Equinox Mountain, Lookout Rock, Deer Knoll, & Equinox Pond (Equinox Preservation Trust)

Equinox Mountain, Lookout Rock, Deer Knoll, & Equinox Pond (Equinox Preservation Trust)

Hike Type: ----O- Loop

Distance: 9.06 miles

Elevation: 3,278 feet

My Time: 3 hours, 51 minutes (3 hours, 45 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes

Parking: Parking for <10 cars at red gate. Parking for many many cars at Blue Trailhead (outside of school hours)
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er, New England 100 Highest, New England 50 Finest

The Hike 

My drive from Stratton Mountain to Equinox Mountain was nothing short of delightful! I followed Kelly Stream Road through the Green Mountain National Forest (over just a few sketchy bridges), which was a beautiful, winding, gravel road. I continued along, following a brook/river, and eventually landing on VT-7a, passing the Skyline Drive to Equinox Mountain, which was fun to see (and I definitely thought about just driving up, but nooooooo...). 

The parking area at the Red Gate of the Equinox Preservation was full, but there was ample parking down at the student parking area. I was in the parking lot at 11:30am and had to really psych myself up to hike with all the people, since it was noontime on a relatively nice Saturday. I had to artfully apply some chafing/diaper rash ointment on areas where the sun don't shine and slowly got ready. The real driving force to get me going wasn't necessarily the Taconic 12er patch, but just that this had been a bucket list hike for me since college when a friend drove me to her hometown of Manchester, VT after I told her I had not been to Vermont before - it's cool to be finally climbing this mountian!

[11:45am - Start of Hike]

I blasted off from my car toward the Blue Summit Trail right at 11:45am, trying to get past a family that was also getting started. My body was definitely feeling a little mad, but all things considered, I was feeling good!

[11:49am - Blue Summit Trail]

I soon passed a gate and entered the woods at the official trailhead for the Blue Summit Trail. I was continuing to prepare for a very different social experience from my last hike. I caught up to and passed an unfriendly solo hiker ahead of me and heard more kids screaming up ahead. I passed another duo and then the screaming family in an area with many trail junctions.

[11:53am - Blue Summit Trail/Red Gate Trail]

[11:54am - Blue Summit Trail/Flatlanders Trail]

[11:54am - Blue Summit Trail/The Snicket]

[11:57am - Blue Summit Trail/Red Gate Departs]

To my delight, most hikers were taking these trails on the left to the Equinox Pond area - horray! The Blue Summit Trail continued ahead on a very wide old roadbed that reminded me of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. I forced myself to slow down a few times becuase I knew it was going to be a much harder climb than Stratton, but I was still on "get away from these people" mode. I also found myself wondering about a little loop around the pond post-hike... one thing at a time.

The Blue Summit Trail entered an interesting area of private land, marked by a sign that read: "You are now leaving the Mount Equinox Preserve and entering private land. Please respect our neighbors when hiking across their property- Use of these hiking trails is dependent on our neighbor's generosity & willingness to leave their land open. Thank you for your cooperation!" followed by another sign that read "Thompson Acres" - maybe the family that owns the land?

The trail wiggled up and down slightly, passing another sign for "Thomppson Flats" with a driveway/trail. Just after was an old cabin on the left named "Thompson Camp II." I crossed paths with a downhill hiker right at the cabin, so I did not get a photo of it. 

While hiking the Thompson Flats, I heard a loud siren coming from town. I was worried this was a warning of weather, so I momentarily broke my airplane mode rules to check the weather, and it did say chance of rain (which was brand new). It was also noon on the dot, so maybe the sirens were just a time check? Who knows!

[12:04pm - Blue Summit Trail/Maidenhair Trail]

I crossed paths with another solo hiker at the Maidenhair Trail junction (fun name!). Afterwards, the trail narrowed to the width of about one ATV and began to steepen. I couldn't help but admire how seriously the Equinox Preserve takes their waterbars, they were aggressively well-defined and cleared. I was fully dripping in sweat at the one mile mark and slowly caught up to and passed a duo after a particularly steep section.

The trail briefly mellowed but I (correctly) feared that that was only the beginning. I wish I had a lighter shirt on - I was still in a long sleeve since it wasn't overly warm out, but I was COOKING. The first mile of this hike was more difficult than all 13 miles of Stratton!

I climbed up the relentlessly steep trail, daydreaming of what would probably be quite lovely tree views in the winter. There were "significantly fewer flowers on this dreadful climb than Stratton" (as I wrote in my notes). I crossed paths with an unfriendly duo at the 1.5 mile mark, where there was a slight reprieve in grade. The trail contoured along the steep slope with hardwoods on the left and softwoods on the right, which was a fun dichotomy.

[12:34pm - Blue Summit Trail/Upper Spring Trail]

I came to an unmapped but clearly signed junction with the Upper Spring Trail, which looked flat ahead, so I decided to go on a short side quest. The Upper Spring Trail was indeed nice and flat and followed the old road that the Blue Summit Trail had been following until this point. At the terminus, there was a 12" diameter pipe draining a spring into a series of mossy cascades down below - quite lovely! I was tempted to put my head under the torrent, but didn't want to tempt fate. I could also just barely make out the tiniest peekaview to Stratton Ridge and the fire tower!

[12:38pm - Blue Summit Trail]

Back at the junction, the Blue Summit Trail veered off and up onto a footpath that was much narrower and more characteristic of a hiking trail. I could hear the hum of VT-7a down below as I crossed paths with another duo and I got the ping for hitting two miles - almost there (kind of)! I will say, this hike was not as awfully social as I was emotionally prepared for. I crossed paths with a solo hiker who said "good morning" at 12:50pm, which gave me a good giggle (usually I'm the one to make that mistake!).

While flirting with a heart attack, my lower GI tract was also flirting with a different kind of attack... 

I could start to see Manchester through the trees down below as I crossed paths with a tourist couple hiking with just one water bottle just before I turned a corner to start the final segement of this climb. There was a duo weirdly off-trail on the right, but they clearly saw me, so maybe there were on a side quest of sorts? The woods here was of a different character, and more importantly, featured painted trillium and a sea of pre-flowering trout lilies!

The grade was also easier up here, but still not easy. I was fighting the urge to check the map - I didn't want to hurt my own feelings. The temperature started to cool down and I could start to see the sky through the trees, so I knew I was making positive progress. The forest slowly densified (is that a word?) and there were a few red squirrels running around like menaces - a good sign. I passed an abandoned-looking trail/path and began to hear a hum of a communication tower and voila! I made it to the ridge! (EDIT FROM THE FUTURE: It looks like the abandoned trail I passed used to be a yellow-blazed trail, which was a part of a series of trails in the summit area. Not sure when or why they were abandoned).

[1:16pm - Lookout Rock Trail]

I was greeted by a large man who, respectfully, clearly drove to the top peeing on a fence blocking off the communication tower before turning right onto the Lookout Rock Trail. I opted to go to the Lookout Rock first just so I don't lose steam after hitting the summit. I hiked past a unique area with a memorial bench for a cow(?) and across from it was a tombstone for a dog. The bench for the cow(?) had a poem:

"In Loving Memory of Creamer

1989 - 1997

I come to this sacred place -

Where, 40 years ago, the love of man and beast intersected

Boundless, timeless

Across genetic space

Knowing only one language

But spoken by both

Now I stand here where stood another so long ago

Fresh in grief, inconsolable" - left side of trail.

Here lies Barbo

Loved by master unknown

Whose grief 40 years ago

strikes again

Like a virulent germ, long-dormant

Now infected

Grief-stricken

Benefit of understanding, I ask

Why nature, inconsonant with the sentiment of man

Uncaring, unthinking, 

Turns to love to grief

Milk to sour?

Creamer...

The mystery of life deepened now

I burnish your memory daily

Now; carefully

I reach down - one final time

And scoop you up

Your fire against my face

Your tail held

High

***

In tribute to the love which knows no end no time to space

June 28, 1997"

The headstone for Barbo the dog read:

"Mr. Barbo

Born April 20, 1943

We loved him and he repaid that love with an adoring devotion that only a dog could give."

Interesting! From here, the trail easily descended and I crossed paths with a family of four that also clearly drove up. The trail was actually super pretty and partway down had some rock graffiti from 1883. There were occasional patches of super soft dirt that felt amazing on my tired feet and a few herd paths on the left to grown-in views. 

[1:24pm - Beartown Gap/Lookout Rock Split]

[1:25pm - Lookout Rock]

The trail came to a sign pointing to Beartown Gap on the left and Lookout Rock on the right, and Lookout Rock was just after the split! The views very small but lovely and featured a bench (and MANY people). I could see Manchester and Stratton from the lookout, but I took my photo and got out of there due to the number of people in a small area. 

I chose to follow a little herd path that paralleled the main trail but hugged the ridgeline on the return path, which in hindsight was likely the same abandoned yellow trail from before. Once it got too overgrown for my taste I hopped back on the main trail and cracked another Two Chicks canned cocktail for some civilized hiking to the summit.

[1:36pm - Equinox Mountain Summit]

I crossed paths with at least 20 folks on this trail, which was a bummer, but also totally fine. The trail easily rose to a clearing with another communication tower and soon to the summit area, which was fascinating! Surrounded by grass, the primary summit feature was a building with some biblical-looking stained glass? 

I took a counter-clockwise route around the building first. I enjoyed seeing a cloudy/hazy view up toward the Adirondacks, Killington, and Ellen. Then I walked through the parking lot toward what appeared to be the true summit, which was really just a grassy knob. Below there were two (or three) old towers that were posted as private property, so I turend around.

Next, I checked out the building, the "Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center." There are viewing decks around the building and inside the main doors is a history of the mountain and little snack/gift shop on the right, some sort of chapel in the middle, and a history of the Order of Carthusians, who are apparently the monks that make Chartreuse and have their only monestary in the USA on Equinox? It was FASTCINATING. They also had bathrooms, which I made use of nearly immediately.

[1:52pm - Lookout Rock Trail]

I looked around the summit area one last time for and discs, found none, and started my trip back! I grabbed a bag of salted cashews I had for a snack and noshed on them on the short walk back to the Blue Summit Trail.

[1:54pm - Blue Summit Trail]

I darted back into the woods and started my descent. The woods up here were so pretty. I was delighted to see that it was officially after the rain window was supposed to end and I was still dry, even though some fresh water sprinkled on me would have felt nice... I slowly began to catch up to a trio of hikers that all seemed to be hiking at different paces? The first guy I passed had an ADK 46er patch on, the second guy was flying down the trail but stopped when he realized I wasn't his buddy - he was actually super kind. He asked me about my 48 patch and we chatted a bit about the Maine peaks (he has only 8 more to get the 115). The third had headphones in and was surprised to see me behind her. 

My pace picked up after this group and WOOF my quads were FEELING it. This is the first time I hit true wobbly-leg in a WHILE. 

[2:16pm - Blue Summit Trail/Upper Spring Trail]

I scooted past the junction for the Upper Spring Trail and passed two seperate families of four, both unfriendly and didn't seem to be overly enjoying themselves. I crossed paths with a women running UP the mountain, which was CRAZY. It was then that I decided to add in the pond loop. I was hoping to find a herd path that connected the Blue Summit Trail or Maidenhair with the Mt. Bluff Trail to add in one last viewpoint, but I'd also be happy with just a pond loop, too.

I hiked past a young couple passionately making out over a water bar runout (incredible) and I began to near the stream I wanted to cut across, but didn't see a herd path or easy bushwhack... I continued on, accepting defeat.

[2:33pm - Maidenhair Trail]

[2:34pm - Herd Path]

I turned onto the Maidenhair Trail and the second I accepted defeat, I found a well-beaten herd path connecting to the Mt. Bluff Trail! I was so excited to easily walk through maybe 50 feet of woods, easily cross a stream, and then hop onto the Mt. Bluff Trail. So easy!

[2:35pm - Mt. Bluff Trail]

Only bummer was that now I needed to club up, which felt greuling on my exhausted legs. There were also bugs on this side. I followed the cascading stream (maybe the one fed by the spring?) with a slight exhaustion headache until the trail made a left turn at a laminated sign. I crossed paths with a couple that were dressed like they were from NYC visiting Vermont, and then landed in the wonderful land of flat dirt!

The flat dirt really brought me back to life, but then I decided to go up Deer Knoll, which beat it back out of me. There are two herd paths up - I skipped the first one and took the second, which was shared with th ejunction for the Trout Lily Trail.

[2:47pm - Deer Knoll Herd Path]

The herd path was easy to follow and nice and steep - I was going to die. I passed a red eft and some red columbine flowers, which was nice! The two paths joined near the top, and while fighting for my actual life, I made it to the top!

[2:50pm - Deer Knoll]

The top had a nice view of the pond, the valley, and the shoulder of Equinox. There were a few more columbine flowers around, which I enjoyed. I could have/should have taken a break here, but I was so ready to be done, so I drank some water and turned around to return to the Mt. Bluff Trail.

[2:55pm - Mt. Bluff Trail]

I opted to go on the slightly longer Mt. Bluff Trail versus the more direct Trout Lily Trail simply becasue I didn't want to do another steeper descent. I crossed into Nature Conservancy Land and almost cried when I read a sign that said the trail was steep ahead, but thankfully the sign and I had different definitions on what "steep" actually is. There were a couple "sharp left turn ahead" signs which brought me to the spring house, which was pretty cool. A building with caged-in lattice contained the head of the spring. 

[3:05pm - Mt. Bluff Trail/Spring House]

I passed a bushel of yellow flowers that were new-to-me for the day, Golden Ragwort (thanks, Seek!) and then ANOTHER bushel of yellow flowers, Golden Alexanders (thanks again, Seek!). Finidng some new flowers was a wonderful treat. There were also more red columbines on the trail. I continued along, and nearly started running when I saw the pond through the trees! The nearby woodpeckers cheered me on!

[3:12pm - Pond Trail]

I think I audibly said "thank god" when I made it to the pond trail, even though it was FULL of people. The trailbed was wide and soft, which was a delight. It looked like an unofficial trail went more directly around the lake while the Pond Trail proper took a wider path. The trail became a gravel road and continued to a little lunch-looking boat-house-type restaurant? It was cute! I chose to walk along the dike afterwards to enjoy the view to Mt. Equinox, which was the same view I had when I saw this mountian for the first time back in 2015.

I passed some information at the trailhead kiosk before continuing onto the Flatlanders Trail.

"About the Preserve

The Equinox Preserve covers 914 acres of forest lands on the eastern slopes of Mount Equinox in Manchester, Vermont. It is open to the public for year-round, non-motorized recreation. Over 11 miles of marked and maintained trails provide access to these unique mountainous woodlands.

The land's owner, the Equinox Resort & Spa, first donated conservation easements on 850 acres to the Vermont Land Trust & The Nature Conservancy of Vermont in 1993. An additional 64 acres of conservved lands were placed under the protection of the Vermont Land Trust in 2006. The Equinox Preservation Trust was formed in 1996 to oversee the management of these protected lands. Land and trail maintenance and educational programs in the Preserve are managed by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS).

Private land surrounds the Preserve and several trails cross through privately owned areas. Only through individual landowner generosity are the EPT trails allowed to cross their lands. Please respect the rights of these landowners, do not litter, and stay on the marked trails." from Trailhead Kiosk at Black Gate.

"Ecology of Mount Equinox

Naturalists have long held Mt. Equinox in high esteem for its beauty and natural diversity, a valued source of study by botanists and ecologists since the late 1800s.

It is the home to rare plants and varied wildlife, diversisifed woodlands, marble ledges, springs, wetlands and a pond. And from the upper slopes, there are exceptional views.

The Preserve, extending over a large elevation range, encompasses varied forest types:

- Young hardwood and pines at the lowest elevations once cleared for agriculture.

- Spruce and fir, stunted by harsh climate, at the highest points of land.

- Mid-elevation forests of yellow birch and red spruce, with a lush understory of ferns and mosses (between 2600 and 3000 ft. elevation).

- Rich northern harwood forests (below 2600 ft. elevation).

The northern hardwood forests are perhaps the  most significant forest community on Equinox. This rich mix of forest may well be the largest and best example of its type in New England, attributable to both its typography and geology and the large tract undisturbed by roadways or human development.

Ferns and wildflowers also flourish here. There is an abundance of early spring wildflowers known as spring ephemerals, and naturalists have cataloged a number of rare and unusual species throughout the Preserve.

Early settlers cleared much of Equinox Mountain, and grazing extended high up on the mountain. Old stone walls deep within the fofrest are remnants of that agricultural era. The forest is now recovering from that disturbance, and natural processes are again determining the forest's growth.

The dedication of these lands to permanent protection will insure that this very important forest environment will long provide a natural example of a mature northern hardwood forest for many generations to come, mad eaccessible through a maintainted trail network and by careful management of these lands."

[3:23pm - Flatlanders Trail]

This was another wide trail and right away I noticed lots of logging. Turns out it was due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Thankfully they had a sign describing it right away!

"Attention Trail Users:

In early March 2025, the first ash trees showing symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation were discovered on the Preserve. EAB is a non-native introduced species, the large of which live and grow in the vascular tissues underneath the bark, creating s-shaped tunnels. As an infestation spreads within an ash tree the  tunneling eventually girdles the tree, choking off nutrient  movement and killing the tree.

- As a non-native invasive species, EAB has no local predators that will curtail its infestation and destruction of ash trees.

- Ash trees infested with EAB become brittle and often come apart in large pieces.

- To reduce the threat to visitors of the Preserve, all ash trees showing symptoms of EAB infestation within 50 ft of a trail will be felled over the next few years.

- While we are removing infested ash trees with the safety of trail users in mind, visitors to the Preserve are adviced that some Preserve trails cross lands that are privately owned, not managed by the EPT, and therefore not subject to this work. Ultimately is it the responsibility of all trail users to ensure their own safety anywhere on the Preserve trail system.

- Visitors to the Preserve should learn to recognize ash trees, identify the symptoms of EAB infestation, be aware of trail conditions, and make a wise choice for their personal safety.

For further background on the Emerald Ash Borer, please consult the VT Invasives website here: https://www.vtinvasives.org/."

I passed my final new flower of the day - the fascinatingly named Herb Robert - a beautiful pink flower with 5-6 pedals. I was meandering, nearing the Blue Summit/Red Gate Trails, when a man asked me if the pond was close - it was! Just after, I kept walking past the rest of his group and heard something I never wanted to hear... "Hi Mr. Thomas?" - ONE OF MY KINDERGARTENERS. Oh my goodness. I said "Hi...? What are you doing here?!" They were on vacation for the long weekend in Manchester and were doing a little hike to Equinox Pond. I was on mile 21.5 of the day, covered in dirt, and absolutely disgusting. I was horrified. The parents were like "so you are...?" Awful. I broke my airplane mode rule afterwards to tell every teacher friend.

[3:32pm - Blue Summit/Red Gate Trails]

[3:33pm - Blue Summit Trail]

[3:36pm - End of Trail]

Thankfully my horror got me back to the car in one piece! The Flatlander Trail turned right onto the Blue/Red, and then the Blue Summit Trail turned left to the terminus. The terminus led into the parking lot, and then I was officially done!

[3:39pm - End of Hike]

I de-booted and changed at the car and mentally wasn't feeling as awful as I thought I'd be! My immediate post-hike assessment of my body was that my legs were absolute cooked but I did NOT want to die. My feet were hurting and I was hyper aware that my ankles existed. My larger leg muscles were tingly and I was a bit wobbly untying my shoes. The weakest I felt all day was that faster descent off of Equinox! 

I had a nice, long drive home and more importantly, I got KFC AND Taco Bell. 

Step-by-Step

- Park at Blue Summit Trail trailhead (off-school hours only).

- At jct. higher up, turn right onto Upper Spring trail.

- At Upper Spring, turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Blue Summit Trail.

- At jct., near summit, turn right onto Lookout Rock spur (unblazed).

- At Lookout Rock, turn around.

- Summit Mt. Equinox

- At summit, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Blue Summit Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Maidenhair Trail (orange).

- When trail turns left to descent, continue straight on herd path and cross stream.

- At terminus of herd path, turn right onto Mt. Bluff Trail (white).

- At Lily Trout jct., turn left onto herd path to Deer Knoll.

- At Deer Knoll, turn around.

- Continue on Mt. Bluff Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Pond Trail (teal).

- At terminus, continue onto Flatlander Trail (yellow).

- At terminus, turn right onto Blue Summit Trail.

- Follow back to car.

Map of Equinox Preservation Trust

Photo Album

Stratton Mountain & Stratton Pond Loop (Green Mountain National Forest)

Stratton Mountain & Stratton Pond Loop (Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 13.22 miles

Elevation: 2,379 feet

My Time: 5 hours, 2 minutes (4 hours, 53 minutes moving)

Book Time: 7 hours, 47 minutes

Parking: Parking for 10-15 cars at AT/LT Trailhead on Stratton-Arlington Road.
Hiking Challenges: New England 100 Highest, Vermont Firetowers, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New England 50 Finest, Long Trail Side to Side

The Hike 

I had just finished my week from hell and I desperately needed to pack up the car and drive to the mountains and talk to NOBODY for the day. Instead of my usual drive up I-93, though, I wiggled my way over to the Southern Green Mountains - an area that I have barely scratched the surface of. The plan for the day was to do two hikes: Stratton Mountain (for funsies) and Equinox Mountain (for the Taconic 12er patch). Really, I only planned on Equinox, but then I saw how close Stratton was. Stratton was going to be the easier hike, so I planned to hit that first. I my alarm went of at the silly hour of 2:25am, I was out the door at 2:40m, and I was off!

My drive on Route 2 was dark and boring, but once I stopped for breakfast at the Cumberland Farms in Greenfield, the sun began to rise and really put on a show! The colors reached their peak in Wilmington, VT, where the sky simply looked to be on fire. I gasped when I drove past Mt. Snow, which was fully illuminated in the dark morning orange light.

I made my way onto Stratton-Arlington Road, which at some point became Kelly Stream Road (and nothing online tells me where it changes). It started as a paved road and soon became gravel as it entered the Green Mountain National Forest - it was fun to be in a different National Forest! The trailhead had room for I'd say 15-20 cars in the main parking area and roadside parking was allowed for overflow. There were only two other cars in the parking area. It was a chilly 40 degree morning with now-cloudy skies. I put on my long sleeve base layer, fleece, and my Nano Puff, knowing that I'd soon shed the outer two layers likely for the rest of the day. This was also in innaugural hike for my new puff, which is a vibrant blaze orange curtosey of Emma (who lost my black one). I was a little nervous to get going because I hadn't used the bathroom yet, but I had to get going! I found myself flirting with the idea of doing a loop with Stratton Pond, even though that wasn't the plan, but I'd dwell on that more later.

[5:50am - Long Trail]

My hike started at 5:50am with the sounds of rushing water and a distant loon welcoming me into the woods. There was an illegal fire ring and campsite just inside of the woods. I was keeping a quicker pace to warm up. To my absolute joy, it was an EXCELLENT day for wildflowers! I immediately started passing painted trillium, starflowers, and to my ultimate delight, pink lady slippers! It was also a great morning for spider webs...

The hobblebush was growing in... strongly, with a few of the plants flowering, and I also passed these little, white orchid-shaped flowers in a boggy area (northern white violets, thanks, Seek!). Next up were flowers of a similar shape but purple (marsh blue violets!). I passed by some grown-in logging roads and eventually took my puff and fleece off at 0.5 miles/15 minutes. There was a small herd path/spur to a view of a little bog just after crossing the outflow stream on boards and many birds were singing (due to my rule of being on airplane mode all day, I did not utilize Merlin). 

My liner gloves came off at the one mile park. The hike so far had been delightfully mostly flat with occasional easy elevation gains. I passed more painted trillium and pink lady slippers and got cat-called by a distant turkey, or a sasquach. No way of knowing for sure. 

There was a very short uphill push that was on the easy side of moderate, and then the trail flattened out again. I found myself wondering why my hike on Crescent Mountain was all red trillium while this mountain has been painted trillium (no easy answer online, but I'm sure there's a reason, or maybe it's just by chance!). Flowering trout lilies began to appear as the Long Trail crossed a woods road - the junction was well-blazed.

[6:24am - Long Trail/IP Road]

This junction was with the "IP Road," also known as Forest Road 341. The Green Mountain National Forest website describes it as; "This road, also known as the International Paper or I.P. Road, can be accessed from the Stratton-Arlington Road to the south in Stratton or the Kendall Farm Road in Winhall to the north. This road is open to mountain biking and is an 18.6-mile out and back ride on a gravel road surface. There is some elevation gain and loss along this road totaling around 1,200 feet." I guess it was used/owned by International Paper for logging? Unclear if they still own/use it or not. 

The next flower I'd find is the smooth yellow violet - I'm noticing that violets (or at least these violets) all have five petals and are vaugely orchid-shaped. The Long Trail began to actually climb after this junction, but it truly never climbed at anything over a moderate pitch - it was actually pretty delightful. Next, I passed some creeping foamflowers and then some past-peak red trillium. Again, it was a great day for flowers!

The trail got a little wet in spots with a few easy stream crossings. I noticed a sound behind me, and it was another hiker hiking at a similar pace to me. I didn't pick up the pace, but I made my flower photography sessions a little smaller so we didn't end up engaging in a sad game of leap frog. 

There was a nonexitent tree view to Stratton ahead and more painted trillium at my feet. I crossed a few more streams as the trail became rockier and the climb became more steadily moderate. The footing was rockier and rougher, but overall it was not a bad hike in the slighest. I heard the thumping of the ruffted grouse as I ran out of farts (if you know, you know). 

The Long Trail eventually turned a corner and eased for a bit as it rounded a smaller sub-peak. It looked like the trail used to up and over the sub-peak. This stretch was absolutely delightful and there was a cool breeze that worked to dry me off! I stepped over a few blow downs (the second was an over-under-over) and enjoyed an even stronger breeze in the col between the main and sub-peak. 

The climbing resumed in a coniferous forest, eventually passing some flagging in a semi-cleared area. Maybe it was for a backcountry glade? No idea, and the internet is not overly helpful. There was a very partial view to a lake, though!

The trail zigged and zagged while getting rockier, but it really never got steeper. The last push did go on for a minute longer than I wanted, but the second I zoned out I was there! First, I passed an old cabin, and then I saw the tower!

[7:20am - Stratton Mountain Summit]

I spent some time wandering around the small summit area. I found the summit disc, took a few photos, admired the "maximum four people on tower at one time" sign, and then climbed on up!

The tower sounded WINDY, and it sure was! The views started at the second landing, and the wind was simply howling up in the cabin, which had a mixture of broken and in-tact windows. I whipped out PeakFinder to find out what I was looking at (it's fun to me to be in an area where I don't know the surrounding peaks!). I was surprised and excited to see the jagged Adirondack high peaks! Of course, I loved seeing my beloved Mt. Monadnock, too. I was able to identify some nearby ski mountains, and ahead I could see the top of the Stratton Ski Resort, my next stop! To the left I could make out Mt. Equinox and Stratton Pond... maybe I will do the loop?

[7:27am - Stratton Ridge Trail]

The Stratton Ridge Trail continued straight ahead (unsigned but more-traveled than the Long Trail on the left. The flower game was not nearly as strong, with only a few trout lilies and one red trillium. I did pass just a few painted trillium nearer the ski area, though! There was a lovely stretch of boards over a wet/grassy area, which led to a cut ski/access/something path and a slight uphill to a knob. Just before the top of the knob read a sign: "This trail leads to the Stratton Mountain Fire Tower, erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. The tower is on the Long Trail, which was built starting in 1920 by the Green Mountain Club. The "LT" is th enation's oldest long-distance hiking trail. Benton McKaye was on Stratton Mountain in 1921 when he envisioned the Appalachian Trail. Completed in 1937, the "AT" now spans 2,175 miles from Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, includin gthe southern 105 miles of the Long Trail."

[7:40am - Stratton Ski Area Summit]

After the knob, the Stratton Ridge Trail opens up to the MASSIVE summit area of Stratton Mountain. I explored a bit, admiring their extensive lift infastructure, and then followed a ski trail on the left to make a mini loop with that cut ski/access/something path. I comically started choking on my water as I high-stepped through wet grass to get back on the trail.

 

My return hike to the summit was quick and easy. I noticed a little survey pipe just off-trail right before the summit, which was fun!

[7:57am - Long Trail/Stratton Mountain Summit]

Okay FINE I'll hike the loop! I knew this would be adding miles to my day, but it wasn't even 8:00am yet! I had all day! I turned onto the Long Trail to continue my journey. It was visibly less-traveled than any trail I'd been on so far, but it was nothing terrible. The grade steepened to the steepest thing I hiked all day! It wasn't ridiculous, but some care was needed in wetter spots. There were also occasional green flagging tape around trees? They were always along the Long Trail, maybe for winter navigation? Unsure.

[8:02am - Long Trail/Water Spur]

The trail zig-zagged down, passing a presumably illegal firepit, and then passed a sign to a spring. I followed it out of curiousity, and it soon led to a cute tiny little spring, almost just as promised! The Long Trail was more wet and more slippery after the spring, but again, still nothing too arduous. I passed a pile of dry moose poop and then a little peek-a-view toward Stratton Pond and Mt. Equinox!

The painted trillium and green flagging were both going strong as I descent back into the land of windflowers. The steeper descent mellowed out to cross a little stream (I think the same stream that the spring fed) and then I unloced another flower! It was a fuzzy white/pink ball (dwarf ginseng, thanks, Seek!). 

The Long Trail crossed a very old roadbed followed by another one that was mostly flooded, which led to another junction with the IP Road!

[8:43am - Long Trail/IP Road]

After crossing the IP Road, the bugs started making themselves known. Thankfully, they only were annoying when I was not moving. I hiked past a fresh, mid-sized mamallian poop as I bug-sprayed my hair for good measure. I crossed a bridge over a larger stream that appeared to flow into a meadow (I initially thought into Stratton Pond, but I was not as close as I had hoped to be). The trail rose again (to my dismay) with a little bit of sunshine through the trees. There was a gentle breeze that felt good on my sweating-again skin, and then I descended to the junction with the Stratton Pond Trail!

[9:03am - Stratton Pond Trail]

The Long Trail turned right here as the Stratton Pond Trail turned left, running cocurrent with the Catamount X-C Ski Trail. It was a nice change of pace to see blue blazes! Just afer turning onto the Stratton Pond Trail, the spur path to the pond proper turned right.

"The trail to Stratton Pond gradually ascends through a forest of mixed hardwood and softwood species. Several areas are wet and particularly susceptible to erosion, so planking, known as puncheon, is set over soft ground to minimize damage to the trail and surrounding ecosystem. The trail is managed for foot travel only. Stratton Pond is the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. The potential for recreation use to impact the pond's ecosystem is serious. Camping is restricted to designated sites only. Shelter and tent platforms are available near the pond on a first come, first serve basis." from Trailhead Kiosk.

[9:05am - Stratton Pond Spur]

The spur felt recently relocated as it easily descended past an AMC canoe to a picturesque view of the pond proper. I passed a hiking duo, the first of the day, that looked like they were backpacking and not overly friendly. The pond was calm with just a few ducks and songbirds wandering about. It looked like there used to be a trail or herd path around the pond, but it was signed as closed:

"Trail Restoration Project! Stratton Pond is home to loons, beavers, brook trout and a variety of unique wetland plants. In order to allow our natural communities to thrive and to maintain the water quality of Stratton Pond, some sections of trail have been relocated away from the shoreline. Please help us in preserving this ecologically sensitive area and stay on designated trails!"

To my shock and delight, I found a USGS disc right where the sign was! I took some photos and then sat down for a snack, but the bugs fully activated once I sat down so I had my protein bar to-go and started to hike back to the Stratton Pond Trail.

[9:16am - Stratton Pond Trail]

[9:17am - Stratton Pond Trail/Stratton Pond Shelter Spur]

I passed the tent platform for the Stratton Pond Shelter caretaker and worked my way along the trail, which was luciously green and gentle.

[9:20am - Stratton Pond Trail/Lye Brook Trail]

Next up was the Lye Brook Trail, which led to a campsite called "Stratton View," but I was not overly interested in adding MORE miles to this hike when I had an even more difficult mountain to climb next - another day! The trail sign said the parking area was three miles away, but someone used a pencil to add a ".8" to that "3," which hurt but made more sense. I cracked open a "two chicks" canned cocktail and started some civilized hiking!

The trail meandered gently up and down for a while through pretty forests with birches standing high and evergreens down low at hip-height. I comically wrote in my notes "thank goodness no one's been on this trail today I'm so glad to have more webs." I hiked over a huge pile of bear poop and entered a true sea of hobblebush. I was really enjoying my civilized hiking - it was passing the time on a rather mundane trail really well. There was nothing wrong with the trail, it was actually prettty wonderful with easy grades and good footing! I was just a little tired and a little secretly bored after a bit. I conitnued onto a lovely boardwalk section as I approached a junction with an old woods road. Here, the Catamount Trail turned left.

[9:46am - Stratton Pond Trail/Catamount Ski Trail turns left]

I continued on, eventually hitting a longer stretch of lovely boardwalks. I found myself instinctively reaching for my phone due to boredom, but I held onto my airplane-mode rule for the day, which I'm glad and proud of. My next note also made me laugh: "just vibes and painted trillium."

I hiked over a swamp on more boards and spooked a family of deer, which in turn spooked me back. They stopped for photos, though, so I forgave them! I was thinking that if I were to suggest this hike, which I would, I'd suggest it in reverse. Still park in the same area, but do the road walk and the Stratton Pond Trail first, then a steeper climb, and then a relatively easy descent back to the car directly. I followed deer prints as I began my final descent - yay! My legs and body were tired, but I was hellbent on still hiking Equinox! I was hoping a nice sit in the car and a Celsius would bring me back and I got into the mindset that today is a training/conditioning day for my trip to Maine in a month! I see the road!

[10:29am - Kelly Stream Road]

There was one car at the Stratton Pond trailhead, presumably for the duo I saw at the pond. I turned left to start my road walk back to the car! I initially crossed paths with a few bikers and spent some time admiring the abundance of dandelions. There was an obstructed tree view ahead to Stratton, which would probably have been photo-worthy if there were no leaves. 

The dandelions began to intermingle with some lesser periwinkle as I midlyless dragged my body along the road (that was so dramatic-sounding). There was an unfortunate amount of empty beer cans along the road. I walked over a stream/culvert and then an unmarked woods road on the left.

[10:44am - Kelly Stream Road/FR 384]

After a few minutes of nothing, I passed Forest Road 384 on the right and then some virginia strawberry flowers (thanks, Seek!). Soon after was where the Catamount Trail joined the road (exactly at my watch's 13-mile park). Just a few minutes of walking and I passed the Long Trail/Catamount Trail's turn on the right and then I was back to my car after the bridge over the East Branch Deerfield River!

[10:51am - End of Hike]

This hike ended up being MUCH longer than planned... oops! No regrets, though. I was surprised to see how FULL the parking area was now, especially after seeing hardly anyone for so long! I changed my clothes at the car and got what I needed ready for a drive over to Equinox - thank goodness I downloaded the offline Google Maps beforehand! I also heard a weird buzzing/hissing sound from under my car, but couldn't figure out what it was... hopefully it'll go away?

Step-by-Step

- Park at AT/LT trailhead on Stratton Arlington Road.

- Start hike on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- At summit, continue onto Stratton Ridge Trail.

- At terminus, explore top of ski area and turn left onto ski trail.

- At jct., turn left onto grassy road.

- At jct., turn right onto Stratton Ridge Trail.

- At summit, turn right onto Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Stratton Pond Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Stratton Pond Access.

- At Stratton Pond, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Stratton Pond Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Stratton Arlington Road/Kelly Stream Road (same road).

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Cross Path, Whip Hill, Crystal Spring Path/Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Cross Path, Whip Hill, Crystal Spring Path/Road (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 3.71 miles

Elevation: 427 feet

Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Parking: Ample parking at Greenwood Park in Stoneham.
Hiking Challenges: Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Hike 

I take back every complaint I've made about heat in 2026 (that's a lie), because it was officially HOT. I was getting an after-school hike in at the Fells on a STEAMY 94-degree day. Ouch. To make things worse, the porta potty at Greenwood Park was gone! My goal was to connect the final dots in this area of the Fells, but acknowledged that it was miserable out and wasn't going to push myself too hard. I got suited up and off I went!

I was sweating 50 feet away from my car, and then passed a massive group of hikers (looked like a guided hike) before turning onto Whip Hill Road, which donned a bunch of wonderful flowers! The humidity cranked up whenever the trails paralleled wetlands, which felt... unpleasant.

I continued onto Cross Path, hiked the triangle at F2-8, and then worked my way onto the other Whip Hill trails that don't go over the top. I heard a barred owl through the trees, but sadly didn't see it. There was an interesting man (or alien)-made fence made of fallen limbs going up Whip Hill, and once I was over the other side I had a sip of hot Nuun, which is never pleasant. I meandered around, eventually landing back on the giant split rock at F2-15 before hitting some more new trails.

Whip Hill Park was FULL of blooming mountain laurel, which was just a delight to see. There were also a couple turkeys on the trail that descends to Gate 47 - one was gobbling up a storm and was HUGE. The trail passed a few back yards before hitting the gate, where I turned around to continue my wander.

I passed some robins baithing in a little drainage stream and worked my way on the littles uphill on the Crystal Spring Path, where my nose started to bleed! Yikes. I did a little loop, went uphill again, and then descended to Crystal Spring Road, which was mostly paved and lined with flowers - kind of lovely!

After bouncing around at the parking area off the Lynn Fells Parkway, I landed at Gate 41 and walked along Pond Street to hit my final stretch of trail, which was blazed for the Crystal Spring Trail, which didn't match the map (annoying). I also noticed a wooden rectangular post that said Saddleback Path on it at the road - I wonder if there's more of these throughout the park like at the Blue Hills?

I hiked uphill to the green blazes and to my delight was just about done! I was COOKED. I'm so not ready for summer summer (I AM ready for summer vacation, though). I made it to Christien's and immedaitely took my first cold shower of the season!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Greenwood Park

- Start hike on red-blazed Crystal Springs Trail northbound.

- At E2-1, turn right onto Whip Hill Road (green).

- At F2-3, continue onto Cross Path.

- At F2-8, hike triangle, and then turn left onto Crystal Spring Path.

- At F2-9, turn left onto path.

- At F2-10, hike triangle and then turn right (green).

- At F2-14, turn left.

- At F2-13, turn left.

- At F2-1, continue straight.

- At E2-9, turn left onto Whip Hill Path (green).

- At F2-2, turn left.

- At F2-10, turn left (green).

- At F2-14, turn left.

- At F2-15, turn right (green).

- At F2-16, turn left.

- At F2-17, stay straight (do not enter Whip Hill Path, follow path along homes).

- At Gate 47, turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Crystal Spring Path.

- Hike spur between F2-20 and F2-19, then continue on Crystal Spring Path.

- At F2-18, turn right.

- At F2-17, turn right.

- At jct., veer right.

- At F2-19, turn right onto Crystal Spring Path.

- At F2-6, turn left onto Crystal Spring Road.

- At Lynn Fells Parkway, turn around.

- At Gate 41, turn right onto Pond Street.

- At jct., turn right onto Saddleback Path.

- At E2-6, turn left (green).

- Follow green blazes back to car.

Middlesex Fells Reservation Map

Photo Album

THE END: Skiing Black Mountain (Day 46)

Skiing Black Mountain

Sunday, May 17th, 2026

Runs: 5

Distance: 3.49 miles

Elevation: 3,484 feet

Max Speed: 29.2 mph

Avg. Speed: 11.0 mph

Moving Time: 19 minutes, 4 seconds

Total Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes, 20 seconds

I got my three wake-up wraps and hash browns from the Gorham Dunkin and had a beautiful drive through Pinkham Notch, through Jackson, and then to Black Mountain. I was definitely up in my feelings about it being the last day of ski season, but I was excited to get a few more runs in, have glass of champagne, and listen to some live music! Parking was wildly easy with plenty of open spots. The runout was looking actually great! The parking lot was basically a river. I walked inside to get the $29 "I used both of my Indy days" deal and the cashier warned me that there's a rapidly growing dirt patch. I assured her I'm still looking forward to skiing and I had some practice with dirt yesterday at Jay. The vibes at the parking lot were immaculate and I was a little meleancholy that I was riding solo, but it was also nice to end with just-me. I got booted up with my leopard print shorts and scooted my way over to the double!

Snow Report

Sunday, May 17

Closing day is here.

After a record-breaking 7-month season, today marks the final day of skiing at Black Mountain. In 91 years, there has never been a season quite like this one. Black operated more days this winter than the previous two seasons combined, pushed closing day two full weeks beyond last year's record, and will finish tied as one of the final Indy Pass mountains spinning lifts in North America.

We will have a very white, full-width route from the Alpine Cabin spread across four trails, with 100% of open terrain groomed again this morning. By this afternoon, expect soft spring turns, sunshine, and rowdy bump lines everywhere. With temperatures approaching 70 degrees and both the Double and Triple spinning until 7 Pm, today is shaping up to be an all-time closing day.

70s Weekend rolls on with live music all day long. Matt Dolliver plays from 10 AM to 1 PM, Joe Agnello from 11:30 Am to 1:30 PM, Diana'as Bath Salts from 1:30 PM to 4 PM, and the Jonathan Sarty Band takes us all the way to the final chair at 7 PM.

The Alpine Cabin will be fully stocked for sunny champagne and fondue lounging, while the Base Lodge Buffet keeps rolling all day. Pizza, wings, drinks, spring skiing, costumes, and one final mountian party.

Shortly after lifts stop spinning, we'll raise a glass together for the second annual end-of-season champagne toast on the back deck. A proper send-off to a truly extraordinary winter.

Runs 1-4

Run 1: Summit Double - Chute - Jackson Standard

[0.65 miles; 3:56; 692 feet; 23.8 mph max; 9.9 mph avg]

Run 2: Summit Double - Chute - Jackson Standard

[0.74 miles; 4:01; 774 feet; 27.7 mph max; 11.1 mph avg]

Run 3: Summit Double - Chute - Jackson Standard

[0.72 miles; 3:42; 689 feet; 29.2 mph max; 11.7 mph avg]

Run 4: Summit Double - Chute - Jackson Standard

[0.64 miles; 2:57; 659 feet; 29.2 mph max; 13.0 mph avg]

The ride up the double was outrageously wonderful. Light breeze, abundant sun, conflicting music (the lift was blasting 70s music while the band on the back deck was blasting Dad Rock), and just wonderful vibes. Not a lift line in sight (I'll soon learn why). The unload was only a little dicey! I decdied I'll do what the plan was for Jay - get a run in, and then decide how many I want to do. The only open trails were Chute to Jackson Standard. Chute was actually wonderful! Big soft bumps and just enough pitch to get past the rapidly-melting flat part. There were some more dirt patches where the run made a left turn (a couple I almost sent right on over), and then I hit the patch. People were skiing over it, but I popped my skis off and walked down to the nearest muddy mogul.

The bottom half of the run was super fun! Just a few bumps and a long runout with a few bumps to get air over here and there. I figured it would only get worse, so I'd get a few more runs in in the meantime.

Back at the bottom, the lifty asked how it was, and I told him "it sucks, but it's 80 degrees in May!" Truly, the splashback from the slush felt kind of good! This time, I skied over the mud and it wasn't outrageouly horrible! My plan of attack was to aim for what slush was left and just straightaway it between, which kind of worked! I almost hit one massive, sharp rock, but everything else was good! My legs were slowly getting coated in mud.

Run #3 I thought was going to be my last before champagne, but I was actually getting kind of good at this mud skiing thing. I was definitely doing better than the snowboarders who were faceplanting in the mud left and right - I'll take it! I giggled everytime I went to turn and just sunk into slush. My Pit Vipers were basically coated in mud, too. This was one of those things that looks absolutely miserable, but once you get over it and commit it becomes fun as hell!

I landed on a goal of five runs. The sun was COOKING me (and I had no sunscreen oops) on the chair, and the snow was RAPIDLY melting. I had one more fun run down and after my fifth ride up, I parked  myself at the Alpine Cabin and got some champagne. The folks at the cabin were cheering on everyone who was getting off the lift, as it kept getting more and more sketchy! The bartender complimented me on knowing exactly what I wanted. I got a seat on the snow, faced the sun, and simply marinated. I eavesdropped on people's coversations and worked on my end-of-season video - it was a JOY. Once my champagne was done, it was finally time to head on down.

Run 5

Run 5: Summit Double - Alpine Cabin - Chute - Jackson Standard

[0.73 miles; 4:27; 673 feet; 27.5 mph max; 9.9 mph avg]

Time for my second to last run of the season, maybe skipping the last! I did get a little emotional - the usual: sad it's over, happy it happened, nostalgic for this season's memories, and mostly proud that I'm able to ski these absolute garbage conditions with a smile on my face! The bumps on Chute were wonderful, the flat part kept me moving fast, I knew which bumsp to get a little bit of air on, and then the mud patch... well, it was most of a mud field. My skis crossed, but I recovered! I turned on what used to be a slush pile, my skis crossed, and DOWN I WENT! Absolutely covered in mud! I didn't quit though! I got back up, made a turn, almost went down again, got a "nice!" from a woman hiking down, and then finished out my run strong!

Back at the car I hosed off with what water I had left from my Nalgene. I thought about calling it, but I was disgusting and kind of wanted to 1) dry myself off and 2) let my equipment dry off. I took my liners out of my boots, let them bake in the sun, and left my skis at my car to also bake in the sun. I took myself to the back deck to listen to the band, which was named "Diana's Bath Salts" - INCREDIBLE. They were a classic Dad cover band. I enjoyed the best tasting Sam Adams Summer Ale I ever had, chatted with a few people (notable one 2.5 year old who was making snow dinosaurs and attacking me with them), and then got a second beer when the final band went on. I enjoyed their music for a bit longer and eventually called it around 5:00pm. 

My pack-up was nice and easy and I finished up my season waving goodbye to Black Mountain. My drive home was wonderful and I only emotionally listened to Ski & Party 30ish times. I proudly did my grocery shopping at the Hannaford in Meredith on my way home, and was back in Boston just before 9pm. This was truly a PERFECT weekend, and I'm so grateful for it.

Map of Black Mountain (2025-2026)

Mt. Crescent & Mt. Randolph via Crescent Ridge and Pasture Path (Randolph Community Forest)

Mt. Crescent & Mt. Randolph via Crescent Ridge and Pasture Path (Randolph Community Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 6.94 miles

Elevation: 2,077 feet

My Time: 3 hours

Book Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Parking: Large parking lot at end of Randolph Hill Road for Randolph Community Forest
Hiking Challenges: Randolph Mountain Club 100

The Hike 

I had a wonderful 45-minute drive to Randolph from Bethlehem. On NH-115, just past the Cherry Mountain trailhead, I saw a bear cub in the woods! The turn for Randolph Community Forest was a left at the height of land on US-2, just after Appalachia. I was suffering from pizza burps and insane heartburn at the end of this drive, but the views to Madison and Adams from the road made me feel better. Mt. Adams had a decent amount of snow remaining and was in the clouds, while Madison looked mostly snow and cloud-free! There was plenty of parking at the Community Forest trailhead, separeted by tree islands. I parked and immediately got swarmed by a few deer flies - bug spray on! A trailhead kiosk read:

"The Randolph Community Forest. Owned by the Town of Randolph and Managed by the Randolph Community Forest Comission. This Community Forest was permantly protected on December 4, 2001 through the combined efforts of the Town of Randolph, The Trust for Public Land and the Randolph Foundation. It is open to the pubic and dedicated to hiking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, other traditional recreational uses, sustainable timber harvesting, and ecological protection."

[8:45am - Start of Hike on Community Forest Road]

My hike started just past a gate on the opposite side of the parking area of the kiosk, signed as "Community Forest Road," which looked like an old logging road. It was mostly surprisingly dry with just one wet spot and grass that was starting to grow in. I was feeling super bummed about my camera, especially since it was so beautiful out. 

[8:46am - Mt. Crescent Trail]

The Mt. Crescent Trail, blazed in orange (along with every trail I'd hike today), started at a left turn off of the Community Forest Road, marked with a temporary trail sign. Right away, the trail began to climb moderately with rugged, leafy footing around mossy rocks. There were seemingly endless trout lilies that would for sure be blooming soon. I passed some blue spray paint marking property lines, an old logging road, and then saw some trout lily flowers! Interesting how there were more flowers higher up than down low - maybe they have more sunlight?

[8:54am - Mt. Crescent Trail/Peek Path]

I crossed the junction with Peek Path in another sea of trout lilies. I was super curious about the Ice Gulch, but I knew it is famously not climbed in spring, and I was not willing to find out why. I caught some tree views to Madison and Adams, a few conifers started to mix in, and then I came to the junction with the Castleview Loop trail! It looked like there was a viewpoint just below, so I took a short side trip to check it out.

[8:57am - Mt Crescent Trail/Castleview Rock]

I descended briefly on Castleview Loop and scrambled up a large boulder called "Castleview Rock," which provided a nice tree-framed view to Adams and Madison. I couldn't believe how crazy King Ravine was looking - I'm getting impatiently excited to tackle the Terrifying 25!

I scooted back onto the Mt. Crescent Trail and back into sunny deciduous forest, soon crossing another old logging road and the first of many young red trillium! This climb was slow and steady with moderate steepness. I was SWEATING. The trail later reentered a coniferous forest with woodpeckers chirping and red squirrels rattling.

[9:11am - Crescent Ridge Trail]

I turned right onto the Crescent Ridge Trail, which provided a momentary reprive from the climbing. It was nice to be hiking on relatively flat land in the shady conifers! The trail felt less-used and more rugged than the Mt. Crescent Trail, but looking at the map, I think the Mt. Crescent Trail also got dicey after tha tjunction. The Crescent Ridge Trail spent some time rambling along the contour line, navigating just a few wet rocks and a few easy streams.

After crossing the final stream, the trail turned left and began to climb up the shoulder of Mt. Crescent, which immediately got steep. Comically, one it got steep, piles and piles of moose poop began to appear (somewhere around the 2800' contour)! The trail continued to get steeper until I was simply struggling up a steep pine needle-covered slope. Thankfully, there were some peekaveiws to the Moriahs and Carters! Buzzing house flies cheered me on as I stumbled on up over rocks and more piles of moose poop to a brief walking break, where I passed the BIGGEST pile of moose poop I'd seen! It also looked recently... laid. 

The trail steepend again, climbed over more rocks and poop, and finally rounded the shoulder at a blowdown patch with obstructed views towards the Carters and Moriahs. I could hear wind, but I was still waiting to feel it! The trail crossed the height of land just near the summit (I didn't see a sign or a herd path to the true summit, so I didn't adventure too far) and soon came to the upper junction of the Mt. Crescent Trail!

[9:32am - North View and Mt. Crescent Trail]

Straight ahead was the continuation of the Crescent Ridge Trail. On the right was the North View, and on the left was the Mt. Crescent Trail and South View. I checked out the North View first, and WOW. There was truly a spectacular view of the whole Kilkenny Range and the Percy Peaks behind on the right. The dark mountaintops faded into a light brown at the lower elevations, but the light brown had a slight dusting of early spring green starting to show. The wind was also here, and it was howling! I went from cooking to cold in a minute! After I took my photo, I turned around and hiked along the Mt. Crescent Trail toward the South View. Even though it wasn't close, there was minimal elevation change to get there.

The walk from the North to South view was nothing short of an absolute delight. The ground was soft and dry and covered in needles with good footing through moss-covered trees and rocks with PLENTY of moose poop on the ground. I did look around hoping for a true summit herd path, but I didn't see any and simply did not care enough to bushwahck the extra ~20 feet. 

[9:39am - Mt. Crescent Trail/South View]

Even if the walk between the two views wasn't an absolute delight, the South View would have been worth it! It presented Mts. Madison, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Jefferson proudly. Between Mts. Madison and Adams was the Snyder Brook drainage and the Durand Ridge, with King Ravine on the right. The Great Gully had some good snow holding on, and Jefferson with either the Caps or Castelated Ridge was looming behind. Really a wonderful view. Down low, the drainages were outlined with conifers while the rest of the forests were a light green with the spring budding trees. The view ended at the Presidential Rail Trail and Route 2 - just wonderful!

I had a nice and easy walk back and couldn't stop wondering why this mountain wasn't on the 52 With-a-View? I'd say it meets all the requirements! Maybe Randolph didn't want the extra traffic? Who knows!

[9:44am - Crescent Ridge Trail]

I was a little on-alert due to all of the moose poop, as moose are truly the one animal I'm scared to run into in the woods, but like a big boy I continued on! The upper stretch of the Crescent Ridge Trail was on a narrow spine and was dark, spooky, and windy - I loved it! There were tree views into the Kilkenny as the trail easily descended. Even as the trail got steeper, the descent had great footing, and I was able to really cruise! I caught a tree view ahead to Mt. Randolph, which was surprisingly far away!

The trail began to mellow and traverse a few navigable wet spots with less, but still abundant moose poop. The poop increased again in a logged area and then it crossed a stream in what I believe was Carlton Notch, proper.

There was comically even more poop on this side of the stream. The trail rose and fell, dodging more and more piles of poop until coming to the junction with the Carlton Notch Trail.

[10:05am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Carlton Notch Trail]

[10:10am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Underhill Path]

Mt. Randolph was 1.3 miles away and I was feeling great - onward! The trail continued back into a dark coniferous forest covered in moss, passing a few vernal pools (and of course, piles of moose poop). Next, I hit the junction with the Underhill Path in a more open area (with more poop) before going back into the conifers - I guess the back-and-forth of forest types is primarily due to logging?

There was another short, steep push to a slope on a sub-peak (past more poop), traversed a prehistoric-feeling wet area with rotted boardsand then meandered into a clearing what was covered in trout lilies. There was a peek-a-view to Mt. Adams in this area.

[10:24am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Lafayette View]

A fun part of doing literally no research prior to a hike (bad advice!!) is that every little feature is a surprise! I stumbled upon the Lafayette View, which was stunning! Ironically, it was mostly of Madison, Adams, and Jefferson, but maybe I could make out Lafayette on the far far right? It was hard for me to tell from this angle. Either way, it was beautiful and just a treat to get another view!

There was a short, steep descent to another clearing, where I saw my first person of the day! I couldn't help but think "this looks skiable..." (turns out it IS, at least according to the Strava global heat map). There was a single blue-diamond blaze higher up in the clearing, I guess marking whatever the trail may or may not be? 

The trail descended slightly from the clearing, crossed a beautiful stream in a col, and then started to climb again, stomping over an endless amount of sticks. It wasn't until I saw the next pile that I realized I went about five whole minutes without seeing moose poop!

Not to worry, though, becuase it was back in abundance! I continued to climb through a partially overgrown section of trail, full of trout lilies, pre-bloom trillium, and some small flower of an unknown name to me. It was pretty! The trail steepened again with obstructed tree views back to Crescent, which looked far away!

The Crescent Ridge Trail rounded the shoulder with barely-visible tree views to the Kilkenny Range and then came upon a cleared view toward Mt. Crescent, the Mahoosuc Range, and Mt. Moriah - it was stunning!

[10:44am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Mt. Randolph]

I was greeted in the summit area with a bunch of blowdowns and plenty more moose poop, yay! I was a little disappointed to see no summit sign, cairn, or anything, but right before the trail started to descend, I saw a sign on a tree indicating the summit - yay again!

The Crescent Ridge Trail began to descend a little roughly to another obstructed view towards Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, and King Ravine before continuing to steeply descend. I did make the mistake of steeping on a slippery root, slipping and catching myself at least three times, and ultimately falling on my butt and jamming my finger into a blowdown (which is still a bit swollen as I'm typing this three days later...). 

The trail soon opened up again and the temperature seemingly shot up - being in the sun and out of the breeze (and pushing 11am) really got me cooking! The descent eased up significantly, and now I was just walking through open hardwood forests with abundant sunshine. There were countless flowers and some above-tree views up to Adams, which simply looked ridiculously high up. I passed two delightful women at a steeper pitch, the interaction went like this:

Me: "Hey hows it going?"

Woman 1: "Oh goodness! We never see anyone on this trail!"

Woman 2: "No time for talking Mads, we got to keep going!"

And that was it - genuinely so quick, easy, and delightful!

[10:56am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Four Soliders Path]

[11:03am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Vyron D. Lowe Trail]

[11:05am - Crescent Ridge Trail/Lookout Ledge]

The trail flattened out and I crossed the Four Soliders Path, which looked simply nonexistent. I couldn't see a trail bed or a blaze, just the sign indicating it was there... It was also about five minutes before this junction where I saw my last pile of moose poop... tragic.

Next was the junction with the Vyron D. Lowe Trail and Lookout Ledge, which was simply spectacular. I could see Pine Mountain, the Moriahs, the Carters, the Howker Ridge, Mt. Madison, Mt. Adams, King Ravine, Mt. Jefferson, and the works. The sun was HOT, but I was truly having a wonderful time on this hike.

Just after there was another, smaller view with a bench, and then I got back onto a rugged descent toward the Pasture Path.

[11:10am - Pasture Path]

To my dismay and horror it said there were 2.7 miles to Randolph Hill Road, which is fine, just a solid bummer. I moped for about 14 seconds, had a snack, and continued on. There were a couple of gentle stream crossings followed by a larger one that required 10% brain power. I was pretty warm at this point, and the water was looking mighty fine... I stayed dry and hopped across two more medium-small ones and one small-small one. A dry spell was followed by another medium crossing, which was the lst for at least a few minutes. There were a good amount of blowdowns in this area and a few criss-crossing logging roads - thankfully it was well-blazed.

[11:27am - Pasture Path/Notchway/Four Soliders Path]

There was a small crossing at the Four Soliders Path junction (which had one single yellow blaze but still no discernable footpath) as the Pasture Path followed property lines blazed in blue. There was a lovely boardwalk section with a few muddier spots, but overall nothing too horrible. To my DELIGHT I was able to shave off at least a mile of the hike by turning onto Grassy Lane! The 2.7 miles was apparently to Randolph Hill Road a ways away from the parking area, this was a relief!

[11:38am - Grassy Lane]

[11:40am - Randolph Hill Road]

Grassy Lane was exactly as it was named - a grassy lane. There were beautiful private residences on either side, and at the top of the lane I continued left onto Randolph Hill Road, which was a little longer and gained a little more elevation than I wanted, but overall it was low-brain and easy hiking back to the car! There was a heavenly breeze, and it was time to get changed and get ready to ski!

[11:45am - End of Hike]

To my horror, there was a tick crawling up my shoelace as I was debooting. Thankfully, I flicked it off. I changed my clothes, and saw a tick-like shadow on my leg, and in no sane state of mind absolutely shredding my leg scratching it off (I KNOW that's bad, but I simply cannot help it!). I put my crocs on, and found the first tick again! Oh my goodness. I was UPSET. I did a big brush and search of my body, and confirmed it was only those 1.5-2.5. 

To wrap up this chapter of my day, I got my dry clothes on (my anglerfish t-shirt and my leopard print shorts), ordered a BUNCH of food from Dunkin, and drove into Gorham to claim the goods before heading down through Pinkham Notch for the last day of ski season!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Community Forest Road.

- At jct., turn left onto Mt. Crescent Trail.

Photo Album

Mt. Agassiz (Bethlehem, NH)

Mt. Agassiz (Bethlehem, NH)

Hike Type: Out and Back

Distance: 1.66 miles

Elevation: 574 feet

My Time: 36 minutes

Book Time: 1 hour, 7 minutes

Parking: Small parking off of main road at trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

I natuarlly woke up around 4:45am without an overly firm plan. I tried to fall back asleep, but once I realized I was simply awake, decided to start my day! I felt nostalgic waking up in Emma's house without her there, as she was usually on her way to patrol on these mornings. I decided I'd definely make my way over to Black Mountain to get a few runs in for their closing day. On the way, I've had my eye on Mt. Agassiz, so I'd start there, and then maybe get another hike in somewhere in the Randolph area? I heard on the Sounds Like a Search and Rescue Podcast that Mt. Crescent is supposed to be good - we'll see!

I had a nice and easy drive from Fairfax, VT to Bethlehem, NH (I always forget how cute the town of Bethlehem is). The parking area isn't super clear, but you pull onto a dirt road and there spots for two cars on the left, and then two more cars on the left just after, and that's really it. I got ready at the car, dodging a few flies ('tis the season), and realized that I had forgotten my camera! Bummer. That's kind of what I get for staying up until 1am, packing, and then leaving at 4am yesterday...

The weather was absolutely lovely. It was sunny and temps were in the mid 50s. The birds were singing and a gentle breeze blowing. A dream! I hiked up the road just a little ways and then ducked under a gate clearly labeling private property, but welcoming hikers. The hike climbed up this access road, which I learned used to be a carriage road, and later was traversed by the "Magic Mountain Express" - a train-shaped tractor "ride" that brought tourists to and from the top of the mountain. There is also a brief ski history here, which was fun to learn about, too. 

The road was partially paved and partially eroded and mostly steep. I passed an enormous raven perched on a tree, turned in a flat spot and passed som eeroded old culverts and a sign for "Cry Baby" (which I would later learn is a mountain biking trail a part of the Bethlehem Trails Association). There were tree views ahead to Mt. Agassiz and over to Mt. Cleveland, and I began to climb again after passing something that looked like an old oil tank. 

The gnats were out as I started to climb steeply again past an old, busted bench and more Cry Baby signs. It smelled like the mountains in summertime, which brought me a lot of joy.

There was a narrow view from a small power cut as the trail somehow felt steeper again? Thankfully, before I knew it I was seeing the communication tower through the trees and I was nearing the top! There were a bunch more mountain biking trails from the top. First, on the left was a communication tower and ahead was a neat-looking abandoned-looking stone building surrounding anohter communication tower.

I found some old bolts on the ground and disc labeled "Mt. Agassiz 3". Around the corner I was SHOCKED to see a truly spectacular view towards Franconia Notch. From left to right I could see the Twins (in a cloud), Garfield, Lafayette (in a cloud), the notch, Cannon, the Cannonballs, at least North Kinsman, and Moosilauke! There was a lone bench thanking the landowners in a mowed lawn. Around here I found another disc, labeled as "Mt. Agassiz No 4."

Near the building there was a lot of broken glass from broken windows in the building, so I carefully looked around some more. I made it back to the "Mt. Agassiz 3" disc and followed the arrow to a third disc, which was fun to see. I had to decide whether to hike it three times to make all three discs "count" or to save it for later - I opted to save it.

I thought about descending on Cry Baby just to mix things up, but it very much seemed like a proper mountain biking trail, so I left it to the mountain bikers. I had a super quick and easy descent back to the car. I wondered if the parking lot is plowed in winter, because this would be a nice snowshoe up (with televators). To cap this warm-up hike, I passed a red trilium! 

Back at the car, I decided I'd hit Mt. Crescent and the Carlton Notch Trail loop with the possibility of extending the hike to Mt. Randolph as well - we'll see!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike up road from parking area.

- Summit, and turn around to descend.

Photo Album

Skiing Jay Peak (Day 45)

Skiing Jay Peak

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

Runs: 4

Distance: 2.53 miles

Elevation: 4,570 feet

Max Speed: 27.5 mph

Avg. Speed: 10.2 mph

Moving Time: 15 minutes, 28 seconds

Total Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes, 27 seconds

The final weekend of skiing is among us. Jay pushed their closing weekend back a week, which was a treat becuase now I could end with Emma and Sarah in beautiful weather! I made it from late December to the end of April without missing a weekend, had a couple weekends off to start May, and now I'm back for one last hurrah! To my dismay, this was the first time every Emma wanted to get to the mountain for first chair (she had a bike race in Albany she had to drive to after), so I got home from the Midway Cafe at 12:30am, bed by 1:00am, and up and out at 4:00am! Ouch. I had a shocking stable drive up, though. I went right to the Stateside Base Lodge to use the bathroom, where there were only two other cars, and then made my way down to the 242 Lot, which had a whopping 8 cars. I guess it's partly due to it not being closing day proper, but Closing Day Eve. Either way, it was beautiful! I was sitting in a lawn chair with a Sun Cruiser in hand at 8:50am, and Emma and Sarah landed just after. We spent some time chatting and getting ready, took a shot of jagermeister, and then it was time!

Snow Report

THURSDAY, MAY 14 AT 1:16 PM

Final Laps in May

Spring skiing gets one more weekend.

And the weather is giving us a pretty good sendoff. Saturday looks sunny with temps climbing into the upper 60s. Sunday stays mild with parly sunny skies and temps in the lower 60s. Not a bad way to put final laps on the board.

We plan to run Jet only operations this weekend. Saturday May 16 through Sunday May 17, from 9:30AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday, May 17 is scheduled to be the final day of lift operations for the 2025/26 winter season.

Day tickets will be $45, with no additional discounts applied.

Please note, Jet only operations mean terrain will be limited to advanced skiing and riding. Guests should be comfortable on advanced terrain before heading up.

One more weekend, a little May sunshine, and a few final Jet laps to close out a season that was impressive from start to finish.

Base Area Info:

The Stateside Base Lodge will be open for guests to gear up, use restrooms, and get ready for the hill.

The Stateside Ticket Booth will be open. Tramside Customer Service will be closed.

Provisions General Store on Tramside will be open for food, drinks, and other basics.

The Pump House Indoor Waterpark will operate Friday through Sunday until daily summer operations begin June 19.

Runs 1-4

Run 1: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.65 miles; 3:38; 1,155 feet; 23.8 mph max; 10.6 mph avg]

Run 2: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.58 miles; 2:55; 1,158 feet; 25.2 mph max; 11.9 mph avg]

Run 3: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.71 miles; 5:21; 1,155 feet; 27.5 mph max; 8.0 mph avg]

Run 4: Jet Triple - The Jet

[0.59 miles; 334; 1,106 feet; 25.7 mph max; 10.0 mph avg]

To our delight, The Jet was mostly in! You could technically make some top-to-bottom runs! The hike up from the 242 lot was by far the most physically taxing moment of the day. The ribbon of death was holding up pretty nicely, especially down low, which was DICEY last year! We giggled and reminsced on the ride up and just loved being out in the sun. We took some photos, and went to get our first run in! There was a slushy strip of... slush from the top to about 50 feet down. We decided to not be weenies and just commit - it wasn't TOO bad - only a few little rocks. The main stretch was an absolute dream to ski. Soft bumps that were just big enough to go "whee!" The run out was shockingly fast and in great condition. We got back on the lift, and both Emma and Sarah called their two more skip the last!

I wanted to get another run in, so they went over to the patrol shack to play bananagrams while I skied down the slush again, which was more like wet mud, and then had a wonderful run. Really, all I wanted was to get a run in where I skied a little better, and I achieved it! I took the chair back up and met them at the end of their game. We shared another drink, played some games, took some pictures, and were just having a wonderful time. Emma wanted to head out at noon for her bike race, so I decided to get another run in without them, which went well again! I did walk down this time in a feeble attempt to protect my bases. 

Again, my run was wonderful. I love skiing. I love that I put the work in to get halfway decent at it so I can enjoy it in the middle of May. I even got called sexy by someone for my leopard print shorts! It wasn't until I was back at the top that I realized I forgot my helmet! My goodness. Naturally, Emma and Sarah made fun of me (fair), and we took our final photos of the Vermonter of the season (some of our best, might I add). We had our moment of being Emo, Sarah and I got a recreation of our photo from last year, and then we skied right down to the car. We hung out for just a bit longer, but then went on the road. 

No time to be Emo yet, since we were all going to the same place! Back at Emma's we packed her up and then I walked up to Sarah's for a couple drinks and final hangs. THEN we finally said our goodbye and I had a lovely Emo walk back to Emma's to pick up my pizza and watch some movies with Lola The Dog. It was during this time I decided to push my ski season one day further by going to Black Mountain tomorrow for their closing day, probably getting a hike in on the way over.

Map of Jay Peak (2025-2026, Updated)