Futures Trail
Reaches Mt Ascutney (3,130 ft), Ascutney North (3,097 ft), Ascutney South (2,887 ft).
- Length
- 3.9 mi
- Climb
- 2,470 ft
- Time, one way
- about 3 h 15 min
- County
- Windsor
- Difficulty
- Very strenuousestimated
- Surface
- dirt
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About this trail
The Futures Trail is the long way up Mount Ascutney, starting beside campsite 22 in the state park campground. The park's guide gives 4.6 miles to the summit; at 4.1 miles it joins the Windsor Trail. Along the way are the Bare Rock vista at 1.0 mile and, at 3.5 miles, the Steam Donkey, a steam-powered machine left from cable logging in the early 1900s. Parking areas along the Mt. Ascutney Parkway reach parts of the trail, so it can be hiked in shorter sections.
Good to know
- Starting in the campground requires the park's day-use fee.
- Parkway parking is only open during the park's operating season.
Written by VTHiking from Vermont State Parks, Mt. Ascutney State Park recreation guide (2018), checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lots below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
- Futures Trail Trailhead Fee unconfirmedStart here1,724 ft · Windsor County
- Cabin Area Parking Fee unconfirmedStart here1,841 ft · Windsor County
Other access, a short walk away
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.