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Underhill State
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 Underhill
State Park
PO Box 249
Underhill Center, Vermont 05490Park Phone: 802-899-3022
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.
Hiking Trails: 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. There is also the village of
Stowe, Burlington and Lake Champlain. |
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