toward bragg Hill get better and better as you climb. Return by the same route.

North and Center Fayston Loop
From Waitsfield, ride north on Rt 100 to Center Fayston Rd. Ride up this for 1.4 miles to Carey/Strong Rd., turn right, bear right at a fork soon after, and after an easy mud section in dense woods (1.4 miles), you emerge in the North Fayston Basin. Head left on Airport Rd to North Fayston Rd., then left for two miles to Center Fayston Rd. Left again, traversing the head of the basin and climbing up a long, moderate hill which tops out at Kew/Vassuer Rd. after two more miles. Turn right after riding up and down two large hills, turn left on bragg Hill Rd., and make the fast (steep) descent into Waitsfield. Total distance is about 14 miles, 2 hours.

North Fayston Loop
An easier variation of the above, ride north on Rt 100, 3 miles to Airport Rd. (Tremblay, North Meadows Rd is the standard alternate: less traffic, gravel road.) After 1.2 miles on Airport Rd. you merge with the above route This variation bypasses the fairly brutal climb up center Fayston Rd . Total distance for this variation is 13 or 14 miles.

Bragg Hill
A four mile hill climb loop - elevation gain is 900 feet. Just north of the junction of Rt 17 and 100, take bragg Hill Road west from Rt 100. This is a steep hill (1 1/2 miles long) - the first mile is paved. Once you reach the top the views are among the best in the valley, especially of Mad River Glen and Sugarbush North. Continue keeping left at all intersections, dropping steeply down (No. Nine Hill) to Rt 17. Turn left here to return to Rt 100.

Roxbury Gap
From the Four Corners at the East Warren Store, about 2 miles and 1,000' of climbing. Superb views of the valley from just below the Top. From Warren Village, the total climb is about 1,700'. Ride up Brook Rd. and back down Fuller Hill Rd.

Roxbury Gap - Moretown Loop
A standard long distance mountain bike tour done from the Mad River Valley, about 30 miles. It covers a lot of territory. You ride through five towns and over two passes(gaps). Should take you about 3-5 hours. Technically it is easy - most of it is on good gravel roads. From Waitsfield ride to East Warren by way of East Warren Rd or from Warren take Brook or Airport Roads. From here climb the Roxbury Gap (2 miles). Fast descent for 2.2 miles before turning left on an unsigned but well maintained town road (0.3 miles after reaching the pavement). Your task is now to contour along the flank of the Roxbury range for 8.3 miles until you reach the Moretown Gap Rd. You will need a local recreation map to negotiate this section. After reaching the Moretown Gap Rd climb the Gap and then enjoy the long 3.5 mile descent into Moretown. Head left on Rt 100B to return to Waitsfield but turn left off Rt 100B onto North Rd 0.5 mile, avoiding traffic and pavement. It is 6 miles of rolling terrain back to Waitsfield Common. To return to Warren follow East Warren Rd back to your starting point.

Palmer Hill Rd
From Waitsfield Village, take Bridge St east 0.4 miles, turn left at Cat Joslin Rd at 1.1 miles turn right on Cross Rd. Ride through intersection ( at 1.8 miles) pass a driveway on your right, and continue as the road gets rougher. about an hour return by the same route.

Fuller Hill Rd
A steep, steady climb on a well maintained town road. Just south of the Warren Store turn left onto Fuller Hill Rd. Staying right at 0.5 mile and emerging from the woods at about 1 mile. The road then levels off and passes over a high open shoulder with great views from Lincoln Gap all the way north to Camels Hump. The road bears left then right before dropping down to Plunkton Rd. (paved) at 2.7 miles. Turn left then left again onto Brook Rd to return to Warren or combine with other East Warren rides or Roxbury Gap.

Lincoln Gap
Just south of Warren Village the Lincoln Gap Rd leaves Rt 100. A very long steep hill climb totaling 1,500' over 4 miles, but 1,000' happens in the last mile and a half. Paved on the really steep sections. Can be combined with a hike to Sunset Ledge or Mt Abraham. For those who would like to ride down to Lincoln the road decends steeply about 1,300 down into the valley with a very grueling climb back up again. The Warren - Lincoln roundtrip is 17 miles.

Stetson Brook Rd
On the right about 2.8 miles south of Warren off Rt 100. Climbs through woods past an old house to a junction at 1.2 miles. Continue straight for 0.6 miles. Climbs about 800'. It is possible to follow some old logging road a bit further.

Austin Brook (Forest Service Rd # 25)
Four miles south of Warren on Rt 100, this gravel road climbs briskly for 1.8 miles into a high basin, and overgrown logging roads. Probe another mile into the Breadloaf Wilderness Area. This beautiful area is designated for camping and wilderness hiking. Control your speed on descent, steep drop off to the side.

Granville Area (Forest Service Rd # 55)
Many miles of good riding on maintained logging roads make this an area worth exploring. Turn right on the somewhat hidden F.S. road just north of Granville, and north of the bridge.

Waitsfield - Warren on Rt 100
A pleasant ride with no big hills. Ride down Rt 100 to the village of Warren 5-6 miles and back the same route. You may want to plan your ride for the less busy times of day. Rt 100 has a fairly adequately paved shoulder and the pavement is in good shape. 10-12 miles roundtrip.

Waitsfield - Warren Loop
Ride north on Rt 100 to Bridge St in (lower) Waitsfield. Cross the covered bridge, keeping right on the East Warren Rd., about 6 miles to the four corners at East Warren. Straight then right down Brook Rd to Warren Village. North (right) on Route 100 to Waitsfield. 14 miles

German Flats Rd Loop
From Waitsfield follow Rt 17 about 2 miles, then turn left on German Flats Rd, left again after about 4 miles (at the Sugarbush Inn) down a long hill to Rt 100 North (left) back to Waitsfield. Note: German Flats Rd section climbs over 600 ft . 13 miles. Combining the two above rides(Waitsfield East Warren - Sugarbush Access Rd - German Flats Rd) makes for a very hilly 19 mile ride.

Waterbury - Middlesex Loop task is now to take Rt 100 north to Waterbury (there is a climb followed by a nice descent), turn right onto Rt 2. Gentle terrain, little traffic south to Middlesex. In Middlesex (at 16 miles) turn right onto Rt 100B through Moretown back to Rt 100 head south on Rt 100 to Waitsfield. 29 miles

Granville Gulf
Ride South on Rt 100 past Warren to Granville through scenic Granville Gulf. Return the same way. Continuing south on Rt 100 to Rochester adds another 16 miles. A popular ride with no steep hills. 34 miles.

Appalachian Gap 2337
A popular and tough hill climb.From Rt 100 in Waitsfield to the top of the Appalachian Gap Rt 17 it is 6.3 miles with a climb of 1,600'. Half of the climbing is in the last 1.5 miles in a series of very steep switchbacks and grades.

Appalachian Gap - Richmond
Take Rt 17 over the Appalachian Gap. (see the App Gap description) The first section of the descent on the back side is extremely steep, and it is a fast and curvy 2.7 miles down to the right turn for Huntington and Richmond. Then a more enjoyable fast 6 miles down into Huntington Center. Rolling terrain followed by a long hill down to Richmond at 24 miles. Turn right on Rt 2 to Waterbury (some open flat sections can be windy). Ride through Waterbury and take Rt 100 south back to Waitsfield. 51 miles.
For a longer variation, from App Gap ride down to Rt 116 then head north through Hinesburg (at 30 Miles) then onto Rt 2A to Williston (38 miles) and east on Rt 2 to Waterbury for a total of 72 miles.

Appalachian- Middlebury Gap Tour
This is a demanding 70 mile ride over two mountain passes. A good four to five hour tour for a strong group. Ride Rt 17 over the Appalachian Gap down to Rt 116 (16 miles) . Head south (left) on Rt 116 riding through the village of Bristol (20 miles). The Bristol bakery and various restaurants and convenience stores offer plenty of refreshment. At one mile past Bristol, turn left (still on Rt 116) and continue south to East Middlebury (at 34 miles). Turn left on Rt 125 and make the 10 mile climb up Middlebury Gap , 2149' and down to Hancock (50 miles) on Rt 100. Turn left(north) here and ride through Granville and Warren and back to your starting point.
Riding into Middlebury adds about 6 miles to the trip.

Montpelier - Randolph Loop
This is a long ride - 102 miles. From Waitsfield ride through Moretown on Rt 100B to Middlesex (13 miles) and onto Montpelier on Rt 2. From here take Rt 12 South through Northfield and Northfield Center (30 miles) bearing right onto Rt 12A. Ride through Roxbury and West Braintree rejoining Rt 12 in Randolph at 51 miles. Continuing south, just beyond Bethel (59 Miles) take Rt 107 West to Rt 100 (69 miles). Turn North on Rt . 100 and return to the Mad River Valley, as you ride through Stockbridge, Rochester, Hancock, (82 miles) and Granville and on to Warren and Waitsfield. 5-8 hours

The routes described are some of the better known walks in the Sugarbush - Mad River Valley. They are also excellent for short bike rides and running loops. Most are on gravel and/or dirt roads. The directions assume you are already in the valley.

Plunkton Road Loop - 3.7 miles
Rolling open terrain, offering some of the best views in the valley. Drive up Brook Rd from Warren Village to the East Warren Store at the Roxbury Mountain Road four corners. Park here turn right out of the driveway and walk east on the Roxbury Mountain Road for .6 miles. Turn right at the first road. Continue on this road (Senor or Kathan Rd) for 1.4 miles before turning right again. Continue for .5 miles turn right at the first intersection and walk along Plunkton Rd to the East Warren four corners. For an easy mountain bike ride continue straight along Senor Rd ( here called Prickly Mountain Rd) for 1.5 miles. Turn right at Elm St. in Alpine Village to Plunkton Rd and return to the East Warren four corners.

West Hill - Inferno Rd Loop -5.8 miles
A hilly scenic country road loop offering both wooded and open sections. Over half paved. Go south out of Warren Village over the covered bridge, cross Rt 100 and up the Lincoln Gap Rd to West Hill Rd (2 miles). Turn right on West Hill and follow this road up a long hill, then you will pass Inferno Rd on your left. Bear right and continue to follow West Hill Rd along the golf course and past Golf Course Rd on your left. West Hill will descend to Rt 100. Cross Rt 100 and head back into Warren Village.

East Warren Rd
Spectacular views of the ski areas. Paved and not without traffic, this is nevertheless, a very popular route to ride, run or walk. From Waitsfield Village cross the covered bridge and drive 2.7 miles to the junction of East Warren Rd and Waitsfield Common Rd parking here. The distance to East Warren is 3.4 miles.

Waitsfield Common to East Warren Rd 2.7 miles
An easier version of the above and more suited to walking is the unpaved road from Waitsfield Common to the East Warren Rd. From Waitsfield Village go across the covered bridge bear left at the fork and go up the hill to Waitsfield Common cemetery (approx 1 mile). Park here. Take the road to the right (south). It will climb very gently reaching the East Warren Rd after 2.7 miles. Great Views!

North Fayston Loop 4.2 miles
From Waitsfield Village drive north on Rt 100 approximately 3 miles. Turn left on the North Fayston Rd and drive 2.8 miles up this road to an old cemetery. Park here. Continue up North Fayston Rd for about 1.3 miles, bear left at the four corners and proceed another 1.3 miles before turning left again and descending through the woods back to your car. This is moderately hilly terrain and will take about 2 hours. This upper basin is a remote area offering some completely different vistas. Good mountain biking.

River Road to Moretown 4 miles
A mile north of Waitsfield Village turn right into the pines rest area and park at the junction .8 mile further on. Turn left over the covered bridge and walk along River Road. It parallels the Mad River to Moretown and is a lovely peaceful walk.

Blueberry Lake Cross Country Ski Center: beginner to expert trails. All trails are skating width and set with a dingle track and are engineered for the average skier's ultimate enjoyment. Snowmaking on all trails. Lessons, rentals and waxing. Plunkton Rd Warren VT 802-496-6687.

Inn at Round Barn Farm: 30 km of groomed trails. Equipment rentals, snowshoes and instruction.East Warren Rd, Waitsfield VT 802-496-2276

Ole's Cross Country Center:Extensive trail system,lessons, rentals and restaurant. At the Sugarbush Warren Airport, Warren VT 802-496-3430

Sugarbush Cross Country Center: 25 km of groomed and tracked trails. Rentals and instruction. Sugarbush Access Rd, Warren VT 802-583-6725

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There are thousands of miles of groomed and marked trails in Vermont. To use the trail network you must be a VAST (Vermont Area Snow Travelers) member and have a current Vermont registration. The Mad River Valley's Ridge Runners Club was voted Vermont Club of the year for the 1993-93 season and awarded "The best grooming and signing of trails" for the 93-94 season. The vast system was ranked #4 in North America. Snowmobile registration can be purchased at Kenyons Store on Rt 100 in Waitsfield VT. 1-802-496-3922

Snowshoe Guided Day Trips
Guided custom and group treks are available at Clearwater Sports, Rt 100 Waitsfield VT 802-496-2708 and Umiak Outfitters in Stowe VT 802-253-2317, and includes rentals, instructions and guided tours.

Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 336
Barre, Vermont 05641
1-877-887-3678 or [email protected]

In conjunction with:
Sugarbush Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 173
Waitsfield Vt 05673
1-800-82-VISIT

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