deer leap trail

A hike the whole family can do. Once at the top of the big rock at Deer's Leap, the view is beautiful.

You can park next to the Inn (facing the Inn on the right side) The first 1/4 mile or so is rocky then more trail like after that and just a couple of bigger rocks towards the peak. All were easy to navigate with care with about a foot of snow on the ground and some ice. Snow shoeing would not be possible for the first stretch being too rocky or other parts too steep. It was traveled so the snow was packed down. You could pack Snoshoes, then cruise along the AT were it breaks off. I figure about 1/3 to 1/2 of my normal distance when winter hiking in snow with temps in the low 20's, just my person guide. We wanted to make a nice loop of the Deer Leap and AT Maine junction then back to Deer Leap, but the AT was untraveled (way cool) so snow was to deep without snoshoes. We had regular boots, with no spikes , POLES ARE A MUST for safety in some of the rocky parts and ease of climb. The view does have the road below and the ski resort, but in other directions it is nice. Down from the peak was just about 1/2 the time going up. Easy for a day hike with snow shoe hair and fox tracks at the top and some wood peckers and chickadees.

I was there for little food in the restaurant before I calmed the Deer Leap Overlook to see the Sunset with my Camper from Camp Sangamon. The food was great because I was really hungry. I got a burger before I continue my hiking to the Deer Leap Overlook for my Sunset. I'd like to recommend

Excellent little hike - my boyfriend and I trekked up relatively quickly to get treated to a stunning view of Rutland's valley from the top. Parking is simple - definitely park on the side of the inn/pub, don't cross the highway. The trail is relatively well marked but it was easy to meander off if you aren't paying attention. We climbed/hiked up the hill through to a beautiful stand of birch and pine. Though these woods, follow the signs to a lookout point, which are huge boulders where you can shimmy to the top for a truly stunning view. It was basically empty when we went, though it would have been nice to go in the summer or even fall when the leaves turn. I would say difficulty level is easy to moderate - there are some bits where you will need to be able to step carefully among the roots/rocks, and climbing the boulder for the view is better if you are ok with heights. Whole trip took us around an hour. Enjoy!

The hike to the summit is short (approximately 1.2 miles) and challenging, but wow are the views worth. One is treated to a great view of Pico Peak and the north face of Killington as well as the whole mountainscape of Rutland. We hiked the loop around the back of the mountain on the was out where things got technical but still enjoyable. Based on GPS calculations, if you do the summit hike followed by the loop back using the AT, you total around 3.5 miles of great hiking.

Went for an afternoon hike with friends. Climb was a little dicey in places from the earlier rain. The vista at the end of the trail was absolutely gorgeous. Worth the trip

the rock wall!!!I did, started off as a hike, followed a buddy out onto the face to check it out, and ended up forced to climb to top top as going back down backwards was not an option it became too technical. Obviously, really stupid my bad but I could see how this could happen to anyone really. No climbing shoes, just vanilla hiking shoes. One bad turn lead to next and I was on a free climbing adventure with some steep grade and no ropes with a lethal fail if I slipped.. I am a skier and hiker not a technical climber. In good shape. I had some verbal support from onlookers from on the top cheering me on. I made it... Obviously. Best tasting beer in my life came from someone on the top. my nerves were shot. Another student from GMC student a few years prior to me got hurt here I heard too. So, be smart, and enjoy this beautiful short hike, stay on the trail unless prepared for the technical climb.

I want to say first that I do not recommend trying to cross the busy route 4 just to enjoy the parking across the street. We parked right next to the Inn and no one said anything, as did other travelers so it looks like during the day you can park there but not overnight as the sign says. Please don't try to cross route 4, it's a blind corner and dangerous. The hike is not easy. I've been doing a lot of hiking lately and this was one of the harder ones. I know it's labelled as moderate but unless you're comfortable with climbing over roots and rocks that are often wet with a drop off right next to you for part of the way then this may not be the trail for you. And, did I mention it's extremely steep in portions? I had a fairly hard time with this one. It's longer than what it seems as you get to the 'top' and then you have another mile or so to the overlook. The overlook is spectacular. Great view of the mountains and road below. You'll have to climb on steep rocks and you can walk to the edge if you're not afraid. If you're clumsy or have any difficulty with climbing, I do not recommend this trail. Parking is free, no fee to get in and it was very quiet when we were there on a Sunday morning although more hikers were coming up as we made our way down.

Nice day for a hike! Deer Leap Trail has a considerable gain in elevation for a pretty short hike. The terrain is a little rough, but totally worth it once you reach the lookout! Sprawling views of the green mountains on a clear day. Just beautiful!

Strapped for time and want a good hike with spectacular views....head to Dear Leap....don't miss out on McGrath's pub at the bottom for the drink up.... I do this hike about once a week in the summer, also got engaged to my wife at the top!

I started my hike down by the Beaver Pond (now dry) and hiked east on the newly opened section toward Deer Leap. I went around Mother's Day and the spring wildflowers were just awesome. not just one or a few types but a big range all in blossom. Great addition to an otherwise boring walk. The vista is on a spur off of the AT/LT and must return back the same way back to the main trail. I then continued down the blue blaze (former AT/LT) to the INN at long trail and down Rte 4 to my car.BTW, The vista is worth the trip (actually there are two) one looking toward Rutland and the other an 80 foot drop looking toward Pico that rock climbers climb.

I must hike this trail 5 times a year and it doesn't get old to me. It's an easier hike with great views of some of vermonts finest mountains. The hike is very easy to get to and you can always treat yourself to some good food just below the trail.

This was a good short family hike and my four year old loved it. McGrath's pub and inn is right at the start, so you can end your hike with a meal or a beer. The only downside is that a good portion of the trail is alongside and then above the highway, so you can't really escape the sound of cars.

I travelled from Gifford Woods along the Appalachian Trail before branching off to Deer Leap Rock. The views from the rock are very good and the climb was rated as 'easy' although the route I took was continually uphill for around an hour before hitting the Deer Leap Trail. Lovelly walk through unspoilt forests.

Great trail, about 3 miles, feels like 10, but is up and down both ways, view at the top is spectacular; but no fencing so be careful. My new Merrell hiking books worked great; I think I owe my success to them! Worth the effort!