Great Cliff via Vermont Long Trail

This short but steep out-and-back climbs to one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the central Long Trail: Great Cliff, an exposed overlook on the flank of Mount Horrid in Vermont’s Joseph Battell Wilderness. Although the walk is only about 2 km / 1.2–1.4 miles round trip, it gains roughly 200 m / 650 ft in a compact distance, which is why it feels harder than the mileage suggests. The route begins at Brandon Gap on Vermont Route 73, near the signed Long Trail parking area at the mountain pass east of Brandon and west of Rochester. Forest Dale is the nearest named community on some maps, but the practical start point is the Brandon Gap trailhead on VT-73. (fs.usda.gov)

The hike starts immediately with a steady climb on the white-blazed Long Trail, Vermont’s historic long-distance footpath. The Green Mountain Club was founded in 1910 to build the Long Trail, and the route is widely recognized as the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. That history adds a lot of character to even a short outing like this one, because you are walking a small piece of a trail corridor that helped shape hiking culture in New England. (greenmountainclub.org)

What the climb is like

From Brandon Gap, follow the Long Trail north for about 0.6 km / 0.4 miles. This first section rises through mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest on a well-established mountain path. Expect roots, rocks, and often damp footing, especially after rain or during shoulder-season mud. The grade is persistent rather than technical at first, but it quickly reminds hikers that this is a mountain trail, not a casual stroll. (fs.usda.gov)

At roughly 0.6 km / 0.4 miles, a blue-blazed spur branches off toward Great Cliff. From there it is only about 0.16 km / 0.1 miles farther, but this final push is the crux of the hike. The spur includes rock steps and a steeper, more exposed feel as it climbs onto the overlook. In wet weather, these rocks can be slick, and in cool months they may hold ice longer than the lower trail. Hikers with children or dogs should use extra care here because the viewpoint itself is a true cliff-edge environment. (fs.usda.gov)

The reward comes quickly. Great Cliff looks out across a broad sweep of the Green Mountains, with a striking sense of height thanks to the abrupt drop below the ledges. The Forest Service describes the cliff as part of the Mount Horrid area, and the pass sits beneath the base of an approximately 800-foot / 244 m cliff band, which helps explain the dramatic terrain packed into such a short route. (fs.usda.gov)

Landmarks, scenery, and natural features

The main landmark is, of course, Great Cliff itself, but the setting around it is equally important. This hike lies within the Joseph Battell Wilderness in the Green Mountain National Forest, a protected landscape known for rugged ridgelines, dense forest, and a more undeveloped backcountry character. Even on a short walk, the wilderness designation is noticeable in the natural feel of the trail and the absence of built-up recreation infrastructure beyond the trail corridor itself. (alltrails.com)

Along the approach, the forest is typical of Vermont’s mid-elevation Green Mountains, with hardwoods lower down and more boreal character as the trail rises. Mossy rocks, ferns, and leaf litter can make the trail especially attractive in summer and early autumn, while fall brings strong foliage color. Because the route is short and scenic, it is popular, so hikers looking for quieter conditions often do better earlier in the day. (alltrails.com)

Wildlife is one of the area’s notable features. The Forest Service specifically notes that a nearby beaver pond in the Mount Horrid/Great Cliff area can be a good place to look for animals such as moose and beaver, while the cliffs may at times host nesting peregrine falcons. That means hikers should stay alert, keep a respectful distance from any wildlife, and pay attention to any seasonal management notices that may affect access around cliff habitat. (fs.usda.gov)

Difficulty and what to watch out for

Despite the short distance, this hike deserves its difficult rating for many walkers because the elevation gain is concentrated and the footing is uneven. The trail can feel much tougher than the numbers suggest if you are not used to steep New