Best attractions and places to see around Stratton Mountain include a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities within the Green Mountains of Vermont. The area is characterized by its diverse landscape, offering experiences from mountain summits to serene waterfalls. It serves as a significant point along both the Appalachian Trail and Vermont's Long Trail, attracting hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This region provides a variety of settings for exploration, from forested trails to man-made structures with expansive views.
…Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Stratton Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks on the Long Trail, but not for its height, but rather for its historical significance. It was here in 1909 that James P. Taylor first imagined a “footpath in the wilderness,” which eventually became the Long Trail. The summit is forested, but a restored fire tower (that you can climb!) offers expansive 360-degree views of southern Vermont and the surrounding peaks. Today, Stratton is also home to a major ski resort, but the Long Trail bypasses the commercial slopes, staying on a quieter, wooded path. A nearby shelter, Stratton Pond Shelter, provides a peaceful overnight spot, just a short hike from the summit. This is a pretty built-up shelter (especially in comparison to the more common, simple three-sided lean-tos) so it's worth checking out even if you're not spending the night.
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The top of Stratton Mountain supports a fire lookout tower that is on the National Register of Historic Places. As you might imagine, the views from up here are great.
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Heads up: Although this trail and its ultimate destination are both beautiful, you'll often have to cross washouts and non-bridged streams along the way. Wet feet may ensue. If you don't want to pack a second set of footwear for possible water crossings, you should at least wear non-cotton socks to help reduce chafing and cold feet.
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The path, which is initially a road, takes you to the Winhall River, then continues along the stream to the town of Jamaica.
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This is a wonderful and very picturesque spot. In summer you can enjoy the pool under the waterfall with fresh water ideal for cooling off after the walk. Remember that it is not allowed to climb the waterfall and the surface of the stones is really slippery
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It is worth reaching the top of the dam. The road in itself is a real pass. When you reach the top the views are amazing, until you get to see Straton Ski Resort
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The region boasts several beautiful natural attractions. You can visit Lye Brook Falls Trail, which leads to a scenic waterfall, though be prepared for potential washouts and non-bridged streams. Another picturesque spot is Hamilton Falls, where you can cool off in the pool under the waterfall after a walk. Stratton Pond, one of the largest bodies of water in the Green Mountains, is also ideal for fishing and picnicking.
For a blend of history and stunning views, hike to Stratton Mountain and fire lookout tower. This site is historically significant as the place where James P. Taylor first envisioned the Long Trail. The restored fire tower offers expansive 360-degree views. You can also visit Ball Mountain Dam, a man-made monument offering amazing views from its top, extending to the Stratton Ski Resort.
Popular hiking options include the Lye Brook Falls Trail, known for its beautiful waterfall. The summit of Stratton Mountain itself is accessible via trails that are part of the Appalachian Trail and Vermont's Long Trail, such as the 'Stratton Mountain via Long Trail' or 'Stratton Mountain via Appalachian Trail (south approach)'. For a longer adventure, consider the 'Stratton Mountain and Stratton Pond Loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Stratton Mountain guide.
Yes, Stratton Mountain offers a variety of hiking options. Trails like Lye Brook Falls Trail and Hamilton Falls are generally considered intermediate. The ascent to Stratton Mountain and fire lookout tower can also be moderate to difficult depending on the chosen path. For those seeking more challenging routes, the 'Stratton Mountain and Stratton Pond Loop' is a difficult option. The Hiking around Stratton Mountain guide provides more details on difficulty ratings.
Stratton Mountain is a year-round destination. The warmer months are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and golf, with scenic gondola rides offering breathtaking panoramic views, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. Winter transforms the area into a premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Yes, beyond hiking, the Stratton Mountain Adventure Park offers family-friendly attractions like a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and mini-golf. The Stratton Mountain Village also has the 1 Up Gaming Gallery arcade. For hiking, many trails offer varying lengths and difficulties, making some suitable for families, though specific 'family-friendly' designations are not always available for all trails. The scenic gondola rides are also a great option for all ages.
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking on an extensive network of trails, including lift-serviced downhill biking at the Stratton Mountain Bike Park. The Stratton Mountain Golf Course offers a challenging 27-hole championship course. In winter, the Stratton Mountain Resort is a hub for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and ice skating. For cycling, explore routes like 'The Mill Pond loop' or 'Bike loop from Stratton Mountain' found in the Cycling around Stratton Mountain guide.
When hiking trails like Lye Brook Falls Trail, be prepared for potential washouts and non-bridged streams, meaning wet feet may ensue. It's advisable to wear non-cotton socks to reduce chafing and cold feet. Always carry sufficient water, snacks, appropriate layers for changing weather, and sturdy footwear suitable for varied terrain.
The Stratton Mountain Village, located at the base of the mountain, is designed to enhance the mountain experience and features various shops, boutiques, and eateries. You'll find options there to grab a coffee, a meal, or enjoy local cuisine.
Stratton Mountain is a premier winter destination. You can enjoy alpine skiing and snowboarding on 99 trails, snow tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Park, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Nordic Center, fat biking, Sno-Go bikes, and ice skating on Mill House Pond. The Sun Bowl Lodge also provides access to less crowded slopes with early-morning sunlit skiing.
The summit of Stratton Mountain and fire lookout tower offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Green Mountains, the Adirondacks, and the White Mountains from its restored fire tower. Scenic gondola rides, available in warmer months, also provide breathtaking perspectives of the landscape and vibrant fall foliage. Additionally, reaching the top of Ball Mountain Dam provides amazing views extending to the Stratton Ski Resort.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, the Stratton Mountain Resort area generally offers parking facilities. For popular trails and attractions, it's common to find designated parking areas. It's always a good idea to check local signage upon arrival for the most current parking information.


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