Elevation Gain
246.00 ft (74.98 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.00 mi (4.83 km)
Warming hut
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Cady Hill Forest is a 258-acre property of the Stowe Land Trust that features 11 miles of singletrack and doubletrack trails suitable for mountain biking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and walking. The trails weave through the forest and interconnect with each other as they reach occasional overlooks. Although the land was once settled dating back as early as the 1700s, the forest has naturally regenerated with a mix of white pine, red and sugar maple, hemlock, yellow birch, and other hardwoods.

The Macutchan Loop begins and ends at the 19-car parking area on Mountain Road, meandering 3 miles into the depths of the Cady Hill Forest and back. Along the way it climbs 246 feet, most of which comes in the first half mile. It was designed for beginner and intermediate mountain bikers and nordic skiers with gradual switchbacking climbs. It is well marked with green and yellow trail signs. Several spurs allow users to shorten or lengthen their journey as they see fit. 

At the first major trail intersection, a sign designates the Green Chair Trail to the Green Chair Overlook. This is well worth the stop as a retired chairlift chair and picnic table overlook Stowe Mountain Resort and Mount Mansfield. It's an especially great place to stop for lunch or a sunset.

Beyond the first intersection, the Macutchan Loop continues along the Cady Hill Connector, gaining little elevation in the process. It hooks sharply back northeast where Zog's meets Cady Hill Connector and proceeds along Sap Bucket, Bridgey, and Macutchan.

There is a second retired chairlift chair at the Green Chair II overlook. This one is located off of Florence. 

The Cady Hill Forest is also accessible at the substation on Cady Hill Road and at the end of Cady Hill Road.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Year-round access. Other adventures nearby.

Cons

Closes during wet conditions.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Trailhead Elevation

797.00 ft (242.93 m)

Features

Big vistas
Cross-country skiing

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Northern Green Mountains, Vermont
Northern Green Mountains, Vermont
  •  

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.