Green Mountain National Forest Somerset Reservoir Road
Hidden mountain lake accessed by rough gravel road
Somerset Reservoir Road climbs through the Green Mountains on a rough gravel track that most tourists never discover, leading to a stunning mountain lake surrounded by 3,000-foot peaks. The 12-mile route starts innocuously enough from Route 9 but quickly deteriorates into a rock-studded climb with washouts and loose surfaces. The payoff comes at Somerset Reservoir, where crystal-clear water reflects Mount Snow and Haystack Mountain in perfect stillness.
Easy to moderate difficulty for most of the route, though the final 3 miles require high-clearance vehicles due to rocky sections and seasonal washouts. Any capable SUV or pickup can make it in good weather, but avoid during mud season (April-May) when the road becomes impassable. Open year-round but best May through October. No permits required. Primitive camping available near the reservoir with vault toilets. You’ll get some of Vermont’s most pristine mountain lake scenery without the crowds of more famous destinations.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Wilmington, VT |
| 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 Tacoma handle this road without any mods?
Yes. High clearance is recommended but no lockers or lift required — a stock Wrangler, Tacoma, or 4Runner handles this fine. A stock Subaru Outback can make it in dry conditions, but scraping is possible on the rougher sections.
When does this road typically open in spring and close in fall?
The road is generally accessible May through October. Spring mud season (mid-March to late April) can make it impassable or cause serious ruts — check with Green Mountain National Forest before heading out early in the season.
Do I need a permit to drive this road or camp along it?
No permit required to drive it. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard Green Mountain National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water and roads, and pack out everything you pack in.
What's the roughest section and what should I actually expect?
The road is rated easy overall, but expect loose gravel, embedded rocks, and some washboarding throughout. Water crossings are typically shallow and straightforward — nothing technical, but they can be deeper after heavy rain so don't assume.
Is there any cell service on this trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is essentially nonexistent for the full 24 miles — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. Wilmington, VT is your closest fuel stop, so top off there before heading in.
Trail track
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