Skylight Pond is one of those places that rewards the effort to reach it. Sitting at 3,420 feet in the Breadloaf Wilderness, this clear mountain pond reflects the surrounding spruce and fir forest like a mirror. There's a rustic shelter, backcountry camping, and the kind of quiet that only comes from being miles from the nearest road.
The hike isn't easy—most routes involve significant elevation gain and distance—but Skylight Pond delivers the authentic Vermont backcountry experience that makes the Long Trail famous.
Trail Options
Via Forest Road 59 and Skyline Lodge Trail
- Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The most direct route begins at the Skyline Lodge trailhead on Forest Road 59 (Steam Mill Road) near Ripton. The trail climbs steadily through hardwoods to spruce forest, meeting the Long Trail near Skylight Pond.
Via Long Trail from Lincoln Gap
- Distance: 11.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
A longer approach traversing part of the Monroe Skyline section of the Long Trail. You'll pass Mount Abraham and other high points before descending to Skylight Pond. More ambitious but offers more mountain scenery.
Long Trail Section Hike
Skylight Pond makes an excellent destination on a multi-day Long Trail section hike, with Skyline Lodge providing overnight shelter.
The Pond and Shelter
Skylight Pond is roughly 2 acres, clear and cold, surrounded by boreal forest. On calm days, the reflections are stunning. On any day, the silence and isolation create a profound sense of wilderness.
Skyline Lodge
The GMC's Skyline Lodge sits near the pond, offering:
- Enclosed shelter with bunks (first-come, first-served)
- Tent platforms nearby
- Caretaker present in summer (fee collected)
- Privy
- Water from pond (treat before drinking)
Skyline Lodge is one of the nicest shelters on the Long Trail—enclosed, with a porch and great pond access. Book no reservations are taken; arrive early on summer weekends.
What to Expect
Skylight Pond sits in the Breadloaf Wilderness, which means:
- No blazes: Wilderness regulations prohibit paint blazes; follow cairns and worn trail
- Primitive conditions: Pack out all trash; leave no trace
- True isolation: No cell service; be self-sufficient
Wildlife
The pond and surrounding forest support moose, black bear, various songbirds, and the occasional loon on the water. Early morning and evening offer the best wildlife viewing.
When to Visit
- June-September: Best conditions; caretaker present
- Fall: Beautiful colors in the surrounding forest
- Winter: Accessible on snowshoes/skis for experienced winter campers
- Mud season (April-May): Trail extremely muddy; consider avoiding
Overnight vs Day Hike
While Skylight Pond is reachable as a day hike, spending a night at Skyline Lodge allows you to experience the pond at sunset and sunrise—when the light and wildlife are best. If you can manage the backcountry overnight, it's worth it.
Practical Information
Getting There
The Skyline Lodge trailhead is on Forest Road 59 (Steam Mill Road), accessed from Route 125 near Ripton. The road can be rough; high-clearance vehicles are helpful though not required.
Fees
Green Mountain Club (GMC) caretakers collect a fee for overnight stays at the lodge and tent sites. Day hiking is free.
What to Bring
- Water treatment (pond water is the only source)
- Bear canister or rope for food storage
- Layers (nights are cold at elevation)
- Map/compass (limited trail markings in wilderness)
Quick Reference
| Route | Distance | Gain | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via FR 59 | 6.4 mi | 1,400 ft | Moderate |
| Via Lincoln Gap | 11.0 mi | 2,500 ft | Strenuous |
Skylight Pond represents what the Long Trail does best—wild places accessible only on foot, where boreal forest meets alpine water and the world feels far away. Whether you hike in for a few hours or stay overnight at Skyline Lodge, this hidden pond rewards the effort to find it.
