Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Pico Mountain via Deer Leap Overlook, Long Trail, & Sherburne Pass Trail (Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 10.82 miles

Elevation: 3,120 feet

My Time: 4 hours, 49 minutes (4 hours, 42 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 58 minutes

Parking: Parking for plenty of cars at Sherburne Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: New England 50 Finest, Long Trail Side-to-Side

The Hike 

First Day of Summer!

I didn't realize it was the first day of summer until I got here and thought "huh the sun sure is up?" Emma, Sarah, and I got lunch at Martells at The Red Fox near Smuggs, and then I had a scenic (but painfully slow) drive (behind a confused Tesla) through Smuggler's Notch. I wasn't sure what my hiking plans would be, but after scouring the weather I ultimately decided on Pico - a mountain I grew to love this past ski season and one I'd been interested in hiking since I had so much fun skiing it (and it's on the New England Hundred Highest list!). 

I drove past a fox near Stowe and had a shockingly easy drive on I-89. There were some moody skies between Exits 6 and 3 with showers clearly in the distance, but they all seemed to be north of Pico, so I should be fine? I wasn't going to let myself talk myself out of it regardless. Once I was near I drove through a veil of rain that slowly revealed Pico in it's sunny, green glory! I parked at the Sherburne Pass trailhead right at the height of land on Sherburne Pass. It took exactly two episodes of "Love Trapped," the podcast to arrive (I am HOOKED). There were a few other cars (and a van) at the trailhead. It was breezy out with temperatures in the low 70s - I was manifesting dry skies, but I was also accepting that I'd likely get rained on. I got suited up, read the historical marker right at the trailhead, and got my hike started!

"LONG TRAIL LODGE

Long Trail Lodge was built on the south side of Sherburne Pass in 1923 as a gift to the Green Mountain Club by Mortimer Proctor, former club president and later governor of Vermont. The rustic-style clubhouse, built of timber and stone from the site, privided overnight accommodation for members and guests. Managed by Treadway Inns since 1933, it first welcomed skiers for the 1938-39 season and added Deer Leap Chalet as a winter annex in 1938. The lodge remained a popular destination until destroyed by fire in 1968. The Long Trail, conceived by the Green Mountain Club in 1910 and completed in 1930, follows the spine o fthe Green Mountains from Massachusetts to the Canadian broder. The original route of the trail passed dthrough the lodge.

Vermont Division for Historic Preservation - 2024" from Historical Sign on US-4

[2:48pm - Start of Hike]

[2:49pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

I started by RUNNING across US-4 towards the Long Trail Lodge and entered the woods on the right toward the Sherburne Pass Trail and Deer Leap. There was a split in the trail, with a climber's route on the left and the hiking trail on the right. I entered the woods, relieved myself, realized I hadn't started my watch, and almost followed an old section of abandoned trail - doing great! The Sherbune Pass Trail was pretty rugged without gaining much elevation with super steep cliffs up on the left. I hiked past a bunch of really cool looking rocks and descended slightly. US-4 was super loud even from the trail.

The recent storms had dome some damage to the woods in central Vermont, and there were some VERY recent blowdowns here to show for it! I passed a sign at a low point that encouraged hikers to stay on the trail and to avoid cutting switchbacks. The trail was wet but not nearly as wet as it could have been with recently storms. I crossed paths with a friendly hiking family as I climbed up a steeper and more rugged section, which led to the junction with the Appalachian Trail!

[3:02pm - Appalachian Trail]

[3:03pm - Deer Leap Trail]

I was only on the Appalachian Trail for a minute on a flat stretch and then the Deer Leap Trail started just after. I turned onto the Deer Leap Trail, listening to what I assume was a sportsmen's club in the distance (or at least I hope it was!), and smiled as the sun came out from behind the clouds. I could feel the humidity in the air, but overall it was pretty comfortable. On my journey, I heard what MUST have been a loud truck on US-4... or...

I did check my weather app and it did say that there were storms in the area, but it was looking okay near me? Onward!

The trail climbed a bit more and then leveled out in a wet, but not muddy, section. I heard the mysterious booming truck again, but also an airplane? Strange things were happening in Sherburne Pass! The trail slightly descended to cross some muddy boards before easily climbing again to the junction with the Overlook Spur.

[3:12pm - Deer Leap Overlook Spur]

[3:16pm - Deer Leap Overlook]

I crossed paths with a woman and her puppy at the junction, said my hello, and then continued hiking through some beautiful woods with tree views to Deer Leap Mountain on the right. The trail started to descend, and then descended more (I was being dramatic, it wasn't that much), crossed a couple of bridges, and then opened up to the overlook with truly a spectacular view of Pico! There was a blue "X" on the highet point and I couldn't help but notice a DARK cloud looming behind Pico... The dark cloud started to rumble, so I got myself right back into the woods. I thought I MIGHT get spared based on the wind direction... We'll see...

I had a nice and easy return to the Deer Leap Trail, which would lead 0.9 miles to Willard Gap, per the sign.

[3:21pm - Deer Leap Trail]

The Deer Leap Trail STEEPLY descended from here, and it was clear that most people hike the overlook as an out-and-back. There was a steep, slimy scramble that was a little confusing to follow. I was just happy that I decided to the hike in this direction, so I'll end with an easier descent off of Pico versus having to haul my tired body up this mess. The trail became narrower and buggier, traversing a super wet area and climbing up a little stream. I crossed paths with two... casual hikers, and gave death glares at some screaming blue jays that were yelling at me. 

[3:35pm - Deer Leap Mountain summit area]

I worked my way over a few blowdowns as the trail steepened. I wrote in my notes "this little side quest of mine packs a punch!" The trail skirted the summit cone and left the National Forest Boundary. There were clouds overhead again, but it wasn't like, dark? I was feeling less worried. There WAS a lovely breeze, though!

There were some tree views on the left and cool rocks on the right before the descent really began, and I managed to accidentally follow a steep needly herd path which was NOT the trail. Thankfully, I noticed quickly and soon got back on the real trail. I entered a sea of hip-high ferns, but the footpath was clear. The trail became a muddy stream in a flatter spot, which provided me my first real boot-sucking mud experience of the year!

[3:49pm - Appalachian Trail]

I descended a little bit more and soon came to the Appalachian Trail, which I thought was still both the LT/AT, but nope! I turned left onto the AT right as my watch pinged two miles. Naturally, the trail was much wider now. I walked over a stream through this wonderuflly flat strech of trail, which was a nice break from the down.

[3:53pm - Willard Gap, Maine Junction, & Long Trail/Appalachian Trail]

Soon after, I came to "Maine Junction," which took me too long to realize why it was called that. This is the spot where the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail split! I continued straight onto the LT/AT, the Long Trail Northbound turned right, and there was a closed/abandoned trail on the right. This was also Willard Gap... I think. I noticed there was some construction going on at the junction, too. A gravel foundation bed with two boxes? Maybe a kiosk was going in? I also thought it would be a fun spot for a dual-privy, but probably not that. 

The LT/AT began to descend at very easy grades from this point before gently rising to cross some wet spots and streams. The forest here was really pretty with lush, low undergrowth filling in the space between trees. The trail crossed some form of property boundary before descending again, providing a glimpse through the trees to US-4. I almost stepped on an eft as I was trying to figure out what kind of undergrowth was surrounding me - turns out it was the wood nettle! I've only experienced nettle stings once before, and I do not want to deal with it again! Thankfully I escaped unscathed. 

I was sad that I forgot to bring chapstick with me, but I was happy that the knot in my hip belt was holding strong. I passed some form of a backpacker with an external frame pack in a super wet spot as I continued on into a shadier forest which featured the ROARS of US-4 as a soundtrack.

I passed a few signs (bear country warning, road crossing warning, and a trail relocation warning, even though the trail was relocated in 1999), a few slugs, and another backapcker as I prepared to cross US-4!

"YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY

This area has an active bear population. Bears have approached tents and shelters, eaten hikers' food, and destroyed hikers' equipment.

Observe these guidelines to keep your party safe: 

- Follow all food-storage procedures if staying at designated overnight sites

- Use bear boxes where provided to store food and scented items

- If primitive camping, prepare food and hang bear-bags at least 100 feet from campsites

- Pack out all garbage and food scraps

- Do not feed bears or approach bears

-  If you encounter a bear, do not corner it. Make noise to scare the bear away. Back away slowly.

Please report any bear encounters to the Green Mountain Club by calling (802) 244-7037."

"Caution: road crossing.

Cars on route 4 drive fast.

Wait for a break in traffic.

Walk across the road straight (not on a diagonal)."

"Notice of trail relocation

- The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail hav ebeen relocated in this area. 

- This relocation puts trails on public land in a permanently proected corridor.

- The former route of the LT/AT remains open and will always be available to the hiking public. It is now called the Sherburne Pass Trail.

- The new LT/AT trailhead is on US 4 one mile west of Sherburne Pass."

[4:14pm - LT/AT crosses US-4]

I, again, SPRINTED across US-4 and got right back onto a trail, which first walked through a wildflower roadside area before turning right to pass more wildflowers (turning left led to a large parking area). I noticed I was also on the Catamount Ski Trail right here as I went back into the woods, passing a kiosk and crossing a bridge over a nice brook.

[4:18pm - LT/AT/Catamount Ski Trail Departs]

The Catamount Trail continued straight ahead as the LT/AT turned left, passing a porcupine warning!

"Dog Danger: Pico is operpopulated with prickly porcupines!

A local ceterinarian reports that he has de-quilled many dogs that were off leash and encountered porcupines on Pico. Apparently the porcupine population population has surged. If you aren't sure your dog knows to avoid porcupines and don't want your hike ruined by an encounter, please leash your dog."

I remembered seeing the same sign when I hiked up Killington last year! The LT/AT continued on flat ground, traversing some boards, and then began to easily gain elevation again. The trail had been really nicely graded at this point. I was back in a similar woods as the other side of US-4, but instead of nettles, it was filled with ferns. There was a nice breeze with many birds singing all around. The humidity was a lot, but thankfully it wasn't too hot out.

I started to catch some afternoon spiderwebs as I maneuvered some more wet spots, eventually crossing with a duo. One of the hikers was manhandling a blowdown off of the trail - thank you, stranger! I began to climb again, still at a reasonable grade. The trail turned with the contour of the mountain, zigging and zagging along. I passed another eft around a section of small streams before rambling through an area full of boulders. There was one spooky cave with room for a couple of folks laying down!

I hurt my own feelings when I checked my progress - I had SO MUCH more to climb! Oh well. I began to climb with steeper switchbacks in a wild area. I could hear running water off to the right as I zig zagged up the mountain, but never actually saw it. There was a nice walking break after a few minutes of climbing and I heard... an airplane? I think it actually was an airplane this time! I eventually crossed the stream that I had been hearing - a wobbly rock almost took me out! I wiggled around some more new blowdowns and then came up to the shelter that I had completely forgotten about!

[5:02pm - Churchill Scott Shelter spur]

I followed the blue blaze to the shelter, but I heard people at the shelter so I just swapped my water bottles at a tentside near the privy and then continued on my merry way! I didn't prepare any water for this hike, so I had to buy a gallon as I drove through Stowe, which was all fine, but I missed my Nuun!

[5:07pm - LT/AT]

Continuing on, I lamented about my climb not even being halfway done, but I think the problem was less that I was tired or bored, but more than my internal hiking clock is not used to hikingin the late afternoon. I did find myself enjoying drinking actual water versus electrolytes... The LT/AT continued to zig zag up the mountain, passing a sunny, overgrown spot with the occasional peek-a-view to who knows what. It was still very hazy outside, but significantly less cloudy. Will I make it out dry? The answer is no, but because I'm sweaty. Rain? We'll see!

I said hello to my third eft of the day as I climbed more consistently toward a false peak-ish area that provided views to the sky through the trees, but I still had a ways to go. The trail passed an overgrown viewpoint and a downy woodpecker before rambling through an area of overgrowth. I was growing impatient/tired as I continued climbing via zig-zags with occasional walking breaks. My watch pinged six miles and I entered a more mixed forest that smelled simply wonderful. The trail leveled out for a bit here - the flat dirt felt amazing on my tired feet. 

I could just barely make out Killington through the trees as the trail began to undulate. I heard either a crow or raven absolutely screaming through the trees. I scraped my way through an area of thin pines with scratchy undergworth (fir wave??) before flattening, descending, flattening again... I was REALLY getting tired of the endlessness! I had to physically crawl under a blowdown and just as I complained about another flat/down, I hit the junction with the Sherburne Pass Trail! Thank goodness.

[5:57pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

This junction gave me a whole lot of information on a bunch of different signs! It was 0.3 miles to the Pico Camp, 0.7 miles to the Pico Summit, and 3.2 to Sherburne Pass - the three bits I cared about! I could just barely see the top of Pico through the trees and I accepted that I might have to race the sun down the mountain. 

The Sherburne Pass Trail was a narrower blue-blazed trail. To my dismay, I continued to descend through what felt like a wild jungle. 

[6:03pm - Sherbune Pass Trail/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

After a few minutes of descending, the Sherburne Pass Trail crossed the Killington-Pico Interconnect, which was really cool! It's just a wide gravel road, but it felt like I was somewhere where I shouldn't have been, even though it was totally okay! The trail went back into the woods, which were exceptionally moody. I soon passed a "water source down trail" sign, and then I arrived at Pico Camp!

[6:08pm - Pico Camp & Pico Link]

Pico Camp was a small cabin with a closed door, but it didn't looked locked. I was not going to f- around and find out, so I left it alone! There was a privy out in the woods a bit on the same contour. From here, it would be 0.4 miles to the summit!

[6:12pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

I climbed up through a rocky stream and then a short, steeper push to cross the Interconnect for a second time, providing a view to Killington through the trees. Back in the woods, the trail continued to be steeper and wet. This push felt like the final push up Killington, even though it was less steep (still steep, to be clear, but the push to Killington was STEEP steep). I crossed paths with a human - the first in a while - and I wrote in my notes that "this climb is a Grade-A doozy."

[6:20pm - Pico Link/Ski Area]

After some questioning of my life choices, I popped out onto the Fourty-Niner ski trail, which I had skied before! I briefly hiked through the woods again before opening up onto the other fork of Fourty-Niner. It was fun to be somewhere I had been before! I worked my way up on the footpath between the tall grasses, which led right to the top of the Sherburne Express Quad, providing a magnificent view. 

[6:24pm - Pico Mountain Summit]

Behind the patrol shack, I spooked a snowshoe hare and found the true summit, marked by a grassy cairn. On a nearby communications tower, some ravens were having a wild conversation. The bugs slowly moved in, surrounding my head in a way that made me feel like I was being swallowed by the air around me. Unpleasant! I throught about skiing the old Poma line and worked my way back to the lift. I loved seeing Abraham, Ellen, Camel's Hump, and Mansfield, and I could see Killington behind me!

[6:36pm - Pico Link]

[6:37pm - Pico Link enters woods]

[6:42pm - Pico Link/Killington-Pico Interconnect]

The bugs quickly went from bad to worse, so I BOOKED it back into the woods. I almost died on some wet spots of the Pico Link, but soon I was running through the Interconnect and back safe at the Pico Camp. I turned left to finish the last bit of the Sherburne Pass Trail.

[6:45pm - Sherburne Pass Trail]

[6:54pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Summit Glades View]

I passed the water source from a previous trail sign and then the Sherburne Pass Trail began a lovely ramble around the contour. This ramble brought me to one of my favorite trails on Pico - Summit Glades! The view from here was just delightful, especially in the late afternoon sun. The trail actually started descending at this point, and I was thrilled to remember that becuase of how I did this loop, I would be descending significantly less than what I climbed. 

I was feeling an immense sense of joy and gratitude when I realized that not only did I not get struck by lightning on this hike, but I didn't get rained on, AND it turned out to be a stunning afternoon! I hiked down a series of long switchbacks at a reasonable grade and per tradition, the trail then flattened out and crossed 50 streams (more like 5-6). I hiked over a big, bright eft and hurt my own feelings (again) by checking the map (again).

Thankfully a breeze brought me back to life. I was having truly a wonderful time, but I was so upset that it was 7:15pm on a Sunday and I was dreadfully far from home. I then said to myself "don't Monday my Sunday," and I felt better! I crossed a little spur onto the Bushwhacker ski trail, but I didn't bother with it and kept my sights set on the car. 

The trail got wet and slippery afterwards, and after some more hiking turned a corner and I could hear US-4! Naturally, this was the worst section of trail I had hiked all day. I wondered if the upper bit had been relocated, because this was a wet, eroded mess (and I'd later learn that this used to be the Appalachian Trail!). 

[7:35pm - Sherburne Pass Trail/Trail Register]

I arrived at a trail register at a junction with an old, grassy road. I turned left and basically ran out of the woods to the parking area. This was a FANTASTIC hike!

[7:38pm - End of Hike]

As I packed up the car, I noticed someone rock climbing onto Deer Leap! That was fun to see.

I worked my way home, and noticed a lot of damage in the Woodstock area, and then I realized I was driving right through the tornado path! I got a few pictures along the river - the damage was intense. 

I eventually got home just before 11pm. I was TIRED, but what a great day.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Sherbune Pass/Deer Leap trailhead.

- Cross US-4 and start hike on Sherburne Pass Trail (N).

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At jct. just after, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Deer Leap Overlook.

- At overlook, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Deer Leap Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Appalachian Trail.

- At Maine Junction, continue onto Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- Cross US-4, continue on LT/AT.

- At jct., turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Pico Link.

- Summit Pico Mountain, turn around.

- At terminus of Pico Link, turn left onto Sherburne Pass Trail.

- Follow Sherburne Pass Trail to car.

Map of Coolidge Range

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

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

Camel's Hump via Monroe & Alpine Trails (Camel's Hump State Park)

Camel's Hump via Monroe & Alpine Trails (Camel's Hump State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.40 miles

Elevation: 2,657 feet

Time: 5 hours, 32 minutes (4 hours, 17 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: Vermont 4000-Footers, Long Trail Side-to-Side, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Emma and I planned to hike Camel's Hump yesterday, but Vermont decided to rain instead! We spent yesterday in Burlington and pushed Camel's Hump to this last day of August. We had a wedding way over in Newport, VT later that day, so we decided to get up nice and early to leave time for a nap later on. The alarms went off at 3:45am and we made it to the trailhead just before 5:00am. There were two other cars and it was a wonderful 50 degrees out. We could hear an owl and I christened the porta potty! Poor Emma had a wild gas/poop cramp that simply would not pass, hopefully some hiking would help loosen things up!

[5:07am - Start of Hike]

We started our hike by walking to the upper parking lot (closer to the trail - we didn't know it existed!) with our headlamps on. 

[5:10am - Monroe Trail]

Once in the woods, we soon signed the trail register and began our hike on the Monroe Trail. The beginning of the hike was super chill with the faintest light through the trees. The trail easily climbed until the 0.5 mile mark, when it began to moderate, but never to a ridiculous grade. The climbs were alternated with walking breaks, which was lovely. We hiked over three bridges and Emma's gas bubble would NOT budge. We did worry it could have been appendicitis, but thankfully she had a bar of service and her bubble was on the wrong side of her abdomen. 

[5:56am - Monroe Trail/Dean Trail jct.]

More light was beginning to shine through the trees as we arrived at the junction with the Dean Trail - the proposed end of our lollipop loop. A few minutes later at about 6:00am on the dot, the birds started to wake up, and our headlamps came off a few minutes after that (a few more minutes later, Emma finally farted! I already had a point in fart baseball, but I was happy for her). 

We continued to hike and approached a daunting headwall, thankfull the trail never really tackled it too aggressively. There was a slight breeze through the trees, which was just lovely. There were golden, foggy clouds overhead as we began to climb, passing one wet scramble. We were moving slow because of Emma's gas bubble that unfortunately was still hurting her. There were a few views through the trees, which helped energize us!

The trail crossed, followed, and crossed a mossy stream in a really beautiful area before making a sharp turn and climbing more aggressively on some wet slabs (we think this brought us to the top of the headwall we saw before). The trail turned again and soon brought us to a large junction with the Alpine Trail!

[6:59am - Monroe/Alpine Trail jct.]

We did a sit, bathroom, and snack break at this junction. Emma was not feeling great, so we made the decision to alter our route. We originally planned to follow the Alpine Trail northbound to the Long Trail southbound, eventually returning on the Dean Trail. Now, we would turn onto the Alpine Trail southbound and do a much smaller loop over the summit, returning on the Monroe Trail. We enjoyed our leftover pizza as we joked about how crazy it would be if she actually had a burst appendix (spoiler alert, she did not). 

[7:12am - Alpine Trail (south)]

The Alpine Trail was much narrower than the Monroe Trail, but it was a welcome change. I thought it was going to climb pretty aggressively, but it was incredibly manageable. We even saw some ghost pipes! We were only a little disappointed to skip the other half of the Alpine Trail, as there were supposed to be views and a plane crash but...

[7:33am - Alpine Trail/Plane wreckage]

As it turned out, the plane crash was actually on this bit of the Alpine Trail! It was clear as day - just off-trail as the Alpine Trail made a sharp right turn and began to climb. It looked like all that was left of the wreckage was a wing, and it was impressive! The collest plane wreck I've ever seen still remains to be the one near Mt. Success, but this was cool! A herd path continued uphill to rejoin the Monroe Trail (not more plane parts).

The Alpine Trail got a little more rugged the further up we went and we caught a pretty neat view of the hump of Camel's Hump poking over the trees (and through the summit fog, which was will pretty prevalent). We hiked underneath a cool overhanging rock/cliff, and to our surprise and delight, were soon on the Long Trail for our final push!

[7:48am - Long Trail (north)]

Things got fun once on the Long Trail! The trail's character immeditely changed as it simultaneously entered into the Alpine Zone. Footing was very rocky and damp due to the summit fog, but overall grip was solid. We could only kind of see a semblance of the view down below - we were otherwise pretty socked-in. 

Sure, we were bummed to not have any views, but it was cool to see the rugged rock formations through the fog. It was decently windly, but nothing too problematic, and there was one slab that was a little more slippery than the rest. The Long Trail briefly dipped back into the woods before the final push, which was fully above the trees with rocks and string marking the trail. 

At this point, I took off past Emma due to my usual case of summit fever (I could also argue I wanted to get nice photos of her summiting!). There were a few more soft glances at the possibility of a view, but we were pretty much solidly in the clouds, which was FINE. The sun WAS shining, which felt wonderful. Soon enough, we found the two USGS discs up top, and began our celebration!

[8:05am - Camel's Hump Summit]

Of course, climbing any mountain is worth celebrating, but I was especially excited to had climbed this once becuase it completed my Vermont 4000-Footers! We celebrated by hiking up with mini bottles of prosecco and plastic champagne flutes, which was just fun. There was one other couple at the summit - they either illegally camped at the summit or hiked up for sunrise with their tent for shelter. Only issue with them was that they started playing music on their bluetooth speaker after 20ish minutes, which was annoying. 

We had some more snacks and contemplated what on Earth was wrong with Emma's abdomen - could still be gas... maybe!

[8:52am - Long Trail (north)]

Around 8:45am, more and more people started arriving rather rapidly, so we decided to pack it up. The initail descent on the Long Trail was really pretty - even in the fog. We slowly descended into the trees, before descending more steeply to the Monroe Trail. It was my turn for a weird tummy, but I was thinking I'd survive (Emma was feeling a little better descending, but still not great). 

[9:03am - Monroe Trail]

[9:22am - Monroe Trail/Alpine Trail jct.]

[10:08am - Monroe Trail/Dean Trail jct.]

Our descent involved a lot of blabbering at each other and speculating what was wrong with her abdomen (it went through phases of pain). Emma took a solid fall on one of the slabs after the junction with the Alpine Trail, and we passed at least 50 people heading up to the summit on our descent (we couldn't fathom how they'd all fit at the top!). We had to PEE in our last mile, but didn't want to have to get off-trail to pee, so we both suffered, possibly a little too long.

[10:41am - End of Hike]

We started to get excited as the trail leveled out, and then we began to cross the bridges, and then we were back! I sent Emma to the bathroom while I signed us out, and then it was my turn. We had a quick change at the car in the FULL parking lot, and made our way back to her place for a shower, change, and then off to the wedding!

...which we never made it to. Emma was feeling BAD after her nap, so I politely encouraged her to go to the doctor. We spent a little over an hour there, and turns out she had a kidney infection caused by a prior UTI! And she climbed Camel's Hump! She's such a trooper. Instead of  going to the wedding, we got dinner, got Legos, and went home (which I was NOT mad about!)

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Monroe Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Alpine Trail (south).

- At terminus, turn right onto Long Trail (north).

- Summit Camel's Hump.

- Continue on Long Trail (north).

- At jct., turn right onto Monroe Trail.

- Follow Monroe Trail back to car.

Map of Camel's Hump State Park

Photo Album

Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail (Coolidge State Forest/Green Mountain National Forest)

Killington Peak via Bucklin Trail (Coolidge State Forest/Green Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 7.98 miles

Elevation: 2,493 feet

Time: 3 hours, 17 minutes (3 hours moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025, Vermont 4000 Footers, Long Trail Side to Side

The Hike

I was out in scenic Schenectady, New York for a good friend's wedding and I decided to take the scenic route home and hit Vermont's southernmost 4000-footer, Killington Peak! I made sure to sleep in since I had a hotel room all to myself, and around 10am I packed up and started my journey! The drive was beautiful and I made it to the trailhead just before noon. It was a warm, humid, hazy day in the high 70s, but I didn't care how miserable the air was, because I was about to climb a mountain!! I've loved my summer in New Jersey - I spent plenty of time down the shore, hiking the Tourne, and a couple jaunts to Mt. Tammany and Harriman, but I'd been missing real mountains, especially 4000-footers. There was possible rain in the forecast around 2/3pm, but I wasn't too pressed about it. I got suited up, got catcalled by some crazy squirrels, and I was off!

[12:03pm - Start of Hike on Bucklin Trail]

The plan for the afternoon was an out-and-back on the Bucklin Trail. The Bucklin Trail started off super flat in the woods (I was basically kicking my heels in joy to be on a mountain trail again). There was one fly that was REALLY into my hair, but besides that, bugs were tame. The Catamount Trail joined at 0.1 miles and at 0.2 miles, the trail crossed a bridge over Brewers Brook and passed the trail register (I plead the fifth to whether or not I signed in...). My hamstrings were feeling super tight from my first leg day in a couple months (which was like... five days ago...). I also admired a sign warning the Pico Porcupines, which I thought was fun ("Dog Danger: Pico is overpopulated with prickly porcupines! A local veterinarian reports that he has de-quilled many dogs that were off leash and encountered porcupines on Pico. Apparently the porcupine population has surged. If you aren't sure your dog knows to avoid porcupines and don't want your hike ruined by an encounter, please leash your dog.").

The Bucklin Trail continued to travel flat through the beautiful forest, crossed a blowdown, and soon the Catamount Trail left on the left (hehe). Around 0.5 miles, the sound of Brewers Brook neared again, but the trail made a left turn away from the trailway and onto what felt like a relocated stretch (according to the Long Trail Guide, this relocation was built after Hurricane Irene in 2011). 

[12:27pm - Junction with Old Route]

I originally thought this reroute was new based on how the trail looked, but I soon walked on some rotting boards which said otherwise. I passed a few people (one barefoot) in this stretch as the trail gently meandered up and down. I noticed a dormant wasp nest off in the woods when I hit the 1.0 mile mark - my pace was going well at an easy 20-minute mile. I knew I'd be slowing down soon, though...

Eventually, the Bucklin Trail descended to rejoin the old route at 1.2 miles. A sign indicated that the old route is still passable, but only in winter. The trailbed went back to a wide old road (or railroad?) grade once on the old route and then wiggled through an overgrown, wet area before crossing the brook on a nice bridge. 

The road grade continued after this, still ascending incredibly easy, crossed another bridge at 1.5 miles, and then traversed a wet, rocky stretch of still mostly-flat trail. I maintained my 20-minute mile pace for my second mile, which made me more nervous for the climb to come! I did find myself thinking about how nice of a snowshoe hike this would be, though.

[12:43pm - Irene Falls]

To my delight, there was a surprise signed, eroded spur path to Irene Falls! The falls proper looked to fall from the cliffs above, but most of the that view was obstructed by trees, and the low water levels did not put on much of a show. I explored just a little bit, and did find a smaller cascade with a nice wading pool, too. It would have been nice to dunk my head, but the amount of water bugs effectively deterred me. Plus, the flying insects were alive and well in this area! I got a couple of mosquito bites here, so I took the hint and got right on out of there.

I put some bug spray on since the bugs followed me back to the Bucklin Trail. The easy grades continued just for a little bit longer and then FINALLY (for better or for worse) hit the Green Mountain National Forest land, turned off the old road, and began to climb at 2.2 miles. There were obstructed tree views to Pico and Ram's Head. The grade of the trail wasn't crazy steep, but it was that perfect storm of moderate grade, humid air, and a body that was likely still processing the gallon of wine I drank the previous night, that had my blood pumping!

There was a slight reprieve at a newly-looking-built switchback to bypass an eroded stretch, and then the climbing continued. The forest began to pivot from deciduous to coniferous around 2.9 miles, and I was proud of my ailing body to see my watch tell me my third mile's pace was only 30 minutes. This was followed by another nice walking break and a mid-sized medium recent pile of bear poop. I climbed again through super pretty fern-y woods that looked well-gladed for skiing (which would make sense). Once I neared the Long Trail, a bunch of pretty purple flowers began to pop up (according to Seek, they're Swamp Asters), and soon enough, I made it to the Long Trail!

[1:33pm - Long Trail]

The Swamp Asters continued in abundance once on the Long Trail, which hiked much more ruggedly than the Bucklin Trail. I didn't realize this stretch of the Long Trail was also the Appalachian Trail, which was fun! The trail climbed on the easy side of moderately to the Cooper Lodge, whose perimiter was lined with thick, bright orange ratchet strap-type things. I initially thought they were to mark the closed lodge, but I think they're actually there for back and side-country skiers to mark the point of no return (which was also indicated by a sign: "The mountains will be just as cold and lonely as they were 200 years ago. Point of no return.). 

I did a quick shirt-wring-out and hydration break at the lodge, said hi to some passing hikers, and then continued up past some tent platforms and to the Killington Peak Spur.

[1:41pm - Killington Spur]

This final push was going to short and STEEP. Thankfully, it was the fun kind of steep. The kind of steep where you simply cannot go too fast becuase it's so silly. The trees quickly went from full-grown to scrubby, and the hazy views quickly began to show themselves, especially out towards New York. I then caught a view to Pico, passed some signs for a "J Trail" (one of the trails from the resort), and made it to the top in one piece!

[1:50pm - Killington Peak]

The view was hazy, but lovely, and the weather felt immaculate up top. There were some people on the summit, but it was not too crowded. My real only complaint was that the goldonas were running, so there were some folks who were not sweaty, disgusting, and exhausted, which always feels unfair! The main view was towards Pico and the Adirondacks, but the far views were mostly obscured by the haze. I wandered around the main summit area for a bit and then meandered around the communication tower area just off the summit. There was one spooky fire tower that seemed closed to the public - sad! I eventually made it back to the true summit where I had a sit and snack. The group of backpackers I saw at the lodge made it up about 10 minutes after me, and I learned that they're finishing a multi-day backpacking trip and planned to take the gondola down (which, happy for them, but at that point I'd rather hike down to feel satisfied, but I'm also crazy...). 

[2:04pm - Killington Spur]

Darker clouds began to roll in, so I decided to pack it up and head on down. I was okay with getting caught in the rain, but I wanted to be off the summit before it hit (I also was over three hours from home still). The descent was comically steep and I found myself grateful for my solid sense of balance, becuase I was able to mountain-goat myself down relatively quickly. I passed one guy on the descent and we both lamented about the steepness. He said "I skipped my summit beer today because I knew I'd have to come down this and if I go I want it to be on my own terms" which was very funny!

[2:13pm - Long Trail]

Once back on the Long Trail, I took a quick break at the lodge to tighten my shoes, which were still new and feeling a bit loose after a couple hours of hiking (this might have been a mistake... more on that when I write about Mt. Wolf). My shorts and underwear were SOAKED with sweat, which had me worrying about chafing, but I am happy to report I survived mostly unscathed. I was significantly warmer and more humid once in the woods, which was an expected bummer. My stint on the Long Trail was short-lived, and I was soon back on the Bucklin Trail!

[2:17pm - Bucklin Trail]

The upper stretch of the Bucklin Trail was expectedly rough. I always struggle with which poison to pick - do I go slow and fight gravity, which will be harder on the thighs, or do I let gravity work, which is harder on the feet. I let gravity do it's thing, which had my speed up, but my feet definitely felt it (again, more on that for Mt. Wolf...). I did feel a delightful relief when I hit the old road grade - the feeling of switching which leg muscles are being used feels like shifting gears on a car, I think at least.

[2:44pm - Irene Falls]

Once on the road grade, I soon passed Irene Falls again and continued along, crossing the bridges, wiggling through the wet, overgrown stretch, and then coming to the junction with the old route, which had me dreading the few uphills that were about to come.

[2:58pm - Junction with Old Route]

To nobody's surprise, I was being dramatic and the relocated spur was completely fine. I made my way up and down, back onto the old route, and was overjoyed to see the first big bridge over Brewers Brook and the trail register (still pleading the fifth). I had a little bit of hip pain and overall fatigue at this point, but that was fully expected at this point of the hike, especially since I maintained a faster pace without much of a break... at all.

[3:15pm - End of Hike]

I was soon back at the trailhead, getting catcalled by red squirrels, and all was good! I changed my clothes, drank some water, had a snack, and started my long-but-beautiful drive home. This was Vermont high peak #4, leaving only Camel's Hump left, which I should hopefully be able to hike Labor Day weekend!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Bucklin Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto Long Trail (southbound).

- After cabin, turn left onto Killington Spur.

- At summit, retrace steps back to car.

Map of Coolidge Range

Photo Album

Mt. Mansfield via Sunset and Maple Ridges (Mt. Mansfield State Forest/Underhill State Park)

Mt. Mansfield via Sunset and Maple Ridges (Mt. Mansfield State Forest/Underhill State Park)

Distance: 9.20 miles
Elevation: 2,969 feet
Time: 7 hours, 42 minutes (6 hours, 16 minutes moving)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge, Vermont 4000 Footers, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike

Originally we had planned to hike Mt. Mansfield on the Saturday and the Belvidere on Sunday, but the weather pointed to more favorable "view conditions" for Sunday. The weather was absolutely perfect up on Belvidere and... well, you'll see how it was up on Mansfield. We didn't sleep for too long due to the Soulja Boy concert the night before, which was.... rough, but the McDonalds full of at least 50 <21 year olds with black Xs on both hands really made for a full house. Also, Jimmy Buffett had just passed away and I simply had to stay up and doom scroll on TikTok to feel all my feelings. ANYWAY we were up at 5:20am, had the best apple muffin I've ever had in my life from Maple Fields, and couldn't help notice how cloudy it was as we approached Underhill State Park. We crawled up the dirt road in my trust Honda CRV, parked just outside the already-full parking area (I think most were camping), and christened the mid-teir porta potties before getting the party started!

Our hike started by walking past the parking area gate onto the CCC Road, and then turning onto the Eagle Cut Trail, which bypasses the switchbacks of the CCC Road. The Eagle Cut Trail was full of stone stairs and surprisingly dry, which we very much appreciated. Our packs were heavy with water and legs tired from Belvidere yesterday, but we continued on, slow and steady. The final crossing of the CCC road looked to be recently widened, which provided some cloudy views up towards a ridge (no idea which one. Either the LT or the Maple Ridge? After one more stint in the woods the trail terminates at the CCC Road.

Turning left onto the CCC Road, we followed the wide and gentle roadway, past a group campsite, and up to a high ridge with obstructed views to a cascading stream down below. Not too long after, we made it to the Sunset Ridge Trail trailhead, where just after signing the trail register, Emma noticed her bag was leaking... uh oh! She pulled out her brand new bladder, and saw that it had already sprung a pen-sized leak. We took a nice long break where Emma channeled her inner camel. Her recollection of the moment was "I was putting in the work!"

After that tragety, I gave her one of my Nalgenes and we continued along our journey. The Sunset Ridge Trail starts off by crossing many bridges and stone steps. The trail generally was wet but very manageable, and also never too steep (yet), soon passing the Laura Cowles Trail trailhead.

After a little bit of climbing, the Sunset Ridge Trail comes to a junction with the out-and-back Cantilever Rock Trail, a worthy side trip. The trail was rugged and eroded, with many streams running on the trail. There isn't much elevation change from trailhead to terminus, but there is a fair amount of small ups and downs over the 0.2 miles. Close attention should be paid to the blazes, most of which are very faded.

The trail terminates at a rocky, grassy area, with the daunting Cantilever Rock overhead. There is a large rock slab on the left that, if climbed, has a nice view of the clouded ridge and lowlands below. We decided to not take a break there to let others enjoy the features. We had a quick return to the trail junction, took a quick snack break, and ventured forth!

Now back on the Sunset Ridge Trail, we were now climbing up steeper sections with occasional wet spots. There was one great mossy rock formation that made a little natural cave. I was ahead of Emma and I said "I bet you can go through this" and Emma heard that as "I dare you to go through this." Incredibly, she tried, and ended up fully sprawled out above the hole after climbing through, similar to a turtle stuck on its back. Even better, two hikers went past us as this was happening and very politely asked "... is everything okay?" and I had the distinct honor of letting them know that everything was truly fantastic and Emma is just very silly. They got a good laugh, Emma somehow got out of her predicament, and we continued on.

The further up we went, the more people passed us on their return trips from their (cloudy) sunrise hikes. After some more hiking and a few scrambles, the trail pops out above tree line with really incredible views down into the valley and up into the abyss. 

A few more folks passed us traveling in both directions as we climb up the now bare rockface. The trail here reminded me like Mt. Monadnock or the mountains of Acadia. The stabs climbed at varying grades, but never became too steep. 

We were lucky enough to find a few tiny, ripe blueberries on the way up which powered us as we ventured into the thick cloud cover. It was neat to see the trail enter into the cloud ceiling and to watch the views below slowly disappear into oblivion. Naturally, we sang "Into the Unknown" from Frozen 2 during this moment.

It felt almost as if we were mooonwalking as the trail ascended into the heavens. There were a couple small scrambles where we met a dog who was overthinking way too hard about how to get down (it was not that bad) and we had the pleasure of passing a child who was aggressive hyperfixating on his headlamp (his parents were well aware that the child was a lot), and just after this very friendly hiker (who turned out to be an exception in my rule that a mans beard should not be linger than a centimeter) who loudly yelled "did you stop at a cool shirt store?!" - we were wearing our Hawaiian shirts in memoriam of Jimmy Buffet #RIP - Emma decided she had to pee, while we were fully exposed above treeline, only able to see 20 feet away from ourselves. 

After making fun of Emma, I did exert my male privelege and peed off the side of a cliff, just before entering the "West Chin Natural Area" (which we described as the Mt. Mansfield Man's fuzzy beard). The trail dips back into the trees with very wet footing, but travels rather flatly before turning and steeply climbing yet again.

The final push is to the junction with the Laura Cowles Trail, and then a short jaunt to the final terminus with the Long Trail, officially entering the Alpine Zone at a gorgeous junction.

From the junction with the Long Trail, we turned left to follow the northbound route to the Chin, the official summit of Mt. Mansfield. The trail was lovely, even if fully shrouded in clouds. We had maybe 10 feet of visibility at the worst, but the wind was not horrible (it was VERY present, but not whipping). The trail crosses boardwalks, ascends moderately and then gently, and then eventually plateaus near the summit marker. The world around us was incredible and spooky, and we reminded ourselves that even though we're disappointed there aren't any views, it's still really neat to be up here in our own little world. 

We hit the summit marker, took a billion photos, and explored the summit area, which was specificly fenced off with small ripes to help regrow vegetation. We took a nice long break while staring into the void, and truly loved watching people arrive and see the disappointment wash over them when they realized there was no hope for a view (cue "Schadenfreude" from Avenue Q). My tummy was still weird, but I finished my Fishers Island Lemonade like a champion, and eventually willed ourselves to get up and continue our journey. 

We had a quick return to the LT junction just above the Sunset Ridge/Laura Cowles trail, and then started my favorite part of the hike. The two-ish mile ridge walk across Mt. Mansfield's face. We were wet from the windy fog but in great spirits (the Fisher's Island helped here). We had a blueberry FEAST just south of the original junction, and it did feel like we were partially swimming upstream with the amount of people heading toward the chin (many families with angry teens in converse). 

We traversed across his lower lip, a few bumps that we dubbed as his tongue, and then his upper lip, carefully staying on-trail and just imagining what the views looked like on either side of us. Much further down, we noticed something we hadn't seen in hours... a... view??? From one rock outcropping there was a very faint break in the clouds that showcased a peek-a-boo window down into Stowe, which would have been great, but I also couldn't help but notice Stowe was fully illuminated in... sunlight? How on earth was the sun shining there but not here? I would later find out that the only cloud in the whole area left was over Mt. Mansfield, which I know makes meteorlogical sense, but it still hurt my feelings.

The trail crosses the auto road, follows a series of beautiful boardwalks, and leads to the visitor center with a magnificent view up to the Nose, which was still partially in the clouds. It was here that we realized most of the converse-wearing teens drove up with their families and are now on a "quick hike" to the Chin. We christened the porta potties up top (Emma loved pointing out that she could hear me doing my business from about 20 feet away) and then checked out the visitor center, which had the friendliest staff and cool historical images, books, and a 3D model of Vermont with the LT and AT outlined. 

After the visitor center, we continued along a few boardwalks, into a soft, mossy woods toward the Nose. The Long Trail joins the auto road for a moment, and then branches off right. Emma and I followed the auto road a little bit to see what was there, but we realized we were still in a cloud and we  wouldn't get any views anyway, so we backtracked to the LT and continued toward our final sub-peak of the day, the Forehead.

Tle Long Trail continued along more mossy boardwalks in a fairytale forest before climbing shortly and steeply to a false summit, then again to the Forehead, which, shockingly, was still in the clouds!

From the Forehead we turned onto the Maple Ridge Trail, that, up high, closely mirrored the Sunset Ridge Trail. Bare rock slabs in the clouds - really beautiful and mysterious. Further down, the trail began to steepen and FINALLY broke through the cloud ceiling, revealing an almost frustratingly beautiful day! Emma and I took a nice break along a ledge, found a few more blueberries, and enjoyed finally being out of the abyss.

The trail continued to steepen, to an almost ridiculous grade, as we looked back at the ridge that was almost completely cloud-free. Thankfully, the Chin was still fully socked in. 

We passed a group of backpackers that very kindly asked us to sit for a minute as they maneuvered a tricky scramble that we simply jumped down, and one guy asked another backpacker "oh no are you having a mental b right now" (implying a mental breakdown). Thankfully, it appeared she persevered. Behind us was the impressive shoulder of what I assume is the Maple Ridge. 

The trail continued in and out of the woods, descending steeply between walking breaks. We followed a couple of younger hikers (late teens probably) who thankfully figured out all the downward scrambles so we didn't have to. If I were to do this hike again, I would definitely reverse directions.

There was one leap of faith I thought Emma was going to have a complete breakdown at, but she survived no problem, and soon enough the trail was officially back in the woods for good. The trail in the woods was rough, wet, slippery, and overall dreadful. Our options were to fall down the steep, wet rocks or follow the herd paths on the side - either way we lose. This part was a bummer, but we were DELIGHTED to see the terminus ahead!

Now finally free of the Maple Ridge Trail's grasp, we were back on the CCC Road. At the same junction, AllTrail showed the unmarked Tear Drop Trail, which I later learned was a skiing trail that is not maintained for summer use. The CCC road was narrower than before, but still easy hiking, with a gentle incline (that definitely still hurt at this point). We hit the height of land and I had to control myself from not sprinting back to the car. I did pause at a few points to admire the old stoneworking of the CCC, aiding in the many streams going under the road.

We hit the Sunset Ridge Trail trailhead, which was swamped with less-than-friendly hikers. We sped down the wide CCC Road, and then inched down the stairs of the Eagle Cut Trail, trying to keep Emma's knees from exploding. 

Back at the car, we took our time de-crusting, and were on the road! We had a lovely view of the mile-long line of cars abutting the trailhead, and made our way to a burger truck and then the Smuggler's Notch Distillery. Truly a lovely day! This was hike #5 of the weekend and my third Vermont 4000 footer!

Step-By-Step

    - Park at Underhill State Park.

    - Start hike along Eagle Cut Trail.

    - At terminus, turn left onto CCC Road.

    - At jct., turn left onto Sunset Ridge Trail.

    - At jct. with Laura Cowles, continue along Sunset Ridge Trail.

    - At next jct., turn left onto Cantaliver Rock Trail.

    - At terminus, turn around.

    - At terminus, turn left back onto Sunset Ridge Trail.

    - Follow Sunset Ridge Trail to terminus.

    - At terminus, turn left onto Laura Cowles Trail.

    - At termins, turn left onto Long Trail.

    - Summit Mt. Mansfield (Chin).

    - Retrace steps on Long Trail.

    - At jct. with Laura Cowles Trail, continue along Long Trail South.

    - Follow Long Trail South all the way along ridge to The Forehead.

    - Turn right onto Maple Ridge Trail.

    - At terminus, turn right onto CCC Road.

    - Follow CCC Road to Eagle Cut Trail.

    - Follow Eagle Cut Trail back to car.

Note: the Garmin map is used here since my AllTrails map had me take a straight-line, 2 mile detour off the side of the mountain and back.

"Mount Mansfield Area" from Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, 6th Ed. (2011)

        Vermont's highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield (4,393 ft.), is known for its distinctive ridgeline, which resembles the profile of a human face, especially when viewed from the east. The names of its more prominent south-north features reflect this: Forehead, Nose, Upper and Lower Lips, Chin, and Adam's Apple. The Abenaki called the mountain Mose-o-de-be-Wadso (mountain with the head of a moose), and it received its present name from the town of Mansfield, disestablished and divided among adjacent towns over a century ago.

        The Mt. Mansfield summit ridge supports the largest community of alpine tundra found in Vermont. This unique and delicate plant life is a remnant of the era when ice sheets covered northern New England. Few species are able to survive the extreme conditions of the summit ridge; those that do grow very slowly and hang in a delicate balance. Although these plants are hardy to the weather, they are extremely fragile to foot traffic. Please take special care to walk only on the rocks, not the plants. Above tre eline, walk only on marked trails. Camping is not permitte din any of Vermont's alpine zones.

        Mt. Mansfield is the most frequently visited mountain in vermont with over 40,000 visitors and hundreds of dogs annually. This use threatens its fragile alpine ecosystem. Please leash your dog on the busy summit out of consideration for other visitors and to reduce impact to the surrounding alpine vegetation. GMC summit caretakers are stationed on the summit ridge to assist hikers and other visitors and explain the fragile nature of the alpine ecosystem. The summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield, owned and  managed by the University of Vermont as a natural area, has been declared a State Natural Area and National Natural Landmark. The university, the Stowe Mountain Resort, and the Vermont Department of Forets, Parks, and Recreation help fund the caretaker program.

        Although most people hike the mountain via the well-known LT from Vt. 108 and the Sunset Ridge Trail from Underhill State Park, the many other trails on the mountain are exciting and challenging. Hikers using these side trails should be in good physical condition and have sturdy boots. Backpackets may encounter difficulty on some of these trails due to ladders and tight squeezes through crevices and ledges. 

        Base camping in the area can be found at Smugglers' Notch and Underhill State Parks. Overnight facilities can also be found at hotels and other tourist lodgings in the surrounding area. GMC lodges are often crowded and should not be used by organized groups.

        Groups are encouraged to use Twin Brooks Tenting Area or the group camping area at Underhill State Park. Information is available from the Departmnet of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Essex Junction Regional Office, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452; (802) 879-6556.

        On the following pages is a comprehensive list with detailed information of the trails on Mt. Mansfield. In addition to the insert map in this guide, a detailed weather-proof map of Mt. Mansfield and the surrounding area can be purchased from the GMC. Please read the trail descriptions carefully; some of Mansfield's side trails are extremely steep and can be dangerous when wet.

"CCC Road - Maple Ridge Trail" from Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, 6th Ed. (2011)

        Note: Use extra caution on the Maple Ridge Trail in wet weather, especially if descending.

        Description: From the parking lot (0.0 mi., 1,800 ft.), the old gravel CCC Road leads uphill past the locked gate, passing the group camping area and continuing to a sighboard and registration box, and the Sunset Ridge Trail leads north (left) to the Laura Cowles Trail and Sunset Ridge. (Much of this road walk can be bypassed by the Eagle's Cut Trail, which rejoins the road just below the Sunset Ridge Trail.)

        The old CCC Road turns sharply right here and continues a gentle ascent. (Note the old rock culverts diverting the many streams under the CCC Road.) It passes the Halfway House Trail (1.2 mi.) and then begins a gradual descent (1.8 mi.) to the end of the road and start of the blue-blazed Maple Ridge Trail (2.1 mi., 2,500 ft.).

        From the old CCC Road, the Maple Ridge Trail climbs steeply over a rough footpath, emerges on the open ridgeline (2.4 mi.), and clims to the Frost Trail (2.5 mi., 2,700 ft.), which descends south 1.2 mi. to the Stevensville parking lot. The trail continues uphill to the Rock Garden Trail (2.9 mi.), a sheltered route to Butler Lodge, then climbs very steeply over open ledges to the Wampahoofus Trail (3.4 mi., 3,500 ft.), 0.2 mi. below the Forehead.

"Sunset Ridge Trail" from Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, 6th Ed. (2011)

        From the parking lot (0.0 mi., 1,800 ft.), the old gravel CCC Road leads uphill past the locked gate, passing the group camping area and continuing to a sharp right turn and a signboard and registration box (1.0 mi.). The Sunset Ridge Trail leads north (left) and soon passes the Laura Cowles Trail (1.1 mi.), continues uphill past the Cantilever Rock Trail (1.7 mi.), then bears east and climbs to the open ridge. The trail follows cairns (rock pile trail markers) in addition to blue blazes above tree line. (An active effort is underway to narrow the trail to protect the ridge's fragile alpine vegetation. Please stay on the marked trail.) The trail passes the upper end of the Laura Cowles Trail (3.1 mi., 4,260 ft.) and, 250 ft. beyond, reaches the LT on the ridge opposte the Profanity Trail, 0.2 mi. south of the Chin.

"Cantilever Rock Trail" from Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, 6th Ed. (2011)

        Cantilever Rock, discovered in 1960 by Clyde F. and Clyde H. Smith, is a horizontal blade of rock 60 ft. above the ground wedged into the vertical face of a 100 foot cliff. It is 40 ft. long, with 31 ft. extending beyond the cliff.

        Description: The trail leads north from the Sunset Ridge Trail, 0.7 mi. above the CCC Road, for 0.2 mi. to this striking phenomenon.

"Long Trail" from Day Hiker's Guide to Vermont, 6th Ed. (2011)

        The Mount Mansfield area has numerous side trails to the LT and mountain ridgelines. Loop hike opportunities in this area are endless. We have included hiking descriptions for our favorite loops, but there are dozens of possible variations. Thus, we have included a detailed description of the LT below. You can create your own loop hikes by pairing the various side trails with sections of the LT. The maps on pages 302 to 303 show all the side trails in the area.

        Taylor Lodge, named for James P. Taylor, founder of the GMC, was built by the Burlington Section in 1978. The lodge, with an open front porch, has an enclosed bunkroom with space for fifteen and one tent platform for overflow camping. Water runs from a reliable spring 0.2 mi. down the Lake Mansfield Trail. Because two GMC lodges have already burned at this site, wood fires are prohibited at Taylor Lodge.

        Description: [...].

        [...]. It emerges from the ledges and continues to ascend in the open to the highest point of the Forehead (0.9 mi., 3,940 ft.), Mt. Mansfield's south-most peak, and the junction of the Wampahoofus Trail, which descends west and south 0.2 mi. to the Maple Ridge Trail and 0.8 mi. to Butler Lodge. Wallace Cutoff to Mount Mansfield Forehead, 0.9 mi. (1.5 km), 850 ft., 3/4 hr. (rev. 1/2 hr.).

         The LT proceeds north from the Forehead (0.0 mi., 3,940 ft.), enters the woods, and arrives at the north end of the Forehead By-Pass, an alternate route in stormy weather. Just beyond is the TV Road (0.3 mi.), which leads south to the north slope of the Nose, and its televisiton station buildings. The LT turns left to follow the TV Road north and in 150 ft. passes the south end of the Lakeview Trail on the left. The LT turns right and reenters the wood (0.5 mi.), then reaches the Summit Station and Mount Mansfield Visitor Center (0.6 mi., 3,849 ft.). 

        The Toll Road parking lot is just below the Summit Station to the east. The Visitor Center occupies part of the Summit Station and contains displays on the mountain's natural history, research efforts, and the ridge's alpine ecosystem. It is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

        The Summit Station is built on the site of the old summit house. One of the last of the famous mountain hotels, the Mount Mansfield Summit House was razed and burned in 1964 after more than one hundred years of operation. The Mount Mansfield Toll Road is open during summer and foliage seasons and provides automobile access to the LT from Vt. 108.

        From the Summit Station, the Toll Road descends east 0.3 mi. to the Runny Nose spring and 0.5 mi. to a road leading left to the Octagon and the upper station of the Mt. Mansfield quad chairlift. At this road junction, the Haselton Trail bears northeast down the Nose Dive ski trail. At the parking lot across from the junction, the South Link leads west to the Forehead By-Pass. The Toll Road continues east downhill another 4.0 mi. to Vt. 108.

        The LT continues north past the Summit Station where the coinciding Lakeview and Canyon Trails leads west to parallel the ridge. The LT crosses the TV Road (0.7 mi.), which leads 200 ft. to the Amherst Trail. Beyond the TV Road, the LT emerges from the stunted spruce and fir trees and onto the rocky ridge of the mountain.

        Note: From this point north over the Chin, hikers must take special care to protect the alpine tundra by walking only on the marked trail.

        Note: Electrical storms on the exposed ridge of Mt. Mansfield are sudden and severe. Hikers are strongly urged to take shelter on any side trail leading off the ridge during thunderstorms (they are usually brief). To the east, use the Profanity, Cliff, or Amherst Trails; to the west, the Laura Cowles or Halfway House Trails. Fissures and overhanding rocks along the open ridge do not provide adequate shelter from lightining strikes.

        The LT passes the Halfway House Trail (0.8 mi., 3,880 ft.), which descends west 2.3 mi. to Underhill State Park, then climbs to Frenchman's Pile, a cairn  marking the spot where a traveler was killed by lightning many years ago, and continues north to Drift Rock (1.1 mi.), a large glacial erratic, and the north end of the Amherst Trail, which provides a sheltered route south to the TV Road on the east side of the ridge. The LT ascends the Upper Lip (1.3 mi.), then passes just west of the Lower Lip (1.5 mi.) with its Rock of Terror (a prominent boulder that appears ready to topple down the east side of the ridge), and reaches a junction (1.6 mi.), where the Cliff Trail descends very steeply east 0.4 mi. to the Cave of teh Winds and the Cliff House. To the west at this junction are the Canyon North Extension and the Subway.

        Following the ridge north, the LT passes the north end of the Subway and reaches another junction (1.8 mi., 4,260 ft.) in a sedge meadow, where the Sunset Ridge Trail descends west 250 ft. to the more sheltered Laura Cowles Trail and 3.1 mi. to Underhill State Park and the Profanity Trails drops steeply east 0.5 mi. to Taft Lodge and is the recommended bad weather route off the Chin. Straight ahead, ascend to the Chin (2.0 mi., 4,393 ft.), Mt. Mansfield's highest summit. Mt. Mansfield Forehead to Chin, 2.0 mi. (3.2 km), 500 ft., 1 1/4 hr. (rev. 1 hr).

        The view from the Chin is dramatic. East of north lie the Sterling Range and Jay Peak. Under very favorable conditions, Montreal's Mt. Royal in Canada is visible to the northwest.

        To the east is the Worcester Range. Mt. Washington in New Hampshire is south of east. Right of Mt. Washington lie the Franconia Range and Mt. Moosilauke. To the south, the Green Mountains are visible to Killington Peak. To the west beyond Lake Champlain is lofty pointed Whiteface, which lies north of the dense cluster of Adirondack peaks surrounding Mt. Marcy.

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