Deer Leap via Appalachian Trail Loop

Great hike. This route to deer leap overlook goes up and over deer keep mtn. It is a nice alternative to the shorter trail that begins at the top of Sherburne pass. It’s a bit longer but gets MUCH less foot traffic.

Beautiful trail, well kept and super easy to follow. Went early morning and view at the peak was excellent. Very few bugs. Wouldn’t say this is a hard trail, more moderate.

Warm, muggy and buggy 77 degrees

This was an amazing day hike for moderate strenuous level. It was lightly raining when we hiked so we had no view at the top and high winds. I didnt feel disappointed though because the trail was fun and engaging with lots of rocks and varying ups and downs. I may have gone on a really special day when the weather was slightly rainy and cool creating a beautiful fog inside the forest. Easier and quicker than the Killington Summit but I thought the terrain and atmosphere was more fun to hike in. (highly recommend both) There are a few different areas you can pick up this trail and hike to the Sherburne Pass overlook but we parked at McGraths Irish Pub at the Long Trail and the trail head was in the parking lot. As soon as you get on the trail you're going up and the rocky fun begins. Have some bearings of the trail before heading in, there are a few forks along the way and you want to know which way to take to the overlook. Went to Long Trail Brewing after the hike for an amazing lunch and beers. Great day!

This trail was well maintained and fit the moderately difficult rating, pretty okay on the knees! Even on a beautiful day like today, no crowds at all!

Beautiful trail that brings you to the cross-section of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. Not so “hard”, I would say more “moderate,” with a few steep inclines. Amazing view at the top of Mount Killington!

perfect

Delivers as advertised/reviewed: a well marked and maintained wooded trail with excellent views from the rocky outcropping on the Deer Leap spur. I agree that this is more moderate than hard. The elevation gain on the AT is fairly modest. Deer Leap gets steeper but no more than you expect when you approach a summit, maybe less. If there’s any scrambling at all it’s on the Deer Leap trail west of the spur, the return portion of the loop if you’re looping clockwise. If you consult the elevation graph that accompanies the All Trails map, you will see that the highest point on the hike, the graphic peak, is on this portion, not at the overlook on the spur. I hadn’t read that graph and so, traveling clockwise around the loop, was surprised by the climb that followed my break at the overlook. There’s no such view at the actual top, but there awaits the satisfaction of achieving the full elevation gain. I’m 50 and in so-so shape, and, hiking alone and at a cautious pace, I walked this route in 4 hours. Assuming the same conditions — beautiful weather, a fairly dry trail — you could do it in 3 if you mean to.

Maybe I’m just super strong (lol) but I’d rate this as more of a moderate than a hard trail. The Appalachian trail part is definitely fairly easy, elevation change is gradual and the forest is beautiful. Lightly trafficked. Cross Rte 4 from the trail head to take AT North and when you get to Willard’s Gap, stay right to keep on the AT. The Deer Leap trail is steeper and more populated, and also... muddy! Hiking poles would come in handy for this section. The overlook is made up of some large rock faces, a great place to rest with amazing views.

Fun and challenging trail. Had no problem finishing with a large group of friends. A few of us never even hiked before so we had to take our time but the challenge was well worth it!

Great trail! There are steep portions, but definitely a can-do trail. Bonus...found some edible fungi!