Vermont’s Green Mountain Forest Road 10
Revolutionary War supply route through Green Mountains
Forest Road 10 traces the old Kelley Stand Road military route that supplied Revolutionary War troops moving through the Green Mountains between Manchester and Arlington. This 12-mile gravel track climbs through dense maple and birch forest before opening onto Kelly Stand itself — a historic rest stop now marked by stone foundations and a hand-pump well that still runs cold mountain water. The route’s high point offers views west across the Battenkill Valley toward the Taconic Range.
Moderate difficulty suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though the rocky sections after Kelly Stand will shake loose anything not properly secured. Best driven May through October before snow closes the higher elevations. No permits required, but respect the multiple primitive camping spots scattered along the route. Fill up in Manchester and pack extra water — the hand pump at Kelly Stand is reliable, but you’ll want backup for the dusty summer months.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Manchester, VT |
| Land manager | Green Mountain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle FR 10 without any mods?
Yes. The minimum is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock Tacoma or 4Runner is fine. 4WD helps on wet sections but isn't required if you're running decent all-terrain tires.
When does FR 10 open in spring and is it passable in October?
Expect the road to be soft and potentially gated through mud season, typically late April into early May — Green Mountain National Forest enforces seasonal closures to protect the surface. October is generally solid, but early snowfall above 3,000 ft is possible, so check conditions before you go.
Do you need a permit or is there a fee to drive FR 10?
No permit required and no fee to drive the road. Dispersed camping on Green Mountain National Forest land is free but follow Leave No Trace rules and check for any posted fire restrictions at the trailhead.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The climb toward the 3,200 ft high point is the most demanding stretch — loose gravel, off-camber sections, and rutting after rain. Nothing that'll stop a capable rig, but wet conditions turn it slippery fast and a locker or 4WD low is useful if you hit it after heavy rain.
Are the water crossings on FR 10 deep enough to worry about, and how's cell service if something goes sideways?
The crossings are typically shallow and manageable for a high-clearance vehicle in normal conditions, but spring snowmelt can push them higher — scout before you commit. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent for most of the route, so download offline maps and don't count on getting a call out if you need one.
Trail track
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