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hiking trails near Mount Snow, Dover and Wilmington, Vermont
Haystack Summit HIKING Trail, Wilmington, VT
Today’s hike is the Haystack Mountain Trail which takes you to the summit of Haystack Mountain in Dover and Wilmington, Vermont. This is a hike of moderate difficulty with some sharp inclines in a relatively remote area.
On a clear day, this hike gives you beautiful views of the surrounding Deerfield Valley, with the Mount Snow/West Dover area to the North, to Wilmington and Harriman Reservoir to the South. Do not get lost on this hike as there is absolutely nothing to the North or West of you but miles and miles forest.
DIFFICULT. No bikes.
5 miles roundtrip; optional 2 mile extension
3-4 hours roundtrip
1800-3000' elevation
1000-1200' elevation change
The trailhead is located off up Upper Dam Rd in the Chimney Hill development of Wilmington. Follow the simple but long-winded zigzag directions on the printable map to find it. There isn’t really a parking area, just street parking in the local neighborhood.
From here, the trail is marked with blue blazes and follows an old gated road on a steady moderate incline to Binney Brook ravine. It turns southwest at about half a mile and begins a steep climb to the west ridge of Haystack. The trail winds through a few different forest types until reaching the summit trail junction. Turn right at the summit junction and follow until you reach the summit. It is 2.4 miles to the summit, 4.8 miles round trip.
Leaving the summit, you can head back to the trailhead or continue north another 2.5 miles to the top of Haystack Mountain Resort where you’ll find the entrance to the Ridgeline hike that connects the summits of the Haystack and Mount Snow Resorts.
Crosstown HIKING & MOUNTAIN BIKING Trail, West Dover & WILMINGTON, Vermont
One of the easiest and most relaxing hiking and biking trails near Dover and Wilmington, Vermont is the Crosstown Trail loop in Dover. For people driving to the trail, it can be accessed from the west by the trailhead at the parking lot on Handle Road, or for those already in West Dover, it can be accessed from the east by the intersection of Route 100 North and Crosstown Road in the center of West Dover. This eastern entrance is the more strenuous of the two.
EASY
5-6 mile loop
2-3 hours
1800-2000' elevation
100-200' elevation change
From the intersection of Route 100 and Crosstown Road, head west up Crosstown Road, which is very steep and climbs 300 feet in under a mile. Once you’re up the hill, you’ll pass the Mount Snow Golf Course on your left, and you’ll see the trailhead in front of you as the road turns sharply to the right. Follow Crosstown Trail into the Green Mountain National Forest for about a mile where you’ll see the Sherwood Forest and Friar Tuck trails. Just a quarter mile ahead of you is the west trailhead at the parking lot on Handle Road, if you chose to start there.
Turn South into the National Forest following the Sherwood Forest trail. It will rise and fall in an easy hike through the woods for about 2 miles. This is a well-known trail that is clearly marked and relaxing to follow. At the marsh, you'll cross the bridge, and then you'll cross beneath the power lines.
After your 2 miles, you’ll merge into the Little John Trail in Wilmington. To do this, you’ll come to a T intersection where you’ll want to go left (eastward direction). From here, the trail winds one and a half miles along the ridge line at 1900 feet. Given its easy slopes and wide trails, this hike is a local favorite for a daily stroll or bike ride.
Circling back North, you’ll pass the Mount Snow Airport and cut back through the Mount Snow Golf Course on to Crosstown Road. Head back down Crosstown Road into the center of West Dover. Total distance: about 6 miles. Difficulty: Easy. Time: 2-3 hours.
Molly Stark State Park Hiking Trails, Wilmington & Marlboro, Vermont
The Molly Stark State Park hiking trails are good for hikers of all ages and levels. Its series of looping trails can be as short as 1 mile, or as long as 5 miles. Some sections have steep inclines the entire way that will give you a great workout. The main feature is the fire tower at Mount Olga. As of August, 2012, some of the signage along the trails leading to the fire tower was missing or hard to follow, so be sure to print out the map below and take it with you.
You can start either from the top of the trails at Hogback Mountain, or beneath the trails at the ranger station at Molly Stark State Park. If you start at Hogback, parking is free, otherwise it is $4-$5 in the State Park.
EASY - MODERATE
Various length loops ranging from 1-5 miles
1-3 hours roundtrip
100-400' elevation change (unless you climb the fire tower)
Mount Snow HIKING & BIKING Summit Trail, West Dover, VT
Today’s hike is easy to find, simple to follow and gives you a great workout and awesome views. The Mount Snow Summit trail to the top of the Green Mountain National Forest is the most straightforward hike in the Dover, Wilmington region of Vermont.
MODERATE
3 miles roundtrip
2-3 hours roundtrip
1900-3500' elevation
1600' elevation change
To get there, simply take Route 100 north about 2 miles from the center of West Dover until you see the Mount Snow Resort signs.
The best place to park is in the Sundance parking lot which is the first lot you see as you’re pulling into the resort. The base of the mountain is right in front of you. Leaving the parking lot, follow the footpath to the right, walking behind the Grand Summit Hotel. You’re looking for the Grand Summit Express Lift.
Once you’ve found it, just follow it straight to the top of the mountain. The elevation change is immediate and constant all the way up. The total change is about 1,600 feet. There’s a restaurant at the top if you need a refresher, but it’s not always open. Check with the front desk at the hotel first if you’re going to rely on it for a pit stop. From the summit you’ll have beautiful views of the Deerfield Valley below.