Mount Olga — Molly Stark State Park

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What to Expect

The Mount Olga Trail is a 1.7-mile loop inside Molly Stark State Park, located along Route 9 in Wilmington, Vermont. The trail begins across from the park office, crosses a small brook on a footbridge, and passes through two historic stone walls — remnants of 19th-century sheep farming. Blue blazes mark the route throughout, guiding hikers through northern hardwoods, spruce, and fir as the grade gradually steepens toward the summit. At the top, a restored steel fire tower (relocated here from Townshend State Park in 1955) rewards climbers with unobstructed 360-degree views of the southern Vermont Green Mountains, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, and Mount Snow to the northwest.

Difficulty

This trail earns its moderate rating through steady, sustained climbing rather than technical terrain. The first half-mile is nearly flat as the path crosses the brook and weaves through stone walls, but the second half ramps up meaningfully before reaching the 2,415-foot summit. Total elevation gain is roughly 760 feet across less than a mile of net climbing. Footing is packed dirt with some root and rock sections that can be slippery when wet. The return leg of the loop descends on a gentler grade, making the full circuit manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness base.

Best Time to Go

Late September and early October offer the most dramatic scenery: southern Vermont foliage frames the summit views and the hardwoods along the trail canopy in gold, amber, and red. Summer weekends are popular with campers staying in the park’s 34 sites, so midweek visits keep the tower platform uncrowded. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Winter snowshoers also use the trail, but the park is unattended in the off-season. Spring mud season (March through mid-May) can make the packed-dirt trail soft and rutted.

Before You Go

A day-use fee applies; Vermont State Parks passes are accepted. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park, including the trail. Bring water — there are no water sources on the trail once you leave the park office area. The fire tower has been repaired and is open for public use. The park is at 705 Route 9 East, Wilmington, VT; coming from Brattleboro, take I-91 Exit 2 and head 15 miles west on Route 9. Cell coverage in this valley is spotty, so download an offline map or pick up the park’s printed trail guide at the office.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →