Vermont’s Class IV Road 65 (Kelley Stand Road North Extension)
Class IV backcountry beyond the tourist zone
The northern extension of Vermont’s infamous Class IV Road 65 picks up where most tourists turn around, threading deeper into the Green Mountain backcountry through sections the state officially maintains as “pass at your own risk.” This 12-mile stretch connects the popular Kelley Stand Road to remote VAST snowmobile trails, crossing three unnamed creek beds and skirting the eastern flank of Stratton Mountain through dense hardwood forest that explodes in October colors.
Moderate difficulty with a few technical rocky climbs and seasonal mud holes that’ll test your line choice. High-clearance 4WD required, especially during spring runoff when those creek crossings get interesting. Best tackled late summer through early fall when the ground firms up. No permits needed on this National Forest section, and primitive camping is allowed following Leave No Trace principles. You’ll earn solitude and some of Vermont’s finest backcountry views without the Green Mountain crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | August-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Arlington, Vermont |
| Land manager | Green Mountain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain tires is the minimum and will get through fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-range is — don't attempt this in a crossover or 2WD truck regardless of confidence level.
When is this trail passable and what kills access?
August through October is the sweet spot — mud season (April–May) turns Vermont Class IV roads into axle-deep soup, and spring runoff can make the water crossings unpredictable. Winter access depends on snow depth; Green Mountain National Forest doesn't plow or maintain this route.
Do you need a permit or is there a fee to run this trail?
No permit required and no fee to drive it — it's a Class IV town road running through Green Mountain National Forest on public land. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard GMNF rules: 200 feet from water, trails, and roads, and no stay longer than 14 days in one spot.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The water crossings are the main event — depth varies by season and recent rainfall, so scout before you commit. The trail surface is rough dirt with embedded rocks and soft spots in shaded areas; nothing technical, but a flat or a stuck vehicle is real if you're moving too fast or too distracted by the scenery.
There's no cell service — how far is the nearest gas and should I be worried about recovery?
Arlington is your last stop for fuel before you head in, roughly 10–12 miles from the trailhead — fill up there. Signal is dead on the entire 12-mile stretch, so carry a satellite communicator (InReach or SPOT) if you're running solo; the trail connects to the VAST network but actual foot traffic out here is minimal.
Trail track
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