White Rocks Cliffs & Ice Beds, VT

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 530 to 1,780 feet
• Wallingford, VT | Southern Region
.

A scenic wide-angle view from a rocky outcrop looking across a lush, forest-covered mountain slope with a large field of grey talus and boulders running down its side toward a distant valley under a clear blue sky.

White Rocks Cliffs, best viewed from Ice Beds Trail.

The striking quartzite talus slopes of the White Rocks Cliffs are a signature landmark of southern Vermont, offering hikes to two distinct destinations. Climb to the cliff tops for sweeping distant views, or cool off at the curious ice beds at the base of the talus field, where deep crevices trap winter ice well into the warmer months, creating refreshing drafts and chilly boulders perfect for a cooling break.

We recommend starting at the large parking area in the free White Rocks Day Use Area, which serves as the trailhead for both destinations. If your primary goal is scaling the cliffs, consider hiking the Ice Beds Trail first, at least as far as the two viewpoints, to get a full appreciation for the mountain you're about to climb.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail 3.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,250 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Long Trail 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,410 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail 1.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 530 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

⬤ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail
Preferred cliffs route, lots of parking.
From the trail sign for the Keewaydin Trail at the far end of the main parking lot, follow the path as it curves around the northeastern side of the cliff face. Early on, you'll spot the cascades of Bully Brook on your left. The path soon reaches a junction with the combined route of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Make a mental note of this junction for your return, then continue upward. The incline along this stretch remains moderate without any steep scrambles, which also makes the eventual descent easy on the knees.

At the top, you'll find a clearing in the forest littered with small stones. Here you'll leave the main trail and head west and downward toward the cliff overlook, following the blue blazes the whole way. The overlook spur descends slightly to a series of viewpoints along the cliff edge, offering wide views across the valley toward the Taconic Mountains, with the distant Adirondacks visible on clear days.

A narrow, dirt hiking trail winds uphill through a dense, sunlit forest. Tall, slender trees with textured bark flank both sides of the path, their lush green leaves forming a bright canopy overhead that filters dappled sunlight onto the ground. The rocky trail is lined with exposed tree roots, leafy low-lying foliage, and patches of ferns along the gentle slope.

Trail gets rockier, but the ascent never gets steep.

⬤ Cliffs via Long Trail
Slightly longer route, limited parking.
This alternative route to reaches the same cliffs from a few roadside parking spots along State Route 140 where the Long Trail intersects with the road. Be sure to park entirely beyond the white line and check for posted restriction signs. From the roadside trailhead, head up the shared Long Trail and Appalachian Trail route towards the cliffs.

⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail
Unique spot, great viewpoints.
This trail also begins at the White Rocks Day Use Area. It can be tricky to follow in places, so watch closely for sporadic blue blazes on trees and rocks, and keep an offline digital map handy in case you get off course. The terrain features mostly continuous elevation changes with almost no flat stretches. Footing is often rocky, though a pine-needle carpet along parts of the trail provides some cushion.

A high-angle view framed by evergreen pine branches looking down from a rocky cliff face over a sprawling, sunlit valley filled with green fields and dense forests. Large, light gray slab rocks ledge along the right foreground, while distant mountains meet a vibrant blue sky filled with scattered white clouds in the horizon.

Partial views reveal a precipitous drop.

We suggest all hikers at least visit the lookouts to appreciate the impressive view of the White Rocks Cliffs from below. From there, continuing on to the ice beds reveals a unique geological feature, where ice stays packed deep between the boulders well into summer, venting cold air and feeding a cold creek that trickles out of the talus field.

Scrambling onto the rock pile itself is optional and requires careful bouldering. Some hikers have even been known to clamber up the talus slopes to the cliffs above to complete a full circuit, but this an opportunity for only the most adventurous and isn't something weve tried.

A wide, panoramic view from a rocky mountain ledge looking west over a vast, green forested valley stretching toward rolling mountain ranges in the distance under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. Large, light gray boulders frame the foreground edge, flanked by small evergreen pine trees on both sides.

Wide westerly view across Vermont's Green Mountains.

A narrow pine-needle path winds through a dense evergreen forest, highlighted on the left by a uniquely gnarled, twisted tree trunk with exposed roots. Bright sunlight filters through the high canopy, casting long shadows across the moss-covered, rocky ground and illuminating patches of green foliage throughout the woods.

Alpine-like moss and gnarled trees above the White Rocks talus.

A small, rocky stream trickles through the forest floor at the base of a massive talus slope composed of large gray boulders rising into the background. Bright green leafy trees and mossy banks frame the stream in the foreground, with sunlight filtering through the canopy onto the lush undergrowth and scattered rocks.

Ice Beds: creek-cooled rocks at the base of the talus field.

External links:
Keewaydin Trail to White Rocks Cliffs at US Forest Service
White Rocks Ice Beds at US Forest Service
White Rocks Mountain (2,683 ft) at Peakbagger

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Killington Peak (4-8 mi)
4★ Bromley Mountain (5-6 mi)
4★ Lye Brook Falls (4 mi)
Show Area Map

New England Fire Towers
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.

New England Waterfalls
Trails to spectacular waterfalls around the region.

New England Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around New England with Trailspotting.