Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area Circuit
Remote Northeast Kingdom wilderness circuit
The Victory Basin WMA encompasses 4,970 acres of pristine wetlands, old-growth forest, and sphagnum bogs in Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom. This network of interconnected logging roads and wildlife management tracks creates a roughly 15-mile circuit through terrain that feels more like northern Canada than New England. The route passes through the heart of Victory Basin’s famous bog complex, where moose sightings are common and the silence can be absolute. Watch for the old CCC camp foundations near Burke Mountain and the hand-built stone culverts that still channel water after 80 years.
This is expert-level terrain requiring serious 4WD capability, especially during spring and fall when the clay-based roads become nearly impassable quagmires. Approach only with aggressive tread tires, recovery gear, and ideally a second vehicle. June through August offers the most reliable access, though even then expect deep mud holes and challenging stream crossings. No facilities exist within the area, but the remoteness and wildlife viewing opportunities make this one of Vermont’s most rewarding backcountry experiences for prepared overlanders.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with aggressive tires |
| Nearest town | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Land manager | Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | vtfishandwildlife.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Victory Basin, or does it actually need to be built?
A stock rig will get you into trouble here. You need a modified 4WD with aggressive mud-terrain tires at minimum — the boggy wetland sections and water crossings will swallow stock all-terrains. Lift, skid plates, and a recovery kit are not optional.
When does Victory Basin dry out enough to run without destroying your rig or the trail?
June through August is the realistic window. Spring snowmelt turns the bog sections into a disaster zone well into May, and fall rain can make it impassable again fast. Even in peak summer, expect soft ground after any rain.
Do you need a permit to run Victory Basin WMA?
No permit is required to access Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area, but it's managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and subject to their regulations — including seasonal hunting closures. Check vtfishandwildlife.com before you go, especially in fall.
What's the hardest section of the circuit and what should I be ready for?
The wetland and bog crossings are where rigs get stuck — deep mud, hidden soft spots, and standing water with no clean line around them. There's no bailout in the middle of the circuit, so if you're pulling someone out, you're doing it in a remote area with zero cell service and no guarantee of another vehicle coming through.
Is there any cell service at Victory Basin, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service anywhere on this trail — plan accordingly with a satellite communicator. St. Johnsbury is your last stop for fuel, roughly 25-30 miles from the trailhead, so top off before you leave town.
Trail track
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