Plymouth-Killington Stage Road (Forest Road 300)
Historic stage road through the Green Mountains
Forest Road 300 follows the original 1800s stage coach route that carried passengers and freight between Plymouth and the mountain settlements around what’s now Killington Resort. The 12-mile dirt and gravel track climbs steadily through mature hardwood forest, crossing several seasonal streams and passing the remains of old logging camps and stone foundations from abandoned hill farms. The most challenging section comes around mile 8 where the road narrows considerably and requires careful navigation around washouts during spring runoff season.
This is a solid moderate route suitable for stock SUVs with decent ground clearance, though mud season (April-May) can make it impassable for anything but serious 4WD rigs. Best tackled June through October when the forest service maintains it for recreation access. No permits required, and there’s excellent dispersed camping along the route with established fire rings. The payoff is classic Vermont mountain scenery and a real sense of following in the tracks of 19th-century travelers who carved this path through the Green Mountains.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2650 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Plymouth, 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 | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle FR 300 without any mods?
Yes. A stock high-clearance SUV is the minimum and handles this trail fine under normal conditions. Lifted rigs are not required, but low-clearance crossovers and sedans will bottom out on the rougher sections.
When does FR 300 typically open and close for the season?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring mud season in Vermont can keep the road soft and rutted well into May, and early snowfall can shut it down by late October — check with Green Mountain National Forest before a shoulder-season run.
Do you need a permit or is there a fee to drive FR 300?
No permit or fee required to drive the trail. It's National Forest land managed by Green Mountain National Forest, so standard forest rules apply — pack it in, pack it out, and don't cut new tracks off the road.
What's the hardest section of Plymouth-Killington Stage Road and what makes it tough?
The steeper climbing sections with the 1,800-foot elevation gain are where the trail tests you — loose gravel on grades can get slippery, especially after rain. The water crossings add a wildcard; they're generally shallow but can run higher in spring or after heavy storms.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and where's the nearest gas before heading out?
Cell service is nonexistent on FR 300 — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you go. Fuel up in Woodstock or Ludlow before hitting the trail; Plymouth itself is a small town with very limited services.
Trail track
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