Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
Vermont's highest driveable summit
Mount Equinox’s Skyline Drive is Vermont’s only mountain toll road, a steep 5.2-mile climb gaining 2,800 feet to reach the state’s highest automotive summit at 3,848 feet. Built in 1947 by Dr. Joseph Davidson, this privately maintained gravel road features 13% grades, sharp switchbacks, and spectacular drop-offs as it winds through mixed hardwood and spruce forests above Manchester. The summit offers 360-degree views stretching from New Hampshire’s White Mountains to New York’s Adirondacks, with the Battenkill Valley spread out below.
Moderate difficulty due to steep grades and loose gravel — any vehicle can make it, but low-clearance cars should take it slow on the rockier upper sections. Open May through October, weather permitting, with a toll booth at the base collecting $15 per vehicle. No camping allowed on the private property, but the summit features picnic areas and hiking trails. This is classic New England mountain driving — challenging enough to be rewarding but accessible to most vehicles, with views that justify the toll and the white-knuckle moments on the steeper sections.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 5.2 mi / 8.4 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3848 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Manchester, Vermont |
| Land manager | Private - Equinox Skyline Drive |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | equinoxskylinedrive.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lifted truck or 4x4 to drive Mount Equinox Skyline Drive?
No. The road is maintained gravel and any stock vehicle — sedan, minivan, whatever — can make the climb. No clearance or AWD required.
When is Mount Equinox Skyline Drive open and can I drive it in early spring?
The road is open May through October. It's closed November through April, so don't plan a shoulder-season run — you'll hit a locked gate.
Is there a toll to drive up Mount Equinox?
Yes, it's a private toll road. Current rates are posted at equinoxskylinedrive.com — expect a per-vehicle fee paid at the gate. No passes, no free entry.
What's the hardest part of the drive and is there anything technical to watch for?
Nothing technical — it's a gravel road, not a trail. The main challenge is tight switchbacks on the upper section with steep drop-offs and no guardrails in spots. Take it slow if you're towing or driving a longer rig.
Is there anywhere to camp at the top or nearby, and how's cell service on the summit?
No camping at the summit — it's a day-use toll road only. Cell service is reported as good from the top. For camping, Manchester has options nearby, or look for dispersed sites in Green Mountain National Forest a short drive out.
Trail track
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