Region
Highlights
- Highest peak in the Taconic Mountains, 3rd most prominent in Vermont
- Rises over 3,000 ft above the town of Manchester, VT
- Skyline Drive paved autoroad goes to the summit Skyline Inn. From here there's a short trail to Lookout Rock
- A secluded Carthusian monastery lies on Equinox's western slopes, closed to the public
Routes
11 summits • 6.3 mi • 2,789 ft gain • 3 hr 39 min
Latest summits
"Our group finished hiking Dorset and we headed over to Equinox next. We hiked the Red Tr and the Blue Tr up to the summit. Plenty of ice on the ground. Microspikes were needed. We had no views on the top today because of heavy cloud cover. " — newenglandwarrior • Jan 14, 2023
"A vert smackdown on slippery roots & rocks. Tried to get to final turn to summit in under an hour rhiking it but the wet conditions slowed me down just a tad too much. Zero views. A good old fashioned morning sufferfest, plain and simple" — scott • Aug 20, 2021
"Got a late start with Kim. Left the overflow parking lot at 10:30am. Very busy trail. It was also very hot today over 90 degrees and humid. It was nice to stop at the spring and refresh with that nice cold water. We hung out at the summit house and had a snack before heading back to the car. " — LGH-Tom • Jul 18, 2020
"Bright and sunny day. There was a little ice on the path near the summit on the wooded areas, but not enough to warrant spikes. Views were spectacular, climb was a solid 3 miles of up. " — Kazmuglin • Apr 17, 2016
"A short but steep hike up Mt Equinox with Craig & Arlene. Absolutely beautiful day to be out on the trail. Only ran into one couple heading up and maybe two or three others coming down." — markst-john • Oct 31, 2015
"Nice climb up. Stopped at the spring and stuck my head in to cool off on a warm day. Construction at the summit sadly as they work on building a visitors center at the top. Awesome views of Manchester from the summit." — MorganJKelley • May 25, 2012
"8 degrees below at 6:30 am start, but warmed quickly with the sun. No wind to speak of. Nice 5 " snowcover on the trail, microspikes once again proved their worth. A great day to be on the mountain with VonSelmer!" — PJSelmer • Jan 16, 2012
"1st hike of the New Year! Started at 8 AM. Total fog until we were halfway down.
At 11 AM the valley cleared and the summit was just clearing when we got to the car around noon.
Ice encountered starting at 2300'. Micro spikes were helpful (and almost necessary). Snow line was at 2700'. There was only about 2" of snow at the summit.
See more pictures and my trip report at:
http://www.offonadventure.com/2012/01/equinox-mountain-1112.html" — Telemarkmike • Jan 1, 2012
"Led Albany ADK trip and my son John came along. We went to the Lookout Rock also and were interested in the monument to Mr. Barbo, a pet dog. Ate lunch on the porch because rain had started. Rained the rest of the day. Lost the trail partway down and came out on a different spot, so had a little road walking to get back to where we parked." — barbaratraver • Aug 23, 1990