About Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont at 4,393 feet tall, and resembles a human face when viewing the east summit ridge. There are many different trails one can take up the mountain, but one of the best is the Sunset Ridge Trail. This is by far the most scenic route, and you'll be above treeline for the majority of the hike. However, because of this exposure this trail is not recommended in bad weather, as it will be freezing, and you'll be at the complete mercy of the weather. This trail is 3.3 miles long.
The Laura Cowels Trail
This trail is much more direct to the top of the mountain, but is also a lot steeper, and so more difficult. Also, much of the hike is through a forest, so the views are not quite as spectacular. You can do this and the Sunset Ridge Trail in a loop as to experience both, but it is advised you go up this trail, instead of down.
Long Trail Southbound
This is the most popular of the trails to the top of Mount Mansfield, and is shorter than the other two trails, at 2.3 miles. The trail is very steep, but also shealtered and so you will be protected from most of the weather. This trail can also be combined with other hiking trails, as to experience more of the mountain, just make sure you bring a map.