Green Mountain National Forest Forest Road 21

Forest Road 21 is a gnarly 18-mile connector that climbs over the spine of the Green Mountains between Mount Tabor and Danby, following old logging roads that haven’t seen maintenance in decades. The route passes through the Big Branch Wilderness buffer zone, crossing Big Branch itself three times before ascending to Baker Peak’s northern shoulder at 2,850 feet. Rock gardens and washed-out culverts mark the descent into Danby, where the old marble quarries still scar the hillsides.

This is serious 4WD territory requiring skid plates and recovery gear—the water crossings can run knee-deep during spring runoff, and the rocky sections will test your differential. Access is seasonal from late May through October, and even then expect muddy conditions. No permits needed, but camping is restricted to designated sites only due to wilderness proximity. Cell service is nonexistent until you drop into the Otter Creek valley. Bring extra food and fuel—the nearest services are 30 miles away in either direction.