Sunset Ridge Trail

The Sunset Ridge Trail on Mount Mansfield's western flank is widely considered the finest above-treeline ridge hike in Vermont, offering nearly two miles of open walking along an exposed granite ridge with continuous panoramic views west across Lake Champlain to the Adirondack High Peaks. Departing from Underhill State Park, the trail climbs steeply through northern hardwood and then balsam fir forest before emerging onto the ridge at roughly 3,800 feet and remaining above treeline for the entire remaining ascent to the summit Chin at 4,393 feet. The western ridge aspect provides the best Lake Champlain views from any trail on the mountain, with the lake's 120-mile length stretching north to south and the Adirondack summits — including Whiteface Mountain and the High Peaks region — rising beyond the western shore. On clear evenings the sun sets directly over the Adirondacks, creating spectacular alpenglow on the lake surface — the origin of the trail's name. The summit ridge hosts Vermont's most extensive alpine tundra, and the Long Trail Conservancy places vegetation protection ropes along the trail edges during peak season to prevent trampling of the fragile plant communities. Weather changes rapidly on the exposed ridge; afternoon thunderstorms require early starts and preparedness to descend quickly below treeline if lightning develops.