Mount Mansfield stands fiercely itself, Vermont’s tallest peak casting a watchful eye over the Champlain Valley. While the popular Long Trail and Sunset Ridge draw crowds, a handful of lesser-known paths offer quiet entry into this wild landscape — where dense forests dare you forward and breezes carry the freshness of untouched alpine meadows. Here are four hidden hiking trails near Mount Mansfield that provide both challenge and escape, balanced with practical details to plot your route.

1. Hell Brook Trail Length: 4.7 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet | Terrain: rocky, steep forest paths

Starting from Underhill State Park, Hell Brook Trail pushes you through shaded hardwoods where the brook chatters like a restless companion. The trail’s rugged climb forces attention — roots shift underfoot, stones offer brief reprieves — before spilling out into open ridges. From here, the mountain’s raw personality emerges in sweeping views toward Lake Champlain, tempered by cool winds that insist on your respect. Begin early to avoid afternoon heat, pack sturdy footwear, and prepare for a strenuous but rewarding ascent.

2. Butler Lodge Trail Length: 3.2 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 480 feet | Terrain: well-marked, easy forest paths

Ideal for a gentler escape, Butler Lodge Trail weaves an accessible path through thick birch and maple. This trail grants a close look at the understory’s life — ferns unfurl confidently, and birdsong punctuates the calm. At Butler Lodge, a simple shelter offers rest and shelter from unexpected weather changes. This trail’s moderate length and lower elevation gain make it suitable for casual hikers and families looking for a peaceful taste of Mansfield’s wild side. Pack water, keep an eye on weather, and enjoy a slower pace.

3. Stowe Pinnacle via Spruce Peak Trail Length: 3.7 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet | Terrain: rocky, mixed forest and ridgeline

This less-traveled route offers a fierce climb that rewards with panoramic views of Mansfield’s craggy profile and beyond. The Spruce Peak Trail guides you under looming evergreens, where the scent of pine thickens the air. The rocky pitch demands secure footing, while the ridgeline’s exposure lets cold currents push steadily against you — a reminder that nature drives the pace here, not the other way around. Time your hike for morning hours to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer.

4. Emilie’s Trail Length: 2.6 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 850 feet | Terrain: mixed forest, quiet stream crossings

A quiet option for introspection, Emilie’s Trail slips through hardwood canopies with sporadic breaks revealing glimpses of the mountain’s grand stature. Streams whisper as they cross the trail, daring hikers to listen and move thoughtfully. The moderate incline presses enough to engage but leaves energy for photography along the way. Early summer offers lush greenery; fall turns the path into a blaze of color but remember wet leaves create slick footing.

Practical Advice:

• Hydrate frequently; Vermont’s summer heat can sneak up amid shaded forests.
• Wear hiking boots with solid tread to handle slick rocks and stream crossings.
• Early starts help avoid afternoon storms or crowded trailheads.
• Carry layered clothing — mountain weather shifts quickly, especially on exposed ridges.

The hidden trails around Mount Mansfield invite exploration with clear-eyed respect for nature’s rules and spirited challenge. Each path offers a chance to engage with a fiercely independent landscape — ready not to be conquered, but experienced and understood.