Vermont Hiking and Hidden Destinations Revealed

Location: between Arlington and West Wardsboro, VT

• Length: 7.8 mi. roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Average Hike Time: 5-6 hours roundtrip
• Notes: From Stratton Pond, there are multiple connections between this trail and trails to Stratton Mountain, the Adirondack Trail/Long Trail, Bourne Pond and Lye Brook Falls that can offer much longer hikes and overnight backpacking options. Check area hiking maps for ideas.

GPS trailhead:
USGS Map: Stratton Quad

Directions:
From Route 7 in Arlington – From the highway Route 7, take Exit 3 (Arlington) onto Route 313 west. Go right at the first intersection onto South Rd. and take to the end. Go right onto Kansas Rd. and continue until crossing a small bridge over the Roaring Branch River. Take an immediate right turn onto the dirt Kelley Stand Road. Continue east on Kelley Stand Road for about 8.7 miles, where there is a parking lot on the north (left) side of the road.

From Route 100 in West Wardsboro – From Route 100, go west on the Stratton-Arlington Road (also called the Kelley Stand Road) for about 8.0 miles, where there is a parking lot on the north (right) side of he road.

Description:
Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail and is heavily used as an overnight area. There is a large lean-to and a tent platform area available first-come/first-served, and a couple of spots of easy access to the pond for swimming. A fee of $5 per person, paid to the site caretaker, applies to those camping overnight.

Starting from the parking lot, the blue-blazed trail winds generally north in an easy, gradual rise through a mixed forest, with several wet areas that are crossed on planking (puncheon). Stay on the trail and puncheon to minimize damage to the surrounding area. At 3.8 miles, the trail crosses a stream and turns sharply right onto an old logging road, soon coming to a junction with the AT/LT. Follow the AT/LT .1 mi. to the Pond.

Returning to the parking lot is a simple matter of reversing the trail. However, you can also return via a much longer loop by taking the AT/LT east and then south back to Kelley Stand Road, from where it is a .5 mi walk west back to the original parking lot.