Overview
Silent Cliff sits at the western edge of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in the northern unit of the Green Mountain National Forest. The cliff face drops sharply to the west and provides one of the more dramatic open views in the Middlebury area: the Champlain Valley floor spread out below, Lake Dunmore visible through the trees, and the Adirondack escarpment rising on the far side of the valley in New York.
The 5.0-mile out-and-back covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain through hardwood and mixed forest. The route is neither as demanding as Mount Mansfield nor as casual as the Texas Falls Nature Trail, making it a solid mid-length option for hikers who want a genuine workout and a good payoff without committing to a full-day summit attempt.
The Moosalamoo Recreation Area is well-developed compared to the rest of the northern unit, with consistent signage, a campground, and multiple trail connection points. The Silent Cliff route is one of several distinct out-and-back options within the system.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.0: Forest approach. The trail begins at the Moosalamoo Campground area or the Route 53 trailhead (both connect to the same trail network) and climbs gradually through northern hardwood forest. The grade is easy to start and the trail is well-signed.
Miles 1.0 to 2.0: Sustained climb. The trail steepens into a consistent uphill section through a mix of maple, beech, and yellow birch. Root-crossed sections are common and trekking poles are useful here. The forest transitions toward spruce and fir in the upper section.
Miles 2.0 to 2.5: Cliff approach and overlook. The trail levels and then pushes through a final short rise to the cliff edge. The transition from closed forest to open sky is abrupt and dramatic. The cliff overlook provides a broad west-facing view. Exercise caution near the cliff edge, which has no railing or barrier. This is the turnaround point for the standard out-and-back.
Return: Retrace the route to the trailhead.
When to Visit
Summer (June through August): The trail is fully accessible and the views are at their most dramatic with full summer haze. Early morning visits may offer better visibility to the Adirondacks.
Fall (September through mid-October): The cliff becomes a particularly good vantage point during fall hawk migration, with broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks moving through in September and October. The foliage color from the cliff overlook is excellent.
Winter: Snowshoe accessible in good snow years. The cliff edge and upper sections may be icy. Traction devices are advisable.
Spring: The lower trail can be muddy during mud season (April through mid-May). The upper trail is firmer but the cliff edge can be icy with late-season frost.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this route carry:
- 1-2 liters of water per person (individual needs vary; this is a 2 to 3-hour hike with moderate exertion)
- Trekking poles for the rocky descent
- Rain gear for variable conditions
- Binoculars for Adirondack and valley views, or for hawk watching in fall
- Offline map downloaded before departure
Practical Details
The Moosalamoo Campground has vault toilets accessible from the trailhead area. No fee as of 2026 for the trail itself. Campground fees apply if you are camping overnight.
Dogs are welcome. Leash dogs at the cliff edge for their safety.
No overnight camping at the cliff viewpoint. Dispersed camping is available elsewhere in the national forest following Leave No Trace practices.
Cell service is absent throughout the Moosalamoo area. Download maps before departure.
The broader Moosalamoo system allows mountain biking on most trails. The Silent Cliff Trail may see some bike traffic on the lower section; hikers and cyclists share the tread.
Getting There
From Middlebury, take Route 7 south to Route 53, then south along Lake Dunmore to the Moosalamoo Campground road or continue to the trailhead parking on Route 53. Signs for Moosalamoo and Branbury State Park are visible along Route 53.
From Rutland, take Route 7 north to Route 53, then north along Lake Dunmore. The drive from Rutland takes approximately 25 minutes.
USFS Middlebury Ranger District contact and current conditions: fs.usda.gov/greenmountain.