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Description: Underhill is within Vermont's 34,000-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.
The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on rock and trail).
The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 9 lean-to sites and is reserved for organized group use. In the lower camp area, around the ranger station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There are cold water and flush toilets in the rest rooms, but no showers. Because campers park in the lot and cannot drive the last several yards to their campsites, this park is not recommended for RV or tent-trailer campers. There is a large log picnic shelter, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s for group functions.
There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield. Park at the ranger station and walk up the road. The trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont's Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Trail maps are available at the ranger station.
Area Attractions: Smuggler's Notch Ski Area with a summer water slide; Smuggler's Notch pass; the Mt. Mansfield Ski Area with its alpine slide, gondola, and auto toll road to the summit ridge. |
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