Is it even a question that late summer is the best time to hike?! The temperature is starting to cool off, the leaves are juuust starting to change, but you’ll still get a nice afternoon for a post-hike dip or drink on the patio. Oh and my favorite part, it’s always less buggy! This time of year is the best for gearing up, heading up to Lincoln Peak and hiking some of your favorite trails. If not to hold onto the last bit of summer warmth, but to get excited to see your favorite views before they’re blanketed in winter white. No matter the reason, if you’re looking for a sign to get outside this weekend, this is it. I’m going to share some of our favorites hiking routes at Lincoln Peak to inspire your next adventure!
Hiking at Sugarbush
Our hiking trails are free and open to the public daily, offering everything from easy loops to more challenging treks. Start with a quick hike around Gate House or push yourself all the way to the summit of Lincoln Peak, where you can connect with Vermont’s legendary Long Trail. With miles of trails winding through forests, fields, and alpine ridgelines, there’s no better way to soak in the Green Mountain beauty. Lace up and hit the trail!
Please note: We recommend downloading the online trail map before you head out. Also, please stay clear of any mountain operations and construction zones for your safety.
Beginner Trails
Lollipop Loop
Easy | approx. 1.1 mi | elev. gain: 100ft | approx. 30min -1hr
Trailhead: Corner of Sugarbush Access Road and Inferno Road
Route: The Lollipop Trail follows the Clay Brook and does a loop back onto itself or turn right into the lower parking area and follow the trail alongside the Sugarbush Access Road.
Super Bravo Loop
Easy | approx. 1.0 mi | elev. gain: 750ft | approx. 45min -1hr
Trailhead: Super Bravo Lift
Route: Head up the work road to the left towards the Valley House. Cross under the Valley House lift onto Coffee Run ski trail. This trail will cross under the Super Bravo chair lift and continue straight onto Lower Jester ski trail. Take the first right onto Header ski trail. Turn right onto Castlerock Run Out ski trail back to the base area.
Intermediate Trails
Sleeper Road to Castle Rock Runout Loop
Moderate | approx. 3.1 mi | elev. gain: 750ft | approx.1.5-2 hours
Trailhead: Gate House Lift
Route: Start up Sleeper Road to the left of Gate House lift. Follow the work road up to the top of Gate House lift for views of the base area and Mad River Valley. Pass North Lynx lift on your right and head to Castlerock Run Out ski trail (multi-use) to descend back to the base area.
Gatehouse Woods Loop
Moderate | approx. 2.5 mi | elev. gain: 750ft | approx.1.5-2 hours
Trailhead: Gate House Lift
Route: Half of this loop is on a more rugged hiking/biking trail in the woods. Start up Sleeper Road to the left of Gate House lift looking for the yellow hiking trail signs in the woods to the left. Follow the Gate House Woods Trail until it intersects with the Castlerock Run Out ski trail (multi-use). Turn left and continue straight on the Castlerock Run Out trail back to the base area.
Advanced Trails
Lower Jester to Allyn’s Lodge
Moderate | approx. 2 mi. one way | elev. gain: 1,600ft | approx. 1-1.5 hours one way
Trailhead: Bottom of Super Bravo Lift
Route: Head up the work road to the left towards the Valley House. Cross under the Valley House lift onto Coffee Run ski trail. At the 7th switchback, there is an out and back spur trail (Organgrinder Flats ski trail) which goes off to the right. Stay left onto Reverse Traverse ski trail to continue towards the top of Valley House lift/Allyn’s Lodge. Take in the views from the top of the lift, then turn right onto Valley House Traverse ski trail. Bear left at the next fork and Allyn’s Lodge will be a short distance ahead. Ride the lift down, or head to Allyn’s Lodge and continue the adventure.
Top of Heaven’s Gate from Allyn’s Lodge
Moderate | approx. 2.0 mi round trip | elev. gain: 700ft | approx.1.5 hours
Trailhead: Allyn’s Lodge
Route: Head up the work road to the left from Allyn’s Lodge. Stay to the left and head uphill and continue up Jester ski trail to the summit where you will find a large observation deck with 360° views and access to the Long Trail. **PLEASE KEEP CLEAR FROM RE-VEGETATION EFFORTS**
Expert Trails
Castle Rock Summit
Hard | approx. 6 mi. round trip | elev. gain: 2,300ft | approx. 5-7 hours one way
Trailhead: Super Bravo Lift
Route: Head up the work road under the Super Bravo lift. After passing the maintenance shed and groomers, bear to the right on Castlerock Run Out ski trail, following Clay Brook up the mountain. Continue straight and to the right passing the base of Castlerock lift. Turn left onto Troll Road ski trail and follow to the summit where you will find the Castlerock Hut and magnificent views to the East.
