Green Mountain National Forest, Easy 4x4 trail in Rutland, VT
    Easy
    Overlanding
    4.3

    Green Mountain National Forest

    Rutland, VTNortheast

    Green Mountain National Forest is a easy 150+ miles off-road trail near Rutland, VT. It requires a stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires and is best run May - October. Stock Jeep Wranglers, 4Runners, and Tacomas can complete it without modifications.

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    Green Mountain National Forest covers 400,000 acres along Vermont's mountainous spine, laced with forest roads that connect quintessential New England villages through maple groves, mountain gaps, and along rushing streams. The terrain is gentle compared to western destinations, making it ideal for stock SUVs and overlanding beginners. What it lacks in technical challenge it makes up for in charm: covered bridges span rocky streams, sugar shacks dot the roadsides, and small towns with white-steepled churches appear around every bend. Fall foliage season transforms the forest into the most spectacular drive in the eastern United States.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Vermont produces 50% of the US maple syrup supply, much of it from trees in this forest.

    #2

    The Long Trail, running the length of Vermont, was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail.

    #3

    Green Mountain National Forest was established in 1932 after extensive logging left the mountains bare.

    #4

    Robert Frost wrote many of his famous poems while living near the forest's northern boundary.

    Length
    150+ miles
    Elevation
    500 - 4,000 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    Fall foliageCovered bridgesMaple grovesSmall townsEasy terrain

    🛞 Tires

    recommended
    All-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    optional
    Stock

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    recommended
    4WD capability
    Mud season demands it

    🪢 Recovery

    recommended
    Tow strap
    1
    Middlebury Gap
    43.9543, -72.9234
    2
    Brandon Gap
    43.7876, -72.9654

    Closest campgrounds to Green Mountain National Forest:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    43.6087, -72.8234

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    Map of Rutland, VT

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