Kelly Stand Road
CCC-built wilderness connector through Green Mountains
Kelly Stand Road cuts through the heart of Green Mountain National Forest, following a Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps route that connects the Deerfield River valley to the West River drainage. This gravel forest road climbs steadily from Stratton through dense hardwood forests, crossing Kelly Stand Brook multiple times before cresting at Somerset Reservoir’s eastern approach. The route passes abandoned CCC camps and offers glimpses of Stratton Mountain’s ski slopes through the canopy.
Moderate difficulty with seasonal mud holes and creek crossings that can challenge stock vehicles during spring runoff. High-clearance recommended, though not mandatory outside mud season. Best traveled May through October when the Forest Service maintains regular grading. No permits required, but dispersed camping follows Leave No Trace principles. The payoff is classic Vermont backcountry solitude and access to some of the state’s best brook trout fishing in waters that rarely see pressure.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Stratton, Vermont |
| Land manager | Green Mountain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV run Kelly Stand Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles it fine in dry conditions. A lifted rig is overkill here — the gravel surface is the challenge, not the obstacles. Soft-roaders and low-clearance AWD vehicles should skip it after rain when the road softens up.
When does Kelly Stand Road typically open and close each year?
The road is generally passable May through October. Spring mud season (late March–early May) can make sections impassable, and it's not maintained for winter travel — snow and ice close it effectively by November.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive Kelly Stand Road?
No permit required and no day-use fee to drive the road. It's Green Mountain National Forest land, so standard dispersed camping rules apply — no fee, but follow Leave No Trace and don't camp within 200 feet of water sources or the road.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings are the wildest card — after heavy rain they can run deeper than expected and the gravel bottom gets slippery. The road itself stays moderate throughout, but loose gravel on descents with elevation change demands attention. Nothing technical, just honest backcountry driving.
Is there any cell service on Kelly Stand Road, and how far is the nearest gas?
Cell service is effectively zero for the entire 16-mile route — plan accordingly and have offline maps downloaded. Stratton is the closest town but fuel options are limited; top off in Manchester, Vermont (roughly 18 miles northwest) before heading in.
Trail track
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