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Appalachian Trail: US-4 to Hanover
Hiking Trail
Hard
44.96 mi
11,608 ft
A easily shuttled stretch of the AT, connecting Killington Mountain to the Connecticut River.
This segment of the Appalachian Trail begins along US-4 at the AT/LT Parking area. Many thru-hikers take advantage of this trailhead to access the town of Rutland for resupply.
Head north to begin the segment, and keep right at the junction with the Catamount Trail to continue to the next intersection where the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail part ways. Since the AT entered Vermont, it has shared the stretch with the Long Trail.
Keep right at the junction and follow the white-blazed AT. For a shorter day hike or a great viewpoint, take the Deer Leap Trail to Deer Leap Rock, before merging back onto the AT. The views from the rocky, exposed overlook provide an excellent vantage point of nearby Pico Mountain.
At the junction with the Sherburne Pass Trail, keep left. A popular day hiking or overnight loop would be to pair the AT with the Sherburne Pass Trail around Pico Mountain.
North on the trail, you'll reach VT-100. A popular market, deli, and post office lie south on the road, just west of the junction with US-4.
Just up the trail, you will reach the Stony Brook Shelter. Along the way, look for a spur trail leading to a lookout before continuing to Barnard Road. A small parking area lies along the stream and serves as a popular access point to score some views atop Dana Hill.
As the trail continues on an eastward trajectory, it rolls over several hills, offering unending views of the surrounding farmlands and pastures.
Reaching West Hartford, the trail crosses over the White River and into town. Though an excellent opportunity to resupply, the town of Hanover also lies ahead.
The trail exits the forest and follows the road across the Connecticut River, a particularly popular area to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. Head into town and enjoy countless food and drink options, as well as a popular outdoor outfitter, before continuing north on the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
This segment of the Appalachian Trail begins along US-4 at the AT/LT Parking area. Many thru-hikers take advantage of this trailhead to access the town of Rutland for resupply.
Head north to begin the segment, and keep right at the junction with the Catamount Trail to continue to the next intersection where the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail part ways. Since the AT entered Vermont, it has shared the stretch with the Long Trail.
Keep right at the junction and follow the white-blazed AT. For a shorter day hike or a great viewpoint, take the Deer Leap Trail to Deer Leap Rock, before merging back onto the AT. The views from the rocky, exposed overlook provide an excellent vantage point of nearby Pico Mountain.
At the junction with the Sherburne Pass Trail, keep left. A popular day hiking or overnight loop would be to pair the AT with the Sherburne Pass Trail around Pico Mountain.
North on the trail, you'll reach VT-100. A popular market, deli, and post office lie south on the road, just west of the junction with US-4.
Just up the trail, you will reach the Stony Brook Shelter. Along the way, look for a spur trail leading to a lookout before continuing to Barnard Road. A small parking area lies along the stream and serves as a popular access point to score some views atop Dana Hill.
As the trail continues on an eastward trajectory, it rolls over several hills, offering unending views of the surrounding farmlands and pastures.
Reaching West Hartford, the trail crosses over the White River and into town. Though an excellent opportunity to resupply, the town of Hanover also lies ahead.
The trail exits the forest and follows the road across the Connecticut River, a particularly popular area to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. Head into town and enjoy countless food and drink options, as well as a popular outdoor outfitter, before continuing north on the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totman Hill Road Climb | 0.68 mi | 433 ft | 11.9% |
| Totman Hill Road Climb | 0.33 mi | 299 ft | 17.2% |
| Pomfret Road Climb | 0.68 mi | 285 ft | 7.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.42 mi | 289 ft | 12.9% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.38 mi | 210 ft | 10.5% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.30 mi | 138 ft | 8.6% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 0.23 mi | 200 ft | 15.9% |
| Clay Road Climb | 0.33 mi | 131 ft | 7.5% |
| Appalachian Trail Climb | 1.20 mi | 640 ft | 10.0% |