Vermont’s VAST Trail 108 Iron Furnace Loop
Civil War iron furnaces via rocky mountain trail.
VAST Trail 108 follows old logging roads and abandoned railroad grades through Vermont’s Green Mountains, connecting a chain of Civil War-era iron furnace ruins that once fed the Union Army’s appetite for cannon balls. The route winds past the crumbling stone remains of Pittsford Furnace and continues north to the more intact Chittenden Furnace, where charcoal kilns still dot the hillsides. Summer travelers can access this network when snow melts reveal the rocky doubletrack that challenges even experienced drivers with steep grades and loose stone.
This is difficult territory requiring low-range gearing, skid plates, and aggressive tires for the steep climbs over Mendon Mountain. The trail is passable June through October, though muddy sections linger into July. No permits needed, but respect posted private land boundaries that checker this route. Fill up in Rutland before heading out—cell service disappears quickly in these mountains. You’ll trade comfort for a history lesson written in stone and stunning views across the Champlain Valley.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Rutland, VT |
| Land manager | Vermont Association of Snow Travelers |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | vtvast.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run Trail 108, or does it need to be built?
Stock rigs will struggle here. The rocky surface and technical sections demand a modified 4WD with low-range, a minimum of all-terrain tires, and ideally a skid plate setup — rock strikes are a real possibility. A lifted rig with lockers is the smart call.
When does Trail 108 actually open and close each year?
The window is June through October. Vermont mud season runs well into May and can make this trail a rutted mess, and early snow can shut it down by late October. Call VAST or check vtvast.org before you go — conditions vary year to year.
Do I need a permit or VAST membership to drive Trail 108?
Trail 108 runs on the VAST snowmobile corridor system, and access rules for wheeled vehicles can differ from winter sled use — contact VAST directly at vtvast.org to confirm current 4x4 access permissions before you show up. Trespassing on private land parcels within the corridor is a real issue if you go in blind.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what should I actually expect?
The rocky mountain sections near the higher elevations are where it gets serious — sustained loose rock, shelf road exposure, and tight lines that punish poor tire placement. Expect slow going, 2-4 mph crawl speeds at the worst spots, and zero room for error if you're running a wider rig.
There's zero cell service on this trail — what's the nearest place to fuel up and how far is it?
Rutland, VT is your last reliable fuel and resupply stop before heading in. The loop is 24 miles of remote backcountry with no services, no bail-out options mid-trail, and no way to call for help — a sat communicator like a Garmin inReach is not optional on this one.
Trail track
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