Green Mountain National Forest Road 10
Remote forest road to Somerset Reservoir
Forest Road 10 cuts a lonely line through the Green Mountain National Forest’s most remote section, connecting Searsburg on Route 9 to Somerset Reservoir dam in a challenging 12-mile traverse. This former logging road follows Deerfield River tributaries through dense mixed forest, crossing multiple streams on deteriorating culverts and bridges. The notorious Carpenter Hill section midway through features loose rock, steep grades, and washouts that have trapped more than a few overconfident drivers attempting the route in dry weather.
Difficult rating due to technical rock sections, water crossings, and remoteness — high-clearance 4WD required, recovery gear recommended. Best attempted June through September when water levels are lowest, though even summer rains can turn stream crossings dangerous. No permits needed but dispersed camping allowed throughout National Forest sections. Cell service is nonexistent; carry maps, recovery gear, and extra fuel. What you get is access to some of Vermont’s wildest country, including fishing at Somerset Reservoir and connections to other forest roads for extended backcountry exploration.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Dispersed Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Searsburg, Vermont |
| Land manager | Green Mountain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle FR10 without a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can make it, but the rocky surface and stream crossings will test your skid plates hard. A lift and all-terrain tires give you meaningful margin here — don't bring a crossover or a lightly-built rig and expect to walk away clean.
When does FR10 actually open in the spring, and is it drivable after October?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring mud season in Vermont is brutal and the forest service typically restricts or gates forest roads to prevent resource damage — assume closed until late May at earliest. After October, early snow and freeze-thaw can make the rocky sections unpredictable fast.
Do you need a permit to run FR10 or camp along it?
No permit required to drive or camp dispersed on Green Mountain National Forest land. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply — camp 200 feet from water sources and established roads. No fee as of current forest service policy; confirm at fs.usda.gov/gmfl before you go since this can change.
What's the hardest section, and what specifically makes it technical?
The stream crossings are where rigs get into trouble — water depth varies significantly with rainfall and there's no current trail intel once you lose cell service, which is the entire route. The rocky surface is relentless on axles and requires consistent low-range 4WD; a single bad line choice can mean a hung-up skid plate miles from help.
How far is the nearest gas, and is there any cell service on the trail to call for help if something goes wrong?
There is zero cell service on FR10 — the entire 12 miles is a dead zone. Fuel up in Brattleboro or Bennington before heading up Route 9; Searsburg itself has nothing. Bring a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach — this is not a trail where you want to rely on flagging someone down.
Trail track
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