Eliot Path, Skyline to Hancock, Jeffries, Dalton, Raccoon Hollow (Blue Hills Reservation)

Eliot Path, Skyline to Hancock, Jeffries, Dalton, Raccoon Hollow (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Criss-crossing Loop

Distance: 5.79 miles

Elevation: 1,145 feet

My Time: 2 hours

Book Time: 3 hours, 28 minutes

Parking: Ample parking at Trailside Museum
Hiking Challenges: Great Blue Hill Summits, Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2

The Hike 

I was feeling absolutely desperate for a redemption after yesterday's unpleasant hike. I decided to head down to the Blue Hills after my second to last Monday of the school year to hopefully get what I needed! The drive, naturally, had "heavier than usual traffic," and I was at the trailhead just before 3:40pm. I wasn't feeling like doing a Skyline Loop, so I figured I'd start on the Eliot Path and see where the wind took me. It was 81 and partly cloudy with an intermittent breeze, but the humidity was low and it was NICE. I guess summer can be okay?

The rocks on Eliot Path had a solid dusting of pollen on them, which made them slippery. I made my way up, visiting the ski spur before crossing the Summit Road. The ski trails were grown-in, so I cut through the woods to get both forks of the spur, hiking over many, MANY deer prints all around! I crossed the road and heard the first cicada of summer!

Just before Eliot Circle, I passed a woman in floral skinny jeans with a vastly different floral blouse on. She was actually super friendly, and told me about a family of deer she saw up here a few days ago, implying this floral-on-floral hiking fit was 100% on purpose - spectaular!

I played a little bit of Pokemon Go on Eliot Circle, and followed it all the way to the gravel path to the summit (counter clockwise). The area closest to the ski area was growing in, but by no means overgrown (yet). I worked my way up to the summit, potentially seeing a new gray bird (Update Pending)?

From the summit, I crossed the road and noticed a little path to a parking area, and then another path with a "no bike" plackard by DCR, so I decided to follow it! It was actually a wide, well-beaten path to the backside of the Eliot Tower pavillion - fun! I decided I'd hike the Skyline North to Hancock Hill, hit the Circle Trail, and then see what would happen after that. It was a beautiful day, and I was feeling good!

I made my way down to Wildcat Notch and found a DCR officer in an ATV looking lost or stuck on Puddle Path? She was on the phone with someone holding a map, and then slowly backed out... I wonder where she was heading? I crossed paths with a a family on Wolcott Hill that looked dressed for Houghton's Pond. 

The berries of all sorts were starting to grow in on Wolcott and there was more of that wonderful breeze. I was sweaty for sure, but I did NOT want to die, which was huge! As I descended into Downtown Crossing, I heard the ATV driving away again...

I worked my way up Hemenway, passing a cool snake shed on some of the rocks. I continued along, climbing up after Breakneck Ledge Path and then snaking my way through another family that was coming down towards Circle Trail. 

Up on Hancock's ridge, I noticed some of the blueberriers were starting to turn purple, and some even blue!! I hit the circle of the Circle Trail, which was a little grown-in, but I had my first handful of ripe blueberries of the season! Maybe summer isn't as awful after all...

I continued back into the woods on Circle Trail, enjoying more of a breeze as I made my way down towrads JeffriesTrail. I noticed some horse poop, which must have been a mistake becuase Circle Trail is a horse dead-end. The stream to Jeffries was absolutely bone dry, and higher up, the blueberries were still green. Good to know - Hancock's will be ripe by next week, but Jeffries' are probbaly another week behind. 

I made my way back up Hemenway Hill, and then I descended again on Hemenway Hill Path before hiking on the absolutely delightful Five Corners Path back to Downtown Crossing. I think I traditionally hike this stretch in spring during the melting season, so I've only ever been miserable on this stretch, so this was a win!

I hiked on the Skyline Trail back up Wolcott, trying to pick up the pace because the family was right behind me, and then I went down Dalton Path to get some more new trails. There are some bore holes on rocks near a swamp on Dalton, I wonder what that's all about? I guess either science or an old settlement, but this just feels like a strange place for it.

I hiked up Raccon Hollow, swatting away the only relentless bugs of the day, and then hiked the rest of Eliot Circle to finish out my second summit! I followed the road for a bit to play a little more pokemon, and then made my final descend on Eliot Path back to the car. This was the hike I absolutely needed!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Trailside Museum.

- Start hike on Eliot Path.

- Before road, turn right to ski area spurs.

- Return to Eliot Path at 1051.

- At 1055, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- After 1030, turn left onto gravel path to summit.

- From summit, continue onto Summit Road.

- At path, turn right.

- Walk across parking lot, continuing onto unmapped path in woods (marked by a no-bike DCR plackard).

- At terminus, walk through Eliot Tower towards 1063.

- At 1063, turn left onto Skyline Trail North.

- After summiting Hancock Hill, hike the circle of Circle Trail clockwise, then continue on Cirlce Trail towards 1180.

- At 1180, continue onto Breakneck Ledge Path.

- At 1185, turn left onto Base Path.

- At 1182, turn left onto Jeffries trail.

- At 1150, turn around.

- At 1154, turn left onto Hemenway Hill Path.

- At 1140, turn left onto Five Corners Path (green).

- At 1141, turn right onot Skyline Trail.

- At 1117, turn right onto Dalton Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Wildcat Notch Path.

- At 1092, turn right onto Raccoon Hollow Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Eliot Circle.

- Before 1030, turn right onto gravel path to summit.

- From summit, continue onto Summit Road.

- Follow Summit Road.

- At 1051, turn left onto Eliot Path.

- Return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.61 miles

Elevation: 712 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Parking: Plenty roadside parking at School Mountain Trail trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Downstate 28er

The Hike 

I was in New Jersey/PA for the weekend to celebrate my cousin's wedding and I wanted to find a stopping point on the way home to break up the drive. I could have done a Catskill High Peak, but I didn't want to go that far out of the way on a Sunday, and then I remembered the Downstate 28er list (which appears to be by the same folks who made the Taconic 12er!). I looked at the hikes that were furthest from Mom's house and landed on two in Fahnestock State Park. The plan was do to hike Round Hill and Candlewood Hill before launching myself back to Boston. I had a nice drive, a little over an hour long from our breakfast spot in Towaco to the School Mountain Road trailhead, which was a long dirt road with plenty of pull-offs and a parking lot (with a porta potty!) a bit further down. It was a humid, sunny 82 degrees when I arrived. I put on my new hiking clothes from Target (underwear that I feared was too short for my thighs, new 7" inseam shorts that I feared would be too soft and absorbent, and a new "active" shirt that I feared would be too heavy and absorbent. Starting off strong!

I started my hike on School Mountain Road, which was an old gated gravel road that was delightfully flat. I was planning to avoid bug spray for as long as possible, if that would be possible. I was excited to see that the trail markers were the Taconic Region ones, for no reason besides a little teehee. 

A minute or so into the hike, there was a kiosk with a map for the Hubbard Perkins Trail, which partly coincides with this and other trails in the park. There was a wonderful floral smell in this area. I soon caught up to a man and his off-leash dog at a sign that specifically detailed why it is important to leash your dogs... I passed him, gave a "how's it going," and got zero response. Yikes!

The School Mountain Road trail crossed over a couple lovely bridges and then I crossed paths with another duo. They were both friendly, and the one ahead shouted "oh shit John! Hurry! You can see a bass!" which made me giggle. The trail continued into the woods with a very easy gain, passing old stone walls and eventually crossing a larger bridge. Just after the bridge was the turn I would take for the blue-blazed Fahnestock Trail up to Round Hill!

Right around here, specifically at the 0.4 mile mark, 9 minutes into my hike, my camera battery died! I was incredibly displeased with this. I hate doing phone-photo hikes. I also just don't like being on my phone more than I need to on hikes, besides taking notes. And I only like taking notes becuase it helps me relive my hikes with more detail when I journal them, like this! Either way, I continued onto the Fahnestock Trail, turning sharply to follow the stream back toward the meadow and the bridges from before. There were a large number of dragonflies that had a teal/metallic thin body and black wings (a very specific google search looks like they were ebony jewelwings, also known as black winged damselflies).

The bugs started to increase, but I just kept my pace up, really avoiding the Deet. The trail stayed flat for a bit, eventually turning away from the water at another old stone wall. After the turn, the trail began to easily rise around the base of Round Hill.

As the vegetation increased, I eventually gave up and coated myself in bug spray, and it was a good thing I did! The trail became pretty overgrown and generally unpleasant to hike through. After rounding the corner, the trail began to start a moderate climb up the spine of the hill, switchbacking here and there with an overwhelming floral smell (which would have been lovely any other day, but not in the humid huff-and-puff). 

I hiked over what I'm pretty sure was a wild cockroach (?) as I was actively dripping pollen-soaked sweat. The baby blubes were taking shape, at least! There was a slightly overgrown view towards Bear Mountain, which was nice to see! I also passed a neat orchid-looking flower (a Goat's Rue, thank's Seek!). As the grassy climb continued, I found myself feeling less excited about getting in the car to get another hike in, so maybe I'll just extend this one? We'll see.

After rounding the shoulder of the hill, the trail worked through a pretty open-ish area that was ridiculously grassly (a la Harriman State Park's Long Path). I had to bug spray my upper thighs becuase the grass was so high. There were some tree views to the left as the trail crossed another old stone wall, and then I had to fight my way through a few thickets of raspberries (or blackberries, or wineberries... either way, thorns!). The grass got so thick at points that I couldn't even see my feet. I was not emotionally prepped for this hike.

I was quickly losing steam to extend the hike along the ridge, especially if this grass kept up. Naturally, after I had that thought, I crossed another stone wall and the grass became waist high. The trail slightly descended before the final climb up. I wrote: "I rarely actively hate a hike but this is really trying for it."

There was a short steep climb before hitting some more grass. Thankfully, the trail flattened at some blueberry bushes before turning for the final push. There were some obstructed views before a wonderful view, where I encountered my first person in a while, going in the opposite direction. 

The Fahnestock Trail rounded the height of land. I took a spur/herd path to the true summit, which was marked by a fire ring and a makeshift cairn. Back on the main trail, I noticed a view out to a nearby hill with a massive observation tower-looking thing. There was a WONDERFUL breeze here as I entered more and more grasslands. There were at least nice pink flowers (carolina roses, thank you, Seek!). 

The trail descended into a low point and then rose just a few feet to the junction with the green-blazed Round Hill Bypass, which I HAPPILY took. At this point, I was pretty sure I was just going to do this hike as-planned and call it a day. I was NOT in the mood and I was already overheated - I'm not ready for full summer. 

This trail was MUCH more enjoyable. It easily descended with rocky footing into a fern-filled wonderland, and I could see my feet the whole time! Further down, I crossed a stream with an adorable frog swimming about and then hiked over another stone wall.

The trail then entered a really pretty open forest with stone walls in every which direction and a vast carpet of green undergrowth (only a few inches tall, which was so much nicer than the multi-foot tall grasses from before. I could tell this used to be farmland clearly, but curious how long ago? The park was opened about 100 years ago. I was missing my camera - it was so pretty!

The trail then turned and rose above a mossy stream that would be absolutely stunning after a rainfall. There was a parent and child playing in the water. The Round Mountain Bypass trail terminated just a couple minutes later at another nice bridge!

The bridge was designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2021. I thought about adding a loop over East Mountain, but the trail looked similarly horribly grassy - no thanks! I was back on School Mountain Road and happily hiking back to the car.

I crossed another bridge, this time designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2020. I spooked a snake that I thankfully did not see and continued my romp along the beautiful road. I unfortunately was in a slightly negative headspace, so I was not able to fully enjoy the back end of this hike, but it really was lovely. There were seemingly endless stone walls throughout. 

The next bridge was a longer one with wooden steps to reach it, and it was also designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering, this time the Class of 2019. I passed another sightless snake and enjoyed the tall trees lining this trail. After a bit of walking, I officially closed the lollipop and hiked over the final three bridges (I forgot to check if the design pattern continued, but the styles of the bridges sure did match!).

I soon made it back to my car and started to wipe the sweat (and pollen) off and change my clothes. Comically, I realized my backpack had been open the whole time! I did not have the energy in me to squeeze another possibly unpleasant hike in, so it was now time for a long drive back to Boston, naturally with a stop at Stewarts on the way!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on School Mountain Road (white).

- At jct., turn sharply right onto Fahnestock Trail (blue).

- At jct., turn left onto Round Hill Bypass (green).

- At terminus, turn left onto School Mountain Road (white).

- Return to car.

Fahnestock State Park Map

Photo Album

Skyline Trail Loop via Wright's Hill Trail (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Skyline Trail Loop via Wright's Hill Trail (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 8.18 miles

Elevation: 1,089 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 48 minutes

Book Time: 4 hours, 38 minutes

Parking: Parking for ~15 cars at Bellevue Pond.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

The end of the school year has been mentally beating the life out of me, so I decided it was time to physically beat myself up too and revist the Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail. I hiked the loop once before, but I did missed the final segment coming down from Wright's Tower, so I guess I had never officially hiked it all. Plus, I found a patch for it on Ebay! It seems to be an older Boy Scout patch, but it still counts! It was warm out in the low 80s.

Bellevue Pond had become mostly a grassy meadow now with just a very small pool of water in the back. I hiked in and decided to take the Wright's Tower Trail first to access the Skyline Trail for views and a little bonus elevation. This was also the pollen-iest day of the year - I was already coated in the yellow toxins. The sunny part of the trail was HOT. The shade was okay. I made my way up and ran into a bunch of teens, so I took my picture at the view and blasted off! I liked seeing the view of Boston in it's new green foliage.

Now officially on my loop, I admired how shaded the woods were. As I climbed up and over the first little knob after D6-2, I passed some baby blueberries. I had to really pay attention to blazes since there are so many criss-crossing paths in the Fells, many of which are not even on thge map. I passed a very stinky duo, which was crazy, because usually I'm the stinky one!

I worked my way up and over the Panther Caves and then passed a bone-dry swamp just after. I took a swig of my warm Nalgene and hit the junction with the Cross-Fells Trail right at the first mile marker. It was fun to hike in this area, it felt a bit like Memory Lane! There was a little swamp before C5-1 and the first of many confusing junctions - which is always my beef with the Middlesex Fells - blazing is either aggressively abundant or severely lacking, and there is simply no in-between.

The Skyline Trail paralleled the Mountain Bike Loop in a swampy area and then joined on a gravel path, then passing a concrete water tank(?) and a stone block in the ground that might mark the town line btween Winchester and Medford, even though it didn't exactly match the map. I descended to West Dam Road, which had a small wetland with a very shy turtle. There were a few annoying bugs buzzing about, but not enough to warrant bug spray.

The trifecta of the Skyline Trail, Reservoir Trail, and Mountain Bike Loop coincided and rose steadily on a gravel path after crossing West Dam Road, and later Skyline and Reservoir veered left away from a metal water tower, splitting from each other a minute or so later. I could feel the pollen granules in my eyes and a large amount of spider webs on my skin. 

I was enjoying this western portion of the loop becuase I had hiked most of it previously in winter, so I really wasn't recognizing most of it! I was also atonished how in the right lighting I could see how thick the pollen was in the air. I climbed up and down another knob to cross Molly Spring Road, and I could hear an owl when I was working my way up and over Nanepashimet Hill, which was SUPER sunny.

There was an old metal beam and rock harlqeuin flowers on the knob after B3-12, and then I had to maneuver a few blowdowns before B3-6. I passed a big cloud of what smelled to be the Devil's Lettuce, but the source was unknown. I could start to see the reservoir though the trees, which was exciting!

I've always been confused about the roads around the reservoir. It seems the roads circling the North Reservoir are open, and were signed as such, even though they're resitricted on the map. I crossed paths with a wild amount of shirtless trail runners in running vests in this stretch, which had really pretty flat pine-y woods.

As I hiked along Hillcrest Parkway, I admired some of the massive hydrangeas in peoples' yards. There is also a good amount of roadside parking here, which was good to know. I hiked past the North Reservoir's dam, which is closed to the public, and I eavesdropped on a duo's gossip session about a friend who inherited a bunch of money recently, it was a very fun 10 seconds!

The Skyline Trail goes back into the woods and zig-zags down to the reservoir's outflow stream, which was just a trickle. I crossed the creek on a NEMBA bridge, enjoyed a nice breeze, and began to make my way towards the Bear Hill Area, which was still pretty foreign to me. 

I almost got lost at C1-4 due to an unsigned and unblazed turn, but thankfully my brain thought "this feels wrong." The trail hit a low point just after with some rotting bog bridges just before rising to the Dike Road.

I climbed up the side of Bear Hill, passing an older hiker and his well-behaved and possibly overheating golden retriever and after the height-of-land, the trail became full of a wonderful, floral scent with no flowers to be seen!

As I approached the Sheepfold area, the Skyline Trail became more of an open trail, crossing knob after knob, many of which were open, and they were HOT. Winthrop Hill had a sunny bench overlooking some grasses at the top, and I almost got lost again at D3-1.

I maneuvered around an impressive blowdown just after C2-8 and then skimmed the outside perimeter of the Sheepfold area next to a swamp. There seemed to be a good amount of folks out at the main Sheepfold area, but the Skyline Trail was still full of spiderwebs! I was happy to be in the shade, though.

The Skyline Trail briefly followed a paved path as I-93 roared in the distance. The trail cut through a parking area, crossing a couple of paved single-land roads, and then turned left onto a nice boardwalk. I noticed a bit of a hot spot on both of my big toes and right heel, but naturally decided to avoid it. I felt myself finally starting to tire out around the six-mile park, but I kept on moving!

I joined the Cross-Fells Trail again and almost got lost... again soon after. The Cross-Fells left soon after joining and I officially finished all my water (only 1L, oops) on Silver Mine Hill. It was hotter than I was ready for! I joined the Cross-Fells yet again at C5-18 and crossed paths with a trail running trio I saw over by the North Reservoir - only this time they were power hiking. The two guys were leading and the woman was suffering behind, I felt kind of bad for her.

I finally made it to my final push up to Pine Hill and I was tired! Eight miles after school in the heat took more out of me than I was ready for! I decided to look for all three discs again: I found the northernmost one, an arrow, and it was pointing to a summit disc. But... I don't think I'd seen this one before? On a higher rock to the east was another arrow, which I think I had seen before. Wait this is three? I already knew about the magnetic station, so there's four up here? I worked my way over, and found ANOTHER arrow?! Five discs?! This was beyond exhillerating to me and fully brought me back to life. 

Riding the high of discovery, I continued onto the tower and was SHOCKED to see how insane the pollen haze had become - it was so thick I couldn't even see the Blue Hills! 

From here, I descended back along the yellow trail and made it back to the car, dusting myself off before driving back home. Another patch "earned"!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Quarry Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Wright's Tower Trail (yellow).

- At tower, turn left onto Skyline Trail (white).

- Follow Skyline Trail clockwise around, back to tower.

- At tower, descent via Wright's Tower Trail (yellow).

- At terminus, turn left onto Quarry Road and return to car.

Middlesex Fells Reservation Map

Photo Album

Chickatawbut Hill, Bouncing Brook Path, Skyline Trail Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Chickatawbut Hill, Bouncing Brook Path, Skyline Trail Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Mostly Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.54 miles

Elevation: 640 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Book Time: 2 hour, 35 minutes

Parking: Room for 20-30 cars at Chickatawbut Overlook.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2, Blue Hills Grid

The Hike 

I made my way back to the Blue Hills after school, suffering through another afternoon of "unusually heavy traffic." The inspiration for this hike was the Blue Hills Grid that I've been "working" on for years now, plus my second Trail Trace map. I had field day today, so I had been outside for a lot of the afternoon, but I was excited to keep the momentum going! It was 78 degrees out and overall pretty pleasant!

I made my way into the woods and up to the tower before following the yellow blazes counter-clockwise. I stopped for a quick potty break and managed to pee on my hip belt strap... Ugh. I worked my way up Thayer Path, which was grassy up around the summit fence (I had tick anxiety). I went down Carve Path, which had it's trademark giant rock piles that I've always been wildly curious about. 

I then made my way down onto the Bouncing Brook Path, which I'd be following for a while. It was darker and more humid down there, and I was following horse prints for most of the walk. I passed some lovely purple flowers, which were lesser periwinkle, not violets. I passed a really nice stone wall I hadn't noticed before just before the junction with Lee Path, and then a lady slipper just before the junction with Sassaman! Just kidding! At the junction with Curve Path! I missed a turn! That's fine, my hike was going to be a bit longer.

Everytime I'm hiking these interior Chickatawbut trails I'm reminded of how long they feel - it must be because there's a thinner density of trails in this area, or something. The bugs were present but not much of a bother as long as I kept on moving. I worked up Wampatuck Path and then the Pocapawmet Path to join the Skyline Trail!

I don't think I have traveled this direction on the Skyline Trail since a hike with Gen and Wylie in the winter of 2021 or 2022 - it's been a minute! I passed a super cute eastern towhee on my way up Broken Hill #4 and then maneuvered the rockiness that surrounds #3 - there were baby blueberries! A deer magically lept across the trail as I was climbing up #2 and there were some young rock harlequin flowers at the top. 

The climb up #1.5 was also rockier than I had realized traveling in the other direction, and I found myself wondering how different the forest would be on #1 in 10, 20, 50 years since the last fire. It looked like most of the pines were dead/dying and the undergrowth was growing in strong! I passed more pink lady slippers and rock harlqeuins as I descended #1, and then I started my climb up Nahanton.

The climb up the Chickatawbut Ridge was actually more gradual than I was emotionally ready for. I climbed on up Nahanton, past some more baby blubes, and found myself wondering yet again about the old foundation-like things. I admired the stone steps up Kitchamakin and suffered through the brush to reach the true top of Fenno Hill before making my way up to Chickatawut Hill. I descended via Stowe Path and made it back to the car - this was officially a zero-person hike! I dusted the pollen off of myself (literally) and heard a barrel owl calling somewhere on the other side of the road.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Chickatawbut Overlook.

- Start hike on Tower Path (yellow).

- At 3075, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path (yellow).

- At second jct., turn right onto Thayer Path.

- At fence, turn left.

- At second jct., continue right onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At 3065, turn left onto Carve Path.

- At 3051, turn left onto Bouncing Brook Path (red). 

- At 3152, turn left onto Wampatuck Path.

- At 3171, turn around and turn right onto Pocapawmet Path (unmapped).

- At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At Chickatawbut Hill, turn right onto Thayer Path, then turn right again onto Stowe Path.

- At jct., turn left to stay on Stowe Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path (yellow).

- At 3075, turn right onto Tower Path (yellow).

- Follow Tower Path back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Red Dot and Skyline Loops via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Red Dot and Skyline Loops via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: o-O Loop

Distance: 4.97 miles

Elevation: 1,220 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Book Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes

Parking: Ample room at Trailside Museum
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2, Great Blue Hill Summits

The Hike 

Happy Pride Month! It was time to officially begin my second Trail Trace the Blue Hills Map! I had a dreadfully sleep drive with "heavier than usual traffic," landing at the Trailside Museum at 3:35. There were very few cars, which brought me joy! I was planning on just doing a fitness hike with a possible detour to get the full red-circle route for my new map, we'll see! It was sunny, 62 degrees, and there was a light breeze. It was lovely!

Somebody unfortuantely got started right before me, but I had to pull off to pee anyway. I eventually caught up and passed him and continued my way up. There were a bunch of leaves on the ground after Saturday's storm. My legs were in a weird mood, feeling a bit like a baby deer learning to walk. I couldn't really get a rhythm together on my climb. Thankfully, I could hear a bunch of eastern towhees, which made it feel better!

I passed a bunch of white daisies after summiting the first time. The work on the summit area has been continuing, with another widening of the Eliot Circle for trucks (I assume). I made my way onto the Skyline Trail North, admiring how shaded it is this time of year. Naturally, I was gassy on this hike, and at one point I made three stomps, farting on each stomp, and the pitches of each fart were different and accurately mimiced the final three notes of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band's rendition of Frank Sinatra's My Way - it was remarkable.

I worked my way up and over Wolcott, Hemenway, and then Hancock. My body was just feeling tired and heavy, maybe because I had wine before bed last night? I passed some beautiful blue jays coming down Hancock Hill and I was simply not emotionally ready for the climb up Houghton. Thankfully, the climb did not humble me as badly as I thought it would. I did gas me out, but I was not passing away.

The leaves made the Skyline Trail super dark at the first stream crossing, and to my absolute delight I found some lady slippers between 1123 and the Five Corners Path!! This is where I usually find them this time of year, so I was just elated.

The second stream crossing was fully dried up and I noticed a path straight ahead before the crossing to what looks like a cave? I had never noticed it before... interesting! I made a note of it, being too lazy to investigate. I zig-zagged up to the final headwall, suffered on up, and then continued up along the shoulder for the final push, which always feels longer than I am ready for!

I listened to the northern house wrens at the summit (thank you, Merlin!) and decided to follow the other half of the red loop for my trip down, which was lovely. The swamp along the trail was mostly dry, and it looked like DCR is working on formally closing a few of the abandoned trails in that area. My final stretch of trail was cheered on by a friendly Robin, which was just lovely.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Trailside Museum.

- Start hike on Eliot Path (red dots).

- At terminus, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At summit road, turn left.

- At jct., turn right.

- At summit, hike around observatory clockwise, following gravel path.

- At terminus of gravel path, turn left onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At 1063, turn right onto Skyline Trail North.

- At Hillside St., turn right onto Hillside Street.

- At jct.,. turn right onto Skyline Trail South.

- At 1066, turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At gravel path, turn right onto Gravel Path.

- At summit, continue straight and hike spur towards ski trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Eliot Cirlce.

- After 1055, turn left onto Raccoon Hollow Path (red).

- At 1082, turn left onto Cliff Trail (red).

- Cross Summit Road, continue onto Trailside Path (red).

- Follow red dots back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Bromley Mountain via VT-30 (Green Mountain National Forest)

Bromley Mountain via VT-30 (Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5.85 miles

Elevation: 1,418 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes moving)

Book Time: 3 hours, 38 minutes

Parking: Ample parking at LT/AT Trailhead off of VT-30
Hiking Challenges: Vermont Fire Towers

The Hike 

And now... the biggest hike of the day and the final hike of my little mini-trip... Bromley! Although it was slated to be the biggest hike du jour, the stats didn't look too bad at all. I was officially running two hours ahead of schedule, and that's including my Stewart's lunch! It was still a beautiful, sunny day. There were some rolling clouds now and temps had climbed to 62 - a DREAM! I got ready at the car and was joined by some bullfrogs in a drainage ditch and a few bees that were REALLY interested in my car.

[12:03pm - Long Trail]

My hike started at a trailhead kiosk that doubled as the Long Trail and snowmobile Cooridor 7.

"Bromley Mountain

Length: 6.0 miles round trip

Elevation change: 1380 feet

Hiking level: Moderate - Difficult

This hike follows the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail (AT/LT) north on a rocky course through a mixed northern hardwood forest. Follow the trail at the end of the parking area along the old Vt. 11 route for about 50 feet then take a sharp left turn. The trail goes over a narrow bridge and from this point follows Bromley Brook. At 0.9 miles the trail crosses over Corridor 7, a major snowmobile route. After 1.6 miles, the trail makes a couple of sharp turns and becomes steeper. At 2.3 miles, there is a spur trail leading to the Bromley Shelter and tenting area. As the trail nears the summit, it opens onto Bromley Mountain's "Run Around" ski trail. Follow this to the top wher eyou will see an AT/LT sign, Summit Ski Patrol Station, and an observation deck. From the summit there are excellent views in all directions. Stratton Mountain is to the south and Mount Equinox is to the west.

The Long Trail followed the snowmobile trail for just a minute before turning left into the woods, crossing a weird metal single-lane bridge over a creek, and then traversing a sunny power cut. My legs were tired!

I continued onward on the relatively flat trail, past a large pile of bricks? The initial climb was gentle, wet, and rocky, with an occasional section of boardwalks to keep things interesting. I crossed paths with a duo as the trail followed a brook down on the left with some pretty cascades through the trees, and later past a cool broken boulder that you could walk through.

[12:17pm - Long Trail/Bromley Brook Bridge]

A larger bridge crossed Bromley Brook (signed) and rose on some pretty stone stairs! I had some post-lunch farts to contend with, which did make me a bit nervous since I've been off my regular excriment schedule recently...

I hiked over some more boards that followed a meadowy stream before crossing a few small streams - the trail had been flat for a minute now and I was trying to emotionally prep to climb, even though I really didn't want to! I realized at around a mile that I forgot to start my AllTrails, which was a solid bummer. I crossed a few more small streams, hopped along some rocks, and then crossed some more.

Some of the hobblebush I hiked past had very thin leaves, which cast a green hue onto the ground. My wrist was feeling better after yesterday's issue at Mt. Ascutney - after I wrung out my shirt yesterday, it hurt to even use my camera, but that wasn't hurting today - progress! The trail began to easily climb more steadily before flattening again. The trail was so wonderfully gentle, I couldn't help but think that it's such a bummer I'd have to climb eventually. 

[12:24pm - Long Trail/Corridor 7]

I crossed Cooridor 7 and then trail became wet and muddy with plenty of rocks to hop along. I was initially counting how many small streams I crossed, but there were more and more and more and I eventually gave up on that endeavour. At the 1.5 mile mark, there were another couple of streams to hop across and then I worked my way through a blowdown area that was full of young hobblebush and birch. I could eventually start to hear people through the woods. I checked my phone and confirmed, I was near the shelter!

[12:46pm - Long Trail/Bromley Shelter]

The Long Trail did a little zig-zag and then came to the shelter spur. I wanted to check it out, but the thought of socializing deterred me. Maybe I'll hit it on the way down. 

NOW it was time for the climb! There were flowering trout lilies on this upper third of the trail. I worked my way around a few lovely switchbacks that provided leaf views out and a spectacular breeze. I wrote in my notes "today is so wonderful I'm so glad I'm here and not at work." I did have a little bit of forearm chafing from my hip pocket, but my inner thigh chafing from yesterday was all better (thank you, diaper rash ointment!). 

I hiked past some big either quartz or marble rocks and I began to remember that the old fire tower book from 2005 said there was a blue-blazed vista spur somewhere, I wonder if it is still around?

[12:58pm - Long Trail/Vista]

Literally one minute after wondering about the vista, I came to the junction with the blue-blazed spur to the vista! There was a wonderful ledge view over to Stratton Mountain Ski Resort (and the fire tower along the ridge) with a surrounding sea of green trees.

After the vista, the forest type became more transitional for a literal second before getting back into the hardwoods. I climbed up some stone steps, realizing that I was almost there and really hadn't climbed up anything steep... at all. The Long Trail rounded a shoulder and then became wonderfully flat again before opening out onto a ski slope!

[1:09pm - Long Trail/Ski Slope]

The ski slope was a little wet, but nothing too horrible. I was thankful that it was late May, because the grass wasn't annoying long yet! There were a few gnats buzzing around my head, but that was the extent of annoying insects. I began to hike up the ski slope, eventually hitting the headwall of the run and what was probably the steepest part of the day. I was hearing people up at the top, which was a bummer, but also literally fine. I rounded the last shoulder, awkwardly said hello to two people sitting in Adirondack chairs basically on the trail, and then I made it to the summit!

[1:14pm - Bromley Mountain Summit]

There were a ton of people up at the top, but I think they were all, or mostly all a part of the same group. Nobody was on the tower, though, so up I went! It was a huge, sturdy, metal tower and it was WINDY. The view was simply spectacular, and I think my favorite of my three recent days in Southern Vermont. A few of the mountains that I was excited to see from here were: Equinox, Stratton, Magic, Killington, Pico, Ascutney, and Monadnock!

I wandered the yellow dandelion-covered summit area for a few minutes, taking in the sights, but I noticed the massive group looked like they were getting ready to blast off, so I got ahead of them and start my return trip, hiking past an adorable little privy right at the start of the descent.

[1:22pm - Long Trail]

My trip down had an interesting start. I was taking photos of the view from the ski slope when a woman asked "are you looking for the trail?" to which I said "no, well, yes, but I'm on my way down now!" (I was on the trail). She made a face at me and said "... well I know where it is..." I saw myself out. The view on the way down was just lovely - I was blown away by this hike! Truly the perfect finale to my little trip - great view, perfect weather, and a not-too-hard hike. I also saw there was more rain happening over in New York, I didn't think I would need to be racing it, but I wanted to blast off just in case! I used PeakFinder to see what mountains I was looking at, and they both had some fun names: Mt. Aeolus and Mother Myrick Mountain. I also could see Equinox!

[1:26pm - Long Trail enters woods]

[1:34pm - Long Trail/Vista]

I hopped back into the woods with a little boost from a scary fart. I just realized that I made it through this whole hike without a single spiderweb! I rambled through the upper shoulder stretch and descended down and past the vista, ultimately taking the detour to the shelter.

[1:42pm - Long Trail/Bromley Shetler]

The Bromley Shelter spur first passes the privy, which I thought about using, but then thought about using a clean, air-conditioned bathroom, and that took priority. There were tent platforms and the main shelter, which was nice and delightfully vacant! I took just a few photos before returning to the Long Trail.

[1:45pm - Long Trail]

[2:03pm - Long Trail/Corridor 7]

[2:08pm - Long Trail/Bromley Brook]

I continued my descent, noticing more flowers than I had before. Probably because I was no longer huffing and puffing uphill. 

I made my way down into the land of 1,000 streams, hopping along rocks to keep my feet dry. I learned/remembered quickly that the marble/quartz was much slipperyer than the other rocks... I eventually joined the Bromley Brook, crossed Corridor 7, and made my way to the bridge over Bromley Brook soon after.

I passed a trio of older hikers who asked if I passed a large group of hikers. I told them I hadn't, but when I left the summit there were a bunch of folks up there. The trio did not seem happy with my answer.

Closer to the road, I passed a little baby snake, scooted through teh power cut, and crossed the weird single-track bridge before joining Corridor 7 and finishing my wonderful hike of Bromley Mountain!

[2:20pm - End of Hike]

I changed into my delightfully dry clothes back at the car and noticed those dark clouds that were over New York were coming this way! My return trip was long, but fully unproblematic. Naturally, I found myself itching to get back...

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on the LT/AT from the VT-30 trailhead.

- Summit Bromley Mountain.

- Return to car with optional visits to the shelter and vista.

Photo Album

Antone Mountain via Old Town, Andone, Ski, and McCormick Trails (Merck Forest and Farmland Center)

Antone Mountain via Old Town, Andone, Ski, and McCormick Trails (Merck Forest and Farmland Center)

Hike Type: -o-o- Loop

Distance: 5.76 miles

Elevation: 1,213 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes moving)

Book Time: 3 hours, 29 minutes

Parking: Plenty of parking at Merck Forest and Farmlands Visitor Center
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er

The Hike 

I had another beautiful drive from Haystack to the Merck Forest and Farmland Center, where I'd be parking to hike up to Antone Mountain. The access road was well-signed and very scenic, but I was shocked at how many cars there were at the parking lot! It was a big parking lot, so it wasn't an issue, but wildly different than my last hike. The temperature was still in the mid-50s and was just delightful. I got ready at the car and started my adventure!

[9:03am - Start of Hike]

I started by walking through the parking lot, past a mini meadow of really cool flowers (perennial cornflowers, thank you, Seek!) to a little welcome pavillion of sorts with a lot of information on the eco-region.

"Northern Appaachian-Acadian Bioregion: A Habitat of Global Significance

The Northern Appalachian Acadian Bioregion (NAAB) includes all or portions of five northeastern states in the United States and four southeastern and Maritime provinces in Canada.

The pargest intact temperate mixed broadleaf forest remaining in the world, this 82 million acre bioregion consists of numerous unfragmented forest blocks measuring over 25,000 acres each. This diverse landscape also includes ocean shorelines, mountain ranges, and river valleys, as well as wetlands, alpine regions, and grasslands.

The NAAB is a center of climate resilience in eastern North America, creating a transition zone between northern boreal and souther temperate forests which allows species to shift their ranges in response to climate change. These large forest blocks and intact corridors also help safeguard the region's ecological services, including carbon storage, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat, and pest regulation.

Northern Taconic Forest Block: A Key Link in a Connectivity Corridor

Unfragmented forest blocks - contiguous forests and natural communities that are not bisected by roads, agriculture, or development - provide critical habitat for wildlife. They allow for connectivity across the Northern Appalachian Acadian Bioregion (NAAB) and provide core habitats - areas with sufficient suitable habitat area to maintain viable breeding populations for resident species and sufficient habitat to support temporary populations, such as migratory birds. These blocks also allow for genetic exchange across populations of far-reaching animal species and for diversity in the physical landscape, including riparian networks of streams, rivers, and wetlands.

The Northern Taconic Forest Block, a 42,000-acre block located here in southwestern Vermont, composed of public and private lands, plays a critical role in supporting species that are being bushed out of their traditional ranges by warming temperatures. The block's size and connectivity to ecoregions ranging from eastern temperate forests in the south to taiga make it both a chokepoint and critical stop-over for species migrating northward in search of suitable habitat.

Merck Forest & Farmland Center: A Resilient Anchor

Located at the northern edge of the aformentioned 42,000 acre forest block, Merck Forest and Farmland Center (MFFC) consists of more than 3,500 acres protected by permanent conservation easements with the Vermont Land Trust and the New England Forestry Foundation.

MFFC is composed of agricultural and forested land managed primarily for ecological health and resilience. The rich diversity of natural communities (Defined as recurring assemblages of plants and animals found in particular physical environments) at MFFC provide habitat for a variety of species, while the dramatic topography allows those species to shift aspect and elevation to meet their needs in response to increasingly frequent weather extremes arising from the warming climate." from Trailhead Kiosk

There was also a QR code to check-in, but I had no service. Just after the mini-pavillion was the welcome center (I was feeling anti-social, so I did not visit), and then the main trail, named Old Town Road, began on the right just afterwards.

[9:05am - Old Town Road]

Naturally, I began to sing "Old Town Road" in my head the second I started hiking. A massive tractor started driving up behind me, so I pulled over and got a big thumbs up from the driver. The Old Town Road exited the woods and opened up to what seemed like the main farm area, with beautiful views to the valley below and up to Antone (not to mention the meadows and farmlands all around). There was a MASSIVE group congregating at the Sap House - that must have been all the cars. A guy on a golf cart asked if I was with "Williams," but when I said no he drove right off. Interesting! The whole area reminded me a bit of Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia.

[9:10am - Old Town Road/Stone Lot Road]

At a junction near some farm buildings, I turned right to continue onto Old Town Road, hiking past some horses and sheep on the left and a small pond on the right. It smelled like autumn outside - probably due to the meadows and cooler temperatures. The Old Town Road paralleled another meadow that provided nice views to the mountains in New York.

[9:14am - Old Town Road/Gallup Road]

[9:15am - Old Town Road/McCormick Trail]

Old Town Road entered the woods after a junction with Gallup Road and soon after passed a junction with McCormick Trail. The trail network in here is extensive, featuring roads and trails. I planned to follow the roads up to Antone (which was the AllTrails route), but was open to exploring some more on the way back down. We'll see!

The trees around the road were tall and green as I began to climb up moderately, passing one hiker in flip flops. The road flattened out where Old Town Road turned left, and I continued straight onto Antone Road.

[9:22am - Antone Road]

Antone Road was more of a dirt road versus a wide gravel road - the footbed was wonderfully soft. I walked along the flat road for a bit, past an aggressively loud woodpecker and then some sap tubing. 

[9:31am - Antone Road/McCormick Trail]

[9:33am - Antone Road/Clark's Clearing/Ski Trail]

Antone Road opened up to a smaller meadow at another junction with McCormick Trail, and entered Clark's Clearing just after, which featured a junction with a few trails, a cabin, and a fire ring. I guess you can spend the night!

A woman running with her dog appeared in the clearing and scared the life out of me! After the cabin, I continued on Antone Road as it steepened more than I was emotionally prepared for! I was huffing and puffing my way up, but thankfully just when I began to "see the light," the trail flattened out again. The grass on the road was taller up here - I could tell the further I got from the parking area, the fewer people there were to tramp down the trail.

[9:46am - Antone Road/Ski Trail]

[9:47am - Antone Road/Wade Lot Road]

[9:50am - Antone Road/Lookout Road]

Antone Road descended slightly, passing the upper junction with the Ski Trail and Wade Lot Road just after. I continued along, passing Lookout Road (which intrigued me due to there being a lookout on it), but I was discouraged because it looked... ticklish. 

After Lookout Road, I had my third climb, which was nowhere near as brutal as the second. There were extremely obstructed tree views over on the left. A heavenly breeze pushed me up and along to the junction with the Beebe Pond Trail, another possible extension I thought about that looked nice and grown-in. Sad!

[9:54am - Antone Road/Beebe Pond Trail]

Antone Road rounded the summit cone and started the final push to the top of Antone Mountain! There was one blowdown to navigate which was a bummer, but otherwise it was all good!

[9:58am - Antone Mountain Summit]

The summit of Antone Mountain is informally marked with a small viewpoint and a bench (and some flies). It looked like the road continued past the summit, so I followed it down and I was THRILLED! The lower view was nothing short of spectacular. It was a bit chilly with the breeze and my wet shirt, but it was beautiful. The farmlands below were the main feature, but I could also make out the Hudson River Valley, other peaks in New York, and even Mt. Marcy way in the distance! I relieved myself up here, which taught me that I desperately needed to drink some water. I also realized that I finished my list! Yay!

[10:05am - Antone Road]

[10:10am - Antone Road/Beebe Pond Trail]

I made my way back onto Antone Road, up and over the summit, and down to the Beebe Pond Trail junction, hoping for a clearer footbed, but it was fully covered in grass. Not today! I was flirting with maybe doing a reverse lollipop loop further down below? Not sure, we'll see! I think I would have been more adventerous if there weren't likely ticks out and if I didn't want to also hike Bromley on the way home.

[10:14am - Antone Road/Lookout Road]

[10:16am - Antone Road/Wade Lot Road]

I hiked past Lookout Road and still didn't want to deal with the tickly grass, so I continued on Antone Road, passing Wade Lot Road, and then the Ski Trail. Something drew me to the Ski Trail, maybe because I miss ski season? But against better judgement RE: grass, I decided I'd take that detour!

[10:17am - Ski Trail]

I was thinking I'd regret this side trip, but not at all! There was a lovely breeze the whole time and it was MOSTLY not-too-grassy. There were a few "Antone Ski Trail" trail markers, and even a little peek-a-view to Haystack Mountain! I did have to plow through a bit of grass down at the terminus at Clark Clearing, but I was thrilled with my detour! It was also less steep than the road would have been.

[10:26am - Antone Road]

I had a very short stint back on Antone Road before decided I'd hike the McCormick Trail. I planned to do McCormick to Wildlife Trail but could also do McCormick back to Old Town Road if I needed to. Only bummer I ran into was that there was ~40 feet of uncut grass at the trailhead to McCormick, so I BLASTED off, hopping like a gazelle to get back into the woods.

[10:28am - McCormick Trail]

A passed a sign calling this area a wildlife safety zone with some nearby deer poop for good measure. The upper part of the McCormick Trail was occasionally blazed with old metal arrow discs. There was a steep-moderate descent in ferny woods at first before the trail turned to follow the contour. The wonderful breeze continued in these woods, which was wonderful. The trail did become a little osbcure at points, but I was able to find my way.

McCormick Trail transitioned from a narrow footpath to an old road bed further down and later entered a recently logged area, where the trail was tricky to follow again (and footing was loose, even though it was not steep). 

[10:42am - McCormick Trail/Wildlife Trail]

At the junction with the Wildlife Trail, I spend a minute going over my options, and it seemed like taking the Wildlife Trail would add at least two miles to my journey. That, paired wtih the unpleasant logging roads, I decided to follow McCormick back to Old Town Road. I continued on the road, past some bright orange baby mushrooms (orange peel fungus, thanks Seek!), over a couple wet spots that were simply unpleasant (but had deer tracks so that was fun), stepped over some blowdowns, and... came to a dead end at a large meadow? 

[10:49am - End of Woods Road]

This was the same meadow that Old Town Road parallels near the Gallup junction, but I was on the wrong, far side of it. There was simply no footpath to get to Old Town Road from here. I was confused, and AllTrails didn't have the McCormick or Wildlife Trails on the map, so I was extra confused. I spent some time looking around and thinking, and then I went through my camera for clues of what I did wrong. Turns out I mad missed a turn off of the woods road - agh! 

I started my backtrack, hopping over the blowdowns and admiring the little mushrooms and deer tracks. The McCormick Trail turns uphill off of the road just after a little muddy stream. It is blazed, but I had missed it avoiding mud and looking at mushrooms and deer prints, naturally.

[10:53am - McCormick Trail turns off of woods road]

The trail climbed diagonally along the contour and got a bit grassy again before reaching it's height of land and terminating at Old Town Road - we're so back!

[10:56am - Old Town Road]

I followed Old Town Road along the upper boundary of the meadow, and then decided I'd take a detour to the tiny Page Pond, which was signed and mowed. 

[11:00am - Page Pond]

The pond was very small and murky, with the left side being full of reeds. All of it was full of salamanders! Red-winged blackbirds were flying and screaming all around. It was a really nice, short detour!

[11:06am - Old Town Road]

I got back onto Old Town Road to put a bow on this adventure. There were still a ton of people at the Sap House, they looked like teens. They also all had red or blue whistles? Across the farmland, I could see that it was raining in New York, but it was still an absolutely stunning day in Vermont! The same tractor from before passed me twice on my hike out, giving thumbs up both times!

[11:12am - End of Hike]

I made it back to the car and did another quick change before getting some lunch from the Stewarts in Manchester and driving over to my final hike of my little trip - Bromley Mountain!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Old Town Road.

- At jct., continue straight, right onto Antone Road.

- Summit Antone Mountain, then turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Ski Trail.

- At terminus, continue left onto Antone Road.

- At jct., turn left onto McCormick Trail.

- At terminus, continue left onto Old Town Road.

- At jct., turn left to Page Pond.

- At Page Pond, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Old Town Road.

- Follow Old Town Road to car.

Map of Merck Forest and Farmlands Center

Photo Album

Haystack Mountain (North Pawlet Hills Natural Area)

Haystack Mountain (North Pawlet Hills Natural Area)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 3.57 miles

Elevation: 1,198 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes (1 hour, 22 minutes moving)

Book Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes

Parking: Limited roadside parking on Waite Hill Road (signed).
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er

The Hike 

I had a SOLID night's sleep at the world's strangest little motel! I got up at 6:00am and was out the door at 6:20am. I saw there was a Maplefields in Manchester, which got me super excited for a breakfast sandwich, but this Maplefields did not have breakfast sandwiches. I pivoted to Dunkin which saved me, and then I had a beautiful drive to the North Pawlet Hills Natural Area with a wonderful view of Haystack Mountain in the last bit. There was clear pull-off parking for 4-5 cars at the signed trailhead. I was feeling a bit of anxiety about the sub plans I had left (did I even leave any??), but I had zero service, so nothing I could do! It was a delightfully crisp 55 degrees out and there was one other car at the trailhead. My body was feeling tired, so I was glad I had some easier hikes to do today. I booted up and got on my way!

[7:07am - Tunket Road]

My journey started with a gravel road walk on Tunket Road, which felt like a private driveway but was clearly signed as the way to Haystack Mountain. I followed some sap tubing and admired the abundant dandelions. After a few minutes, the road comes to a junction with driveways for two seperate homes on either side of the road. Here, the road/trail continues straight ahead (signed). Past the homes, the road becomes more wooded and less-frequently used. There was also a sign for an AirBnb cabin in this direction.

Tunket Road climbed for a minute before flattening out as it passed a home on the right and a meadow on the left with the smallest view up to Haystack over the trees - it was pretty, and Haystack is a super cool looking mountain!

The road begins to swing right as the Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail to Haystack Mountain begins on the left.

[7:18am - Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail]

There was a large kiosk and sign indicating that I was in fact in the right spott!

"North Pawlet Hills Natural Area

Welcome to North Pawlet Hills Natural Area where remote, low peaks within the Taconic Mountains support a diverse set of natural communities. The most prominent trio of these forested knobs - now called Haystack, MIddle, and Bald Mountain - has a rich human history, as the bounty of these lands has been recognized by the Western Abenaki and Mohicans for centuries. Bobcats and other wildlife also depend on these dry grassy glades, sparsely vegetated cliffs, and secluded stony outcrops.

Staying Connected

This natural area is at the core of an unfragmented forest block - the result of a collaborative conservation effort amongst surrounding towns, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Vermont Land Trust, Friends of Haystack, and others. This allows our iconic wide-ranging wildlife such as moose and bobcat to move freely in the face of a changing climate.

Haystack Mountain

A short, steep hike ascends across TNC land to Haystack Mountain's 1,919-foot summit, which is owned and protected by the Friends of Haystack. The stunning views make it the most popular destination at North Pawlet Hills. Haystack's dramatic south-facing cliffs offer habitat to peregrine falcons that nest here every year to raise their young." from Trailhead Kiosk

The trail descended slightly, crossed a baby stream, and then came to a trail register. I heard a lady screaming in the distance, which simply did not excite me. Thankfully, it was just a mom, daughter, and their FOUR dogs. One was named Skittles, which was fun. They must have been the other car at the trailhead. After crossing paths with them, I crossed another baby stream and continued to descend via switchbacks (more than I wanted to). 

[7:23am - Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail/Bridge]

Eventually, the trail crossed a brook on a lovely bridge at the low point of the hike. After the bridge, I was in the sun and starting my climb! I meandered past some old logging roads before descending slightly again, navigating a big blowdown, and enjoying a spectacular breeze.

I turned a corner to climb a bit steeper up near the col between Haystack and it's neighboring peak, passing a really cool boulder that you could see through a little natural window! I noticed there were a few trail relocations (no clue how old they are) that added switchbacks or bypassed eroded stretches, it was a nice climb!

I wiggled my way up near the col, admiring some neat cliffs along the neighboring peak, Middle Mountain, stepping over two more blowdowns and getting cell service! I quickly checked my work email and was relieved to see that I did everything correctly - phew! Back on airplane mode.

My reward for doing my sub plans correctly was another wonderful breeze that I happily accepted. I turned a corner, entering a dark, coniferous forest, before hiking along another series of switchbacks to the main spine of Haystack Mountain, which the trail moderately followed right on to the top!

[7:51am - Haystack Mountain Summit]

And the climb was more than worth it - the view was spectacular! There was no disc but there was a bore hole, which I guess counts for something? Looking straight out I could see Equinox Mountain. To the right, beyond the nearby hills, were the Catskills! I could also just barely make out the Adirondacks on the far right.

To the left was Dorset Mountain, which was hiding in a cloud, and further to the left was the mass of the Killington complex, also partly in a cloud. It was SO NICE up top! I could have spent a lot more time up here if I didn't have two more hikes on my list and I was over three hours from home. I chugged some Nuun and started my trip back down!

[7:58am - Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail]

To no surprise, once I started my descent, my tummy began to act up. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day! I found myself wondering about the different between the Taconic and the Green Mountains, and with some lackluster Googling, I haven't found much of an answer. Probably geology? I'd love to know more, though! Parts of the trail were steeper than I had realized now that I was going down, guess I'm super strong?

[8:17am - Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail/Bridge]

I truly made it to the bridge in no time and then dealt with the bit of uphill I had to do, which did pack a little bit of a punch! I signed the reigster on the way out, since I missed it on the way in due to Skittles & Co.

[8:23am - Tunket Road]

I made my way out of the woods and back onto Tunket Road, passing the meadow and then posted private property belonging to Waite, which is the name of the road I parked on, how fun! Near the end of Tunket Road, I passed a guy walking in dresssed in all camo and holding a rifle. I did not care for this, but I also know and acknowledge that this is a hunting area, too. 

[8:34am - End of Hike]

I ended my hike a few minutes later back at the car! I wasn't overly sweaty due to the shorter lenght of the hike and the wonderful weather, so I only swapped my shirt and socks before my next hike on Mt. Antone. I waved to a farm car that appeared to be hunting in a field, and I was on my way! 

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Tunket Road.

- At trailhead, turn left onto the Comby M. Chester Memorial Trail.

- Follow trail to the top.

- At the summit, turn around and return to car.

Map of North Pawlet Hills Natural Area

Photo Album

Zion Major & Minor, Moot Point, Japanese Garden, & Meadow Ramble (Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park)

Zion Major & Minor, Moot Point, Japanese Garden, & Meadow Ramble (Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 2.49 miles

Elevation: 554 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 14 minutes (1 hour, 11 minutes moving)

Book Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Parking: Parking for 10-12 cars at Zen Garden Trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er

The Hike 

And now for something COMPLETELY different! It had become a beautiful, hot, sunny day with minimal clouds and 75 degrees of warmth. The access road to the park felt a bit like a personal driveway, but signs were clear that I was correct. I was happy to see that even though it was a state park, there was no entry fee. The main parking area was at the end of the narrow access road. There were a couple of other cars and FRESH porta potties! There were lovely views to nearby peaks and down into the valley from the parking area. The required peak, Zion Hill, for the Taconic 12er patch was a super short hike, so I was open to exploring. I got my life together, and I was off!

"Welcome to Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

This State Park was the generous gift of "Kit" and "Mickie" Davidson in 2016. After purchasing this property in 1966, they created a Japanese garden, hiking trails and other amenities and invited the public to share this Vermont landscape.

The property is comprised of 420 acres of former farmland and woodlands. The northern hardwood forest is a mix of maple, birch, beech, and ash, yielding brilliant fall foliage. The varied terrain includes wildflower meadows, fern groves, stands of white pine, steep cliffs, glaciated boulders and waterfalls. A hike to the top of Mt. Zion is rewarded with a sweeping view of Hubbardton Battlefield, the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont.

Carson "Kit" Davidson was born on June 24, 1924 in Washington, D.C. He served in the Army in World War II as a blood analysis technician. After attending Antioch College, he moved to New York City and found work at Dynamic Films. Using borrowed company equipment, he began a long, awward-winning career as an independent filmmaker, incluidng two Academy Award documentary nominations. 

Kit married Margaret "Mickie" Compere and together they lived in Greenwich Village. Mickie was a celebrated children's book author, with a specialty in biographies of inspirational historical figures, including Martin Luther King, Louis Braille, Jackie Robinson and Frederick Douglass, Annie Sullivan and Hellen Keller.

In the 1960's, the couple began looking for a place in the country to get away from the New York hustle. They purchased this 420-acre property in 1966 from farmer Clayton Calvin for $69 an acre.

Kit was inspired by Japanese gardens that he had visited eleven years earlier while on a film project. He created his own Japanese garden on the property, a preoccupation that lasted for more than forty years. In addition, they build an extensive trail network.

The couple moved to the proeprty full-time in 2002. They continued a tradition of opening the property to hikers and visitors that wanted to come and share the beauty of the place. This was made permanent just before Kit's death in 2016, when the property was transferred to the State of Vermont to become a new state park.

The State of Vermont ackowledges the contributions of Ellen Oppenheimer, a longtime family friend and Trustee of Kit's estate, for her assistance in making this wonderful donation possible."

[1:44pm - Start of Hike]

I walked past the trailhead kiosk which detailed the history of this park and turned right to backtrack on the access road. There was a lovely view across a meadow on the right, and I soon turned left to enter the woods on Alyssa Trail.

[1:45pm - Alyssa Trail]

Alyssa Trail followed light blue balzes that appeared to have been red in the past. This was by far the narrowest trail of the day, which rose gently and crossed a few wet spots on stepping stones, passing pretty pink flowers. Further into the woods, I began to pass beautiful mosses and ferns surrounding impressive boulders. I was especially enjoying this lesser-used trail because of how soft the footbed was on my tired feet!

My inner thighs were starting to chafe - I always forget how unnecessarily painful chafing is! The trail scrambled through a cool rockfall area and then turned under a cool rock overhang before crossing an Acadia-Beehive-like bridge with some short, steep scrambles up to the top of Zion Hill, listed on trail markings as Zion Major!

[1:57pm - Zion Major & Jan Trail]

I noticed some discrepencies between the PDF trail map I had and the actual trail layout, and then realized they must have done some reblazing and closing of redundant trails recently. The view from Zion Major was beautiful! Basically the parking lot view, but higher up, and with hazy views on the left to the Adirondacks! There were two friendly woman up there that were absolutely blown away by the view.

The Jan Trail led from Zion Major to the Top of the Ridge viewpoint, which was more of the same just a bit smaller. PeakFinder said I was basically looking at nothing of significance - pretty though!

[1:59pm - Springs Trail]

The Springs Trail led from the Top of the Ridge back into the woods. I passed a closed trail junction that seems to have gone over, around, or through the cliffs. I descended via short, easy switchbacks and crossed a few boards to get back down to the forest floor. 

[2:08pm - Kits Trail]

[2:10pm - Moot Point Trail]

[2:12pm - Zion Minor Loop]

I turned right onto Kits Trail to check out Zion Minor, which was accessed via a short uphill on the Moot Point Trail. The Zion Minor Loop was a little tricky to follow, but again had a nice, limited view to the meadows and the Japanese Garden down below. I passed some painted trillium near the end of the loop, and then decided to continue on the Moot Point Trail to Moot Point, which might have another view?

[2:17pm - Moot Point Trail]

[2:22pm - Moot Point]

The Moot Point Trail was pretty flat with a few gentle ups and downs, crossing a woods road in the middle. To my delight, there WAS a view from Moot Point! It looked down into the valley, which was really pretty. According to PeakFinder, they were still mountains that had no significance to me (yet!). There was a single red columbine flower, too. This hike was so different than the last two, I was really enjoying it (and little did I know, the best was yet to come!).

[2:28pm - Moot Point Trail/Zion Minor Loop]

[2:32pm - Kits Trail]

My return on the Moot Point Trail was nice and easy, passing the Zion Minor Loop soon. I continued onto the rest of Kits Trail, which descended along and through the rocks walls of Zion Minor, which was really cool! They were MASSIVE boulders. I wonder if they're erratics or if they've been eroded off the hill? Kits Trail terminated at the Japaneses Garden, which was...

[2:33pm - Japanese Garden]

Absolute insane?? There were Adirondack Chairs on dirt mounds with a few ponds that were fed by cascading water features off of tall boulders. I may or may not have held my head underneath one to cool off... (it felt so good). There was a series of sketchy ladders to a giant boulder that led to a hidden Adirondack chair, too?

In the main pond, a turtle was swimming around and when I got closer, I saw a salamander! Wait, no, at least 50 salamanders! This place was actually insane.

[2:41pm - Meadow Path]

After a few minutes I continued onto the Meadow Path, following signs for "to Eastern Trails." My only real goal here was to bring the hike to two miles. This trail went into the woods and then followed a cut path through the meadow, which was recently mowed, which did make following the trail a bit confusing. I could hear a tractor, but never saw it thankfully. It was significantly hotter in the sun, which was amplified by the slight uphill walk I was doing once I turned around. I decided that was enough fun, and I made my way back to the Japanese Garden.

[2:51pm - Japanese Garden]

[2:53pm - Garden Trail]

I gawked at the salamanders again before making the slightly steep climb uphill back to the car along the Garden Trail. This trail passed a private residence and a plaque dedicated to the former owners of the land.

[2:58pm - End of Hike]

Back at the car I changed my clothes and started my journey south to Manchester, where I would be staying the Brittany Motel. I was the ONLY person there when I arrived just after 4:00pm. The whole place was pretty interesting. It was basically an AirBnb/Motel hybrid. There was no front desk, just a LOT of emails detailing check in. One interesting thing was that one of the rooms was like a big living room with a kitchen and free snacks, yay?

I showered, got in a power nap, and then drove to the grocery store to pick up some snacks (and taquitos!) to round out my night. A few more people showed up to the motel, and I had a nice night's sleep before my next batch of adventures! 

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Alyssa trail.

- Summit Zion Major.

- Continue on Jan Trail.

- Summit Top of the Ridge.

- Continue on Spring Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Kits Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Moot Point Trail.

- At jct., hike Zion Minor Loop counter-clockwise.

- After loop, continue on Moot Point Trail.

- At Moot Point, turn around.

- At jct. with Kits Trail, turn right onto Kits Trail.

- Explore the Japanese Garden, then hike toward sign for "Eastern Trails."

- Follow trails around meadow, returning to Japenese Garden.

- At garden, follow Garden Trail back to car.

Map of Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park (outdated)

Photo Album

Ludlow Mountain via Healdville Trail (Okemo State Forest)

Ludlow Mountain via Healdville Trail (Okemo State Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 6.25 miles

Elevation: 1,955 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 34 minutes (2 hours, 27 minutes moving)

Book Time: 4 hours, 6 minutes

Parking: Parking for 5-ish cars at trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: Vermont Fire Towers

The Hike 

The sun was shining and I was excited for my second hike of the day! The drive from Mt. Ascutney to Ludlow Mountain was very pretty. I loved watching all of the people fishing along VT-131. I got gas in Ludlow, which was a super cute mountain/ski town, and I loved driving past the main entrance to Okemo (someday I'm going to have to ski all of these mountains that I've been hiking). The trailhead was at the end of Station Road, just after the railroad tracks, on the left (it was a little unclear). 

There was one other car at the trailhead, and they were packing up to leave. My wrist was hurting from wringing out my shirt, which was a solid bummer. The bugs were out as I was getting ready, so I threw some hairspray on my extremities and in my hair. The sunshine was abundant, and I was soon off!

[10:10am - Healdville Trail]

Temps were in the upper 60s now and I started my hike on the Healdville Trail. The trail entered the woods at the trailhead kiosk and immediately crossed a bridge, following blue balzes. The trail was on a super green old road with a decent amount of grass - not enough to be a problem, but enough to cause some high-stepping on my part. The ferns were growing in strong, too. I could see some logging equipment to the right of the trail just before crossing a well-signed very recently used logging road. A sign detailed the logging:

"Why log along the Healdville Trail?

The forest along the Healdville Trail is comprised of many native tree species, including a large composition of White Ash Trees. White ash trees are the preferred host for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

EAB is an introduced, non-native insect which kills up to 99% of ash trees in a stand and has been detected nearby. Once EAB kills ash trees, removing the trees to protect human safety becomes significantly more hazardous and expensive.

To address this risk, white ash trees which will succumb to the EAB in the next few years are being preemptively harvested along the trail corridor to reduce future hazards to hikers and avoid potential trail closures if many dead trees are left standing.

By harvesting these trees before they die, they can be felled much more safely, and utilized for wood products such as flooring, baseball bats, and tool handles.

This action is taken reluctantly. Unfortunately, forest managers don't have many options in the face of the rapidly advancing infestation. There are no other practical options for this stand to reduce the threat to human safety.

Once the harvesting is complete, the trail will be restored and reopened. Expect the forest around the trail to look different after the removals. Over time new native tree saplings will establish and mature into the next generation of this forest.

In the meantime, the young forest habitat created in pockets along the trail through this harvesting will support a diversity of wildlife, from birds using the shrubland habitat to deer and moose browsing on the young sugar maple saplings and bear eating the raspberries."

The Healdville Trail navigated the logged area, crossing over a wide bridge before going back onto the main trail, paralleling a brook in a sea of newly bloomed trout lily. The trail climbed at a reasonable grade before steepening at some cascades. The route was comically well-blazed which did prove helpful in some of the logged areas. 

I hiked past some more cascades and a bunch of past-peak red trillium before a little walking break at the 0.75 mile mark, which also featured a life-altering breeze. The trail climbed a bit more afterwards and began to veer away from the stream on what felt like a newer portion of the trail.

[10:33am - Healdville Trail/Catamount Ski Trail Joins]

The Catamount X-C Ski Trail joined in this area, whic was followed by a series of lovely, easy, realtively flat switchbacks. The sky above was turning bluer and bluer and I worked my way up before the Catamount Trail departed on the left.

[10:38am - Healdville Trail/Catamount Ski Trail Departs]

The trail moderated and steepened after the Catamount Trail departed, but some white flowers were cheering me on as I suffered up the side of this sub-peak. I passed some big older red trillium and eventually began to follow the contour line for a nice, long walking break with just a few muddy and grassy sections. This was basically the halfway point in both mileage and elevation. I kept thinking "this is lovely, what a shame there's still another 1,000 feet to climb!"

The terrifying farts started to arrive as the trail began to gently gain elevation again. Really nothing on this hike was overly challenging so far, but my legs were tired from Ascutney and the first part of this climb.

[11:02am - Healdville Trail/Sign]

There was a seemingly random sign right at the two mile mark (turns out it used to be a junction with an older trail according to the Vermont Fire Towers book, published in 2005) and then the trail descended a little to two rocky stream crossings before ascending again.

[11:13am - Healdville Trail/View]

The trail flattened one more time before starting to climb more intensely - the kind of grade that sneaks up on you. On the plus, there was a surprise little view on the way up! Someone had left non-wild flowers there, maybe as a memorial of sorts? 

The trillium were still alive up here and the trail soon turned to climb right up the contour. I could see the sky! I was worried that I might die before I got there, but I could sure see it! The trail neared a false summit and flattened again before another push that almost took my life from me (in fairness, I was hiking quickly). I caught some tree views on the left and painted trillium on the right as the trail rounded a knob before the final final push.

[11:31am - Healdville Trail/CCC Cabin]

[11:32am - Ludlow Mountain Summit & Tower]

After seeing God, the trail descended slightly to the ruins of an old CCC Cabin, which was cool to see! On the right was the remainder of the trail to the tower, and on the left was a spur to the ski area. There was a baby snake on the final trail to the tower that nearly scared the life out of me, and when I didn't die (again), I was at the tower!

There was no disc at the summit area, but the tower was in wonderful shape and looked recently repainted with a reflective silver. There was a great view to the backside of Killington. I loved seeing Ascutney, Stratton, and Equinox! I especially loved just getting familiar with this area of mountains - the "video game"-style map in my head is becoming clearer and clearer! I looked down into the town of Ludlow, but didn't stay up there for long as it was SUPER windy, which made me cool down rapidly with my soaking wet shirt. I decided I'd hike the little spur to the ski area for funsies.

[11:39am - Spur to Ski Area]

The spur was... lackluster. Wet, muddy, buggy, and short. It ended at a ski trail and I simply did not feel inspired enough to wander to the end terminals. I'm sure I could have gotten a nice view if I had, but oh well! I turned around and got back onto the Headldville Trail at the CCC Cabin to start my trip down.

[11:41am - Return to Healdville Trail]

I started my blast-off on the Healdville Trail feeling good! I zoned out in the upper portion and passed my first person of the hike near the viewpoint, and we both spooked each other! I descended to cross those two rocky streams and then rose up to the sign.

[12:04pm - Healdville Trail/Sign]

A child later came barreling down the trail, which in turn also scared the life out of me. His father was a minute after him and asked me how far the top was, the conversation went like this:

Me: "Hey how's it going."

Dad: "How far to the top [in a British accent]?"

Me: "Just about over a mile?"

Dad: "But how far?"

Me: "Yeah there's a sign a little that way and it's a mile from there."

Dad: "So like 20, 30 minutes?"

Me: "That depends on your pace, it's flat for a bit but then gets steep."

Dad: "So 30 minutes?"

Me: "Again I don't know it depends on your pace, could be 30-45 or even an hour."

Dad: "Hmm."

...and then I walked away. They were in soccer jersey t-shirts and the dad was wearing his phone on a lanyard. Hope they had fun! I also realized later that he probably had no idea how far a mile was based on his accent and tourist-like appearance.

A few minutes later I passed a woman and her wonderful dog as I followed the contour on the wonderfully flat trail. Slowly, I began to descend again, eventually landing where the Catamount Ski Trail joined at the delightful switchbacks.

[12:23pm - Healdville Trail/Catamount Ski Trail Joins]

I saw the littlest toad that ever lived and then managed to step on a stick with one foot, kick it with the side of my other foot, which twisted my knee in a truly heinous-feeling way. Thankfully, no injuries, but it sure felt horrible!

[12:28pm - Healdville Trail/Catamount Ski Trail Departs]

The Catamount Trail left the Healdville Trail at the last switchback and then descended a little more moderately to the land of logging, which was sunny and warm! I was back to dripping sweat. I made my way across the logging roads, through the grassy bit, and then I was back at the car!

[12:44pm - End of Hike]

I did a quick change into dry clothes at the car and then started a bit of a longer drive to the amazingly-named Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park for my final hike of the day! I almost forgot that the main purpose of this mini hiking trip was to finish my Taconic list!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Healdville Trail.

- At jct. near top, turn right to summit Ludlow Mountain.

- At summit, turn around and follow path to ski area.

- At ski slope, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Healdville Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Okemo State Forest

Photo Album