Vermont’s Class IV Mount Tabor to Mount Bromley Mining District Road
Granite ledges and quarry ruins in the Green Mountains
This forgotten mining access road climbs from the old Mount Tabor quarry through some of the Green Mountains’ most technical terrain, connecting a network of abandoned granite and marble operations that fed Vermont’s building boom in the 1800s. The route follows Town Highway 4 until it dissolves into unmarked Class IV road status — local knowledge essential since there’s zero signage past the first mile. You’ll tackle exposed granite slabs with 20% grades and navigate around house-sized boulders the quarrymen left behind, with the old Bromley mining camp ruins marking your halfway point.
Expert-level technical challenge requiring experienced drivers with proper equipment — differential locks, rock sliders, and 35-inch tires minimum. The granite ledges get deadly slick when wet, and recovery points are scarce once you commit to the upper sections. May through October only, and even then, check conditions with the Manchester Ranger District. No cell service, no bailout options for 12 miles once you’re committed. Bring GPS navigation, recovery gear, and enough fuel for a full day — the views from Bromley’s summit make the punishment worthwhile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3260 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4x4 with armor and 35-inch tires |
| Nearest town | Manchester, VT |
| Land manager | Green Mountain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail?
No. This is a built-rig trail — you need armor, a solid skid plate setup, and 35-inch tires minimum. Stock suspension and factory plastic will get torn up on the exposed granite ledges and steep rocky grades. Leave the bone-stock rigs at home.
When does this trail actually open and close each year?
Best window is May through October. Vermont mud season in early spring can make the Class IV sections impassable and cause serious ruts, and snow hits the upper elevations early — sometimes October. Check with Green Mountain National Forest before heading out in shoulder months.
Do I need a permit to run this road or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the trail or use dispersed camping within Green Mountain National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace and standard GMNF dispersed camping rules — 200 feet from water, roads, and trails, 14-night stay limit.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The exposed granite ledge climbs are the crux — steep, off-camber, and unforgiving if your line is off. Expect serious articulation demands, possible winch points, and zero bailout-friendly terrain once you're committed to the upper sections. One mistake on the ledges can put a rocker panel or worse into rock.
Is there any gas or water along the route, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
There is no water or services on trail — carry everything you need. Manchester, VT is the nearest town with fuel and supplies, roughly 10-15 minutes from the start coordinates. Top off your tank and fill your water before you leave town because you'll have zero cell service and no bailout options once you're in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.