Mt. Ascutney via Futures Trail & Mt. Ascutney Parkway (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Mt. Ascutney via Futures Trail & Mt. Ascutney Parkway (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Hike Type: Figure-8-ish Loop

Distance: 10.38 miles

Elevation: 3,051 feet

My Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes (4 hours, 33 minutes moving)

Book Time: 6 hours, 42 minutes

Parking: Parking after first building on right of campground loop (turn left before Mt. Ascutney Parkway and then turn right to start one-way loop, sign for parking on grass, limited parking, $5 fee).
Hiking Challenges: Mt. Ascutney State Park, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, New England 50 Finest

The Hike 

Juneteenth Weekend! I was heading up to Emma's to help her move and do a bucket list hike of mine - hiking from VT-242, over Jay Peak, and all the way to the Canadian Border at Journey's End! Naturally, I planned to sneak a hike in on the way up. I had a late Thursday night followed by an EARLY Friday morning. I had a fever dream of making it to Pitcher Mountain in NH to see the sunrise, but that simply did not work out. My alarm went off at 2:45am and I ended up snoozing until around 3:20am and I was out the door at 3:40am. 

The extra little sleep was beneficial to me - my drive to Hooksett was delightfully not-too-sleepy (minus the last 10 minutes). I apparenly hadn't been to the Hooksett Northbound rest area in a while, because they finished renovating! It looks great and is much more open, now. The bathrooms were closed for cleaning, leaving only the single-stall family restroom open and a line of people. I had to pee, but was going to try to wait. I got gas, started to leave, and turned right around, NEEDING to use the bathroom. Naturally, as I left the bathroom, the main bathrooms opened on up!

My drive along I-89 was mostly on auto-pilot, causing me to miss my exit... twice! I made it to Mt. Ascutney State Park at 6:20am, but spent around 10 minutes trying to understand the parking situation. When you enter the state park and pay your fee, turn left at the Mt. Ascutney Parkway (the auto road). You'll come to the start of a one-way loop, turn right. There will be a building on your right and a small parking sign, park just after the building on the grass. At least that's what I ended up doing and didn't get in trouble (also don't tell them but I only had $2 to throw into the Iron Ranger). 

[6:36am - Start of Hike]

My hike began on the gravel loop road around the campsites. Many folks were waking up and doing their morning camp chores. I happily walked along the road, turning right when the loop turned left. There were a couple of signs for "Futures Trail" that guided me along with my AllTrails. It was beautiful out! It was partly cloudy and just 60 degrees. I continued walking toward a "Dead End" sign, enjoying the smell of morning campfires, and soon came to the actual trailhead of the Futures Trail at the end of the gravel road.

[6:38am - Futures Trail]

I began to follow the Futures Trail, which was blazed with blue rectangles with red dots underneath at first. The trail entered the woods and scooted back behind a couple campsities and passed an old, collapsed chimney before turning away from the campground and pivoting to only blue rectangle blazes.

I worked my way along the trail, which had easy grades, over a few blowdowns and past a rather unhappy turkey. There were a few stone walls covered in moss. I was super proud of myself because I had finally fixed the hip belt on my 32-liter pack, but naturally I put the new buckle on the wrong end of the strap, so now it kept slipping. 

The Futures Trail crossed a logging road and a formerly cleared area on the left with deer prints underneath. There was some sun beginning to poke through the clouds and the tiniest little grey bird with a unique call/sound/song, but I didn't get a photo clear enough to identify it - oh well! The trail crossed another stone wall followed by a swithback that appeared to turn off of an older route. Mentally, I was thinking of this hike as a Pumpelly day on Monadnock - same mountain I've done before, but a longer route and I should focus on the journey.

I hiked past a BIG deer higher up in the woods on the left. It wasn't alerted, but it was watching me intently. The trailbed was delightfully soft and the footing narrowed slightly, but it was nowhere near as bad as Fahenstock (which will be my new comparison point for a while). There was another swtichback at 0.55 miles and then the trail began to steepen with leafy tree views outward that would be nice in winter!

I hit a third and fourth switchback that continued to steepen - this was calf-steep, and in fairness it was more of a wiggle up than a proper series of switchbacks. I did eventually hit a grassy area that was nice a flat before rising again and then crossing another grassy patch that WAS up to my thigh, but nowhere near as dense as Fahnestock. 

I conitnued to alternate between moderate climbs and flat grassy spots. I did eventually put bug spray on just out of caution. The trail slowly got a little rocky and then a little slabby, which I didn't fully trust due to it being just a little wet. At the height-of-land, a spur to the Bare Rock Vista turned left!

[7:08am - Bare Rock Vista]

The spur trail was short and pretty, and the vista was... grown in! I could see out to the valley below through a few trees, and from the right angle I could make out the south and main peaks of Mt. Ascutney, both of which looked far away! I snapped a few photos and then turned around to return to the Futures Trail.

[7:11am - Futures Trail]

While long, I appreciated how the Futures Trail was broken up nicely in different segments. A sign once back on the trail told me that the road crossing was in 1.1 miles, the Steam Donkey was in 2.4, and the Windsor Trail in 3.1 - wonderful pacing if you ask me! From here, the trail descended back into the woods, and descended, and then steeply, and descended... I could hear a train blaring it's horn somewhere not-too-far away, and later a breeze graced my presence and felt absolutely divine.

I had bought two breakfast sandwiches at Hooksett, had one in the car and was going to bring the other one on the hike with me, but I had just realized that I left it in the car! It was literally fine - I also had eaten a loaded hash brown and a TON of cheerios this morning, but I was still a little bummed! I hopped over some deer poop and another blowdown before descending via more switchbacks. The footing continued to be wonderfully soft as I entered a really pretty flat, mossy area. 

The trail began to rise again, passing two sharp pointed rocks. It could have been just two coincidentally placed rocks, or maybe a town line? It looks like the Futures Trail comes near the Windsor/Weathersfield town line in spots? Who knows! I continued to ramble through more easy forest with soft dirt, roots, and rocks, passing singing birds and squirrels doing their morning chores. The trail got a little wet once near a stream, and then the bugs started to act up, too! I passed an eft, and then another! I noticed through the woods I was nearing some form of clearing, maybe the road?

I worked my way around some more wet, mossy rocks, and then confirmed that it was not the road, but a power cut! I came up to a stream, which bordered the power cut, and then climbed alongside both of them. In the process, I spooked two baby ruffed grouses (I saw them fly away and heard their "chirping," which was unfortunately a familiar sound to me. Then, I saw the mother, fully puffed up, charging at me, and hissing! I SCREAMED at it and ran, hopping across the stream and the surrounding wet area, entering the power cut, but soon coming to another screeching hault...

[7:40am - Futures Trail/Power Cut]

...because there was a porcupine right in the middle of the trail! Thankfully, the grouse had ceased it's attack and the porcupine could have not been more unbothered. It munched away at some undergrowth for a minute, and only started to move when I went off-trail to get around it. It casually scooted up a nearby tree - it was a joy to watch! After a few minutes I thanked him for his time and continued on my way.

A sign at the upper parking lot read:

"PORCUPINES IN THE PARK

The North American porcupine is abundant in Mt. Ascutney State Park. Porcupines are rodents, and their hollow quills are modified hairs. They can't throw their quills, but they can lose a few (so be sure to keep your dog safe by following park rules and using a leash at all times). Porcupines eat a large variety of types (and parts) of plants and some insects. You may come across them at night or during the day. We love our porcupines. Please enjoy watching them from a distance." from Trailhead Kiosk

[7:45am - Futures Trail/Parking Area]

Soon after my wildlife debacle, I came to what I thought was the road - not yet! The Futures Trail skirted the edge of a gravel parking area for a picnic area. It passed some sort of shed (maybe a pump house for the water fountain and bathroom across the street?) and then reentered the woods, passing a single pink flower. The clouds had fully rolled in by this point, but it still wasn't supposed to rain. The trail back in the woods was wet, but dried up once I began to climb again.

[8:00am - Futures Trail/Power Cut]

The trail steeply climbed up to cross the power cut again and then continued up for a few minutes before another walking break. This trail was good about alternating climbs with walking breaks! I crossed the power cut one more time during the walking break, catching a little view and wondered if people ski this? From the power cut, the trail easily descended on a wider trail to a wet area, and then officially crossed the paved road, the Mt. Ascutney Parkway!

[8:04am - Futures Trails/Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

Knowing the hardest part of the hike hadn't happened yet, I cautiously thought to myself "ya know this hasn't been too bad!" After crossing the Mt. Ascutney Parkway the trail remained flat for a bit as it side-hilled a ravine/bowl/cirque situation. I caught glimpses over the trees to the summit ridge, which still looked plenty high up! At this point, I decided I'd make a semi-loop of this hike and follow the road down. I passed a toat, and started to steeply climb (calf steep).

I appreciated the wide trail and consequently the lack of spider webs as I suffered my way up. I crossed a couple streams and continued to suffer uphill with some muddy footing, which made sense considering the massive amounts of rain Vermont has gotten recently (plus a tornado?!) - it could have been much worse! Even if the road was longer, it would take me significantly less time because I'd be able to cruise on down.

The Futures Trail climbed again, flattened again, and crossed some streams again in a cool little box canyon-esc spot (followed by more streams, naturally). To my delight, the Steam Donkey spur trail was just after!

[8:25am - Steam Donkey Spur]

The Steam Donkey spur path was less-traveled, but super clear and easy to follow. After just a minute, I landed at the Steam Donkey in question! A sign at the upper parking lot read:

"The STEAM DONKEY is part of our history

Mount Ascutney was logged in the early 1900s. How were the trees removed on such a steep hillside? A STEAM DONKEY is a wooden sled with a steam-enging powered winch and cable system. You can visit the remains of this one, which was abandoned here."

It was a massive piece of rusted machinery with gears and the works. You can tell it's been there for a while, too, because of the plants growing around and inside of it. It also felt very much in the middle of nowhere. I'm sure 100 years ago there were a lot more logging roads, though. Okay, back to exercising.

[8:33am - Futures Trail]

I got back onto the Futures Trail and conitnued onward. The trail was now more wet and rugged, almost feeling like people hike to the Steam Donkey and turn around, which seems silly. My legs were feeling it on this next climb! I think part of it is because my 32-liter pack fits me better than the 40 I'd been weating so the pack weight was now being correctly distributed. I followed a nice walking break and then climbed again to the junction with Futures Link.

[8:45am - Futures Trail/Futures Link]

Here, I decided to continue on the Futures Trail just to satisfy hitting the whole trail in one shot - I'll revisit Futures Link when I hike the Windsor Trail in the future. The trail after the Futures Link junction remained relatively flat, but even less traveled than before. It traversed a few areas of dense ferns, which was fun to see. I did feel myself missing the flowers of early spring, though!

The trail eventually did become more rugged as it climbed up to it's terminus. I also forgot about my new cartiladge piercing and swiped some sweat off of my ear... ouch!

[8:56am - Windsor Trail]

I soon landed on the Windsor Trail, only 0.5 from the top! This trail was MUCH wider and more traveled. The forest in this area was also super pretty with basically everything covered in moss. The Windsor Trail wiggled up the shoulder of Mt. Ascutney, passing some flowering bunchberry, soon arriving at the Castle Rock Trial junction.

[9:03am - Windsor Trail/Castle Rock Trail]

[9:03am - Windsor Trail & Brownsville Trail]

The Castle Rock Trail junction is in such a cool stretch of forest, I think I described it as "primeval" the last time I hiked here, and I maintain! Just after was the junction with the Brownsville Trail, and then the Windsor Trail and Brownsville Trail turned left to finish the climb up the mountain. There were some wonderful boards to walk over. The sky was cloudy, but the mountain was not in the clouds, which was a win!

[9:08am - Brownsville Rock Spur]

I took photos of all three discs at the stone hut remains and hiked along the very wet Brownsville Rock Spur, revealing a beautiful view. Killington and Pico were deep into a cloud, but the valley and Okemo were looking sunny and wonderful! I also found a summit bolt, kind of like the ones in the Northern Presidentials. 

[9:13am - Windsor Trail & Brownsville Trail]

I returned to the Windsor Trail and my way slightly uphill on the comically wet trail. At the junction with the Slab/Slot Trails, there was an adorable red squirrel who was just a bit camera shy. 

[9:18am - Observation Tower]

I climbed up the tower, which had some whipping winds! It felt cold on my soaked shirt. The view from the tower underwhelms me for some reason. I did enjoy seeing Monadnock (in hindsight, it was likely Kearsarge) from the top! The communication towers at the main summit sounded like airplanes from the wind!

[9:23am - Mt. Ascutney Summit]

I made my way over to the main summit, found the two discs, and poked around just in case there was anything more to see, but nope! I did see what I think was a vole scurry around, though! It moved too quickly for a photo.

[9:29am - Observation Tower/Windsor & Brownsville Trail]

Once I was satisfied (and chilly), I hiked back towards the Observation Tower and then the Windsor & Brownsville Trails, hiking past some well-tempered squirrels in the process. At the next junction, I was excited to turn right to check out a new one!

[9:31am - Slot/Slab Trail]

[9:33am - Slot Trail]

I followed the signs for the Slot/Slab Trails (blazed in yellow), which coincided for a minute over flat, wet ground. Soon, the Slot trail diverged left, which I followed (slab sounded too slippery for my liking with how wet everything was). The trail was short, but cool! It skirted the bottom of a large rock wall, almost as if I was traversing in a... slot!

[9:35am - Castle Rock Trail]

[9:39am - Castle Rock Trail/Futures Link]

This terminated at the Castle Rock Trail, with I turned right onto and descended along wet, well-constructed stone stairs. I was finally catching spider webs and the sun was starting to come out! After a few minutes, the trail continued straight while the Futures Link started on the left and the Slab Trail joined on the right. There were two people heading up the Slab Trail - I just missed them! Does this still count as a no-people hike?

[9:44am - Parking Lot Spur]

I found myself really not wanting to do the road walk, but I wanted to think about footing even less, so I continued onward, soon crossing a power cut and then turning left onto the Parking Lot Spur trail. I then crossed paths with a couple and their unleashed dog lear the parking lot. 

[9:47am - Parking Lot]

There were three cars at the parking lot, which explained the people I ran into. There was a big display about bats at the parking lot kiosk:

"MOUNTAIN BATS

TRUE OR FALSE: MOST BATS DRINK BLOOD

     FALSE: Only 3 out of 1,400+ species of bats drink blood, and none of them live in the US.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS CARRY RABIES

     FALSE: Less than 1% of bats carry rabies.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS ARE BLIND

     FALSE: Bats have eyesight about as good as humans do, and they can echolocate (use sound to find food).

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS MAKE NESTS

     FALSE: Bats live in trees, caves, bridges, or buildings, but do not build nests.

TRUE OR FALSE: BATS HELP PROTECT WALNUTS, TOMATOES, PEPPERS, COTTON, CORN AND STRAWBERRIES FROM INSECT PESTS

     TRUE: Believe it or not, many of the foods found on grocery store shelves and in kitchen pantries are protected by our bats.

BATS CAN EAT ROUGHLY 1000 MOSQUITO-SIZED INSECTS IN AN HOUR. They can fly up to 60 miles per hour, or more!

A NURSING MOTHER BAT CAN EAT UP TO 4,500 INSECTS IN A NIGHT. Bats can live 30 years!

WHY DO BATS HANG UPSIDE DOWN? Bats cannot take off from the ground, they need to drop from being flying (like a hang glider!). Hanging also helps keep them safe from predators.

THERE ARE NINE SPECIES OF BATS THAT LIVE IN VERMONY. EIGHT OF THEM LIVE ON MOUNT ASCUTNEY. Three are migratory tree bats that raise their babies in trees and migrate south in the winter. The remaining six species are cave bats that hibernate in caves during the winter. Five of these six cave bats are either threatened or endangered in Vermont and federally."

I get they're important, but no bats for me! I stopped for a Nalgene swap and a protein bar at a picnic table overlooking Kearsarge, and then began my descent!

[9:52am - South Summit road]

Just kidding! I saw the access road to the South Summit and decided "it doesn't say not to... so why not!" The road was gravel, lined with flowers, and short. The communication towers were HOWLING in the wind, just like the ones on the main summit. Soon enough, I was there!

[9:54am - Mount Ascutney South Summit]

It really felt like I wasn't supposed to be there, but there were no signs saying otherwise! The main tower was the Vermont Public Television tower, which was fun to see. I wandered around, noticing three distinct straight-line cuts radiating away from the towers, but all were grown-in and did not seem worth exploring. 

[9:58am - South Summit road]

[9:59am - Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

I started my walk back to the parkway, enjoying the tree-view to Mt. Ascutney proper. Soon enough I was back on the Mt. Ascutney Parkway, and down I went! I wouldn't call the trip to the south summit a worthwhile trip, but I'm glad I did it once!

A car passed me heading up and it smelled like it was having a heck of a time. I couldn't help but wonder if people ski the road? There was a decently long flat section after the first descent that might not be too much fun, but the rest of the road seemed like it could be fun! I got catcalled by a red squirrel just before the seven mile mark. I passed time by playing Pokemon Go, which was actually made for a wonderful downhill walk, even if it got steep at times (particularly around curves). 

A Porsche SUV drove up past me a while later and also had quite a smell, and a Tesla soon after, which did not have a smell (tragic). The road descended back into the land of taller, deciduous trees, crossing a bunch of small streams on culverts before crossing the Futures Trail and a larger stream just after. Two more cars drove up the road and one drove down past me as I hiked past a series of cute cabins before I landed at the gravel area from before, which was a parking area for these spooky restrooms and a cool picnic area!

[10:34am - Picnic Spur]

I first checked out the restroom area, which was unlocked but spider-webbed shut, so I peed behind the building. Just a bit further down the road was a mossy sput to a picnic area, which was absolutely lovely. There were seemingly endless CCC-style grills, a medium sized pavillion with a slightly grown-in view. There were more grills and picnic benches seemingly hidden in the woods throughout the area. I took over the Pokemon Go gym at the picnic area (my Gyrados is still there 11 days later), and made my way back to the Mt. Ascutney Parkway.

[10:39am - Mt. Ascutney Parkway]

The rest of my walk down the parkway was pretty uneventful, which was nice. Car #4 was heading upward at a glacial pace. The bugs were starting to become more annoying down low, but nothing a few swats couldn't help. I could soon hear a stream, and soon the stream was down on the right. It was super pretty!

A truck from Florida ZOOMED past me and then a large van was working it's way up. I noticed some logging on the left, and soon after was the gate! I really did enjoy the mindlessness and ease of the road walk, but my feet were barking. I turned right, and soon made it back to my car!

[11:16am - End of Hike]

After my hike I continued my drive up to Vermont and to see Emma's new place! We were supposed to go to soccer game that night, but the rain deterred us. We were planning on hiking the Long Trail from VT-242 to Canada, but it's going to rain all day tomorrow. Ugh. 

Step-by-Step

- Park at campground at Mt. Ascutney State Park.

- Start hike following campground road toward Futures Trail.

- Enter woods at Futures Trail trailhead.

- At jct., turn left onto Bare Rock Vista, then turn around and continue on Futures Trail.

- At road, cross Mt. Ascutney Parkway and continue on Futures Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Steam Donkey Spur, then turn around and continue on Futures Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Windsor Trail.

- Follow Windsor Trail to summit of Mt. Ascutney.

- Follow yellow blazes and Slot Trail down.

- At terminus of Slot Trail, turn right and hike to parking lot.

- Follow Mt. Ascutney Parkway Down, hiking the Picnic Spur on the way.

Map of Mt. Ascutney State Park

Photo Album

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

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

Hike Type: ----O- Loop

Distance: 9.06 miles

Elevation: 3,278 feet

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

Book Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

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

[11:45am - Start of Hike]

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

[11:49am - Blue Summit Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[12:38pm - Blue Summit Trail]

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

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

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

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

[1:16pm - Lookout Rock Trail]

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

"In Loving Memory of Creamer

1989 - 1997

I come to this sacred place -

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

Boundless, timeless

Across genetic space

Knowing only one language

But spoken by both

Now I stand here where stood another so long ago

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

Here lies Barbo

Loved by master unknown

Whose grief 40 years ago

strikes again

Like a virulent germ, long-dormant

Now infected

Grief-stricken

Benefit of understanding, I ask

Why nature, inconsonant with the sentiment of man

Uncaring, unthinking, 

Turns to love to grief

Milk to sour?

Creamer...

The mystery of life deepened now

I burnish your memory daily

Now; carefully

I reach down - one final time

And scoop you up

Your fire against my face

Your tail held

High

***

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

June 28, 1997"

The headstone for Barbo the dog read:

"Mr. Barbo

Born April 20, 1943

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

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

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

[1:25pm - Lookout Rock]

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

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

[1:36pm - Equinox Mountain Summit]

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

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

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

[1:52pm - Lookout Rock Trail]

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

[1:54pm - Blue Summit Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

[2:33pm - Maidenhair Trail]

[2:34pm - Herd Path]

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

[2:35pm - Mt. Bluff Trail]

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

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

[2:47pm - Deer Knoll Herd Path]

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

[2:50pm - Deer Knoll]

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

[2:55pm - Mt. Bluff Trail]

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

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

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

[3:12pm - Pond Trail]

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

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

"About the Preserve

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

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

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

"Ecology of Mount Equinox

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3:23pm - Flatlanders Trail]

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

"Attention Trail Users:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[3:33pm - Blue Summit Trail]

[3:36pm - End of Trail]

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

[3:39pm - End of Hike]

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

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

Step-by-Step

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

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

- At Upper Spring, turn around.

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

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

- At Lookout Rock, turn around.

- Summit Mt. Equinox

- At summit, turn around.

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

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

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

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

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

- At Deer Knoll, turn around.

- Continue on Mt. Bluff Trail.

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

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

- At terminus, turn right onto Blue Summit Trail.

- Follow back to car.

Map of Equinox Preservation Trust

Photo Album

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

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

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 13.22 miles

Elevation: 2,379 feet

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

Book Time: 7 hours, 47 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

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

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

[5:50am - Long Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[7:20am - Stratton Mountain Summit]

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

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

[7:27am - Stratton Ridge Trail]

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

[7:40am - Stratton Ski Area Summit]

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[9:03am - Stratton Pond Trail]

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

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

[9:05am - Stratton Pond Spur]

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

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

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

[9:16am - Stratton Pond Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[10:29am - Kelly Stream Road]

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

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

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

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

[10:51am - End of Hike]

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

Step-by-Step

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

- Start hike on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.

- At summit, continue onto Stratton Ridge Trail.

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

- At jct., turn left onto grassy road.

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

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

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

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

- At Stratton Pond, turn around.

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

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

- Return to car.

Photo Album

Rowe, Gunstock, & Belknap (Belknap Range)

Rowe, Gunstock, & Belknap (Belknap Range)

"Can you please stop" - me, to the squirrels

Hike Type: Short Stemmed Reverse Lollipop
Distance: 6.31 miles
Elevation: 1890 feet
Time: 3 hours, 47 minutes

Hiking Challenges: Belknap Range Hiker, NH Fire Tower Quest, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, Summit Beer Society, New England 50 Finest

The view just after Mt. Rowe's summit.

The Hike

The summer is quickly coming to a close and I've reached the "holding onto what I have left of my break" breaking points - off to the woods I go! I've been eyeballing the Belknaps for a while now, and there was rain coming around 12-1 today, so the shorter drive was a perfect fit! I had originally flirted with doing an extended reverse lollipop, hitting Rowe, Gunstock, Belknap, Piper, and Whiteface, but the incoming rain and my uncertain digestive system had me turn around at Belknap, which I maintain was the correct decision. Anyway, my 4:00am alarm went off, and up to New Hampshire I went!

 

I parked in the large Gunstock Mountain ski area parking lot. There were a few other cars around, but it was unclear where I was supposed to park. I landed next to a few trucks across from the main building and did not get towed or ticketed, so I'd say I did it correctly! I walked through the main building area toward the mountain coaster, checked a nearby porta potty due to the aforementioned uncertain digestive system (it did not have any toilet paper, and I then realized neither did I... yikes), and the white-blazed Ridge Trail starts at the mountain coaster up an access road. 

 

The Ridge Trail between the mountain coaster and Mt. Rowe was steep, covered in loose gravel, and generally unpleasant. It reminded me of the trail up Overlook Mountain in the Catskills, but this trail had significantly less flies and more rocks. There was a road bypass trail that I didn't have on my map that I'm very curious about. It probably would have been slightly longer than the Ridge Trail but more enjoyable. Through my arduous journey the sun tried to poke it's head through the clouds, but only succeeded for a short while. 

 

There is a large cell tower just before the summit of Mt. Rowe, which is where the access road terminates. The trail goes into the woods and I was immediately greeted by a gorgeous owl and what may have been a fisher cat running across the trail. It was long, dark, and short, whatever it was. There was a small sign and cairn indicating the summit, and the Ridge Trail follows the ridge (miraculously) for a short while until it opens up to an excellent view of Gunstock and Belknap mountains, the ski area below, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the Ossipees in the distance. The owl followed me for a while during this section, and I was really blown away at how quietly they fly from tree to tree (I'm used to the boisterous grouses). 

 

The Ridge Trail then dips into a col and begins to formally climb up Gunstock. The trail here is in some beautiful forest full of birds and rodents (notably one chipmunk who I swear was trying to hold a conversation with me). There are endless switchbacks that start off gentle but pick up steepness toward the summit. Just before the final push to the summit, the trail skirts around the mountain along some cliffs and provides a small view worthy of a look. Soon after the view, the Ridge Trail intersects with the green-blazed Winter Shortcut and then the orange-blazed Mt. Gunstock Trail, climbs slightly to join the yellow-blazed Brook Trail, and then leads to the summit/ski area. There were crews up top getting ready to open the mountain for summer recreation, so I did not stay long. Additionally, the whole summit was in a cloud now so there weren't any views. I ended up finding a picnic table just below the summit on the Brook Trail for a peanut butter sandwich, summit beverage, and nice sit.

 

The red squirrels were ACTIVE along the Brook Trail and very clearly were not fond of me. I felt like I was hiking through a minefield with all the pinecones that were being used as projectiles toward my head, accompanied by their famous scream. I followed the Brook Trail to the white-blazed Saddle Trail, and then the blue-blazed Blue Trail, which similarly to the Ridge Trail up Gunstock, started gently climbing but picked up steepness toward the summit of Belknap. At this point, I was very much in the clouds, and just for good measure, found the grouse population. At least four of them were flapping their wings and yelling at me. I do not care for the mountain chickens.

 

Soon after the last steep push and clanking my poles at the grouses, I reached the top of Belknap Mountain! The summit area is open and I think rather viewless? It seemed pretty wooded... maybe some partial views? Who knows! There was a USGS Benchmark right on the Blue Trail and there was another under the tower. The tower itself has seen better days. It was a cozy walk up, and by cozy, I mean terrifying and narrow. The tower was rickety, smelled like old pennies, and my child-bearing hips barely fit between the rails. The steps were steep and overlapping, which was unsettling. Shockingly enough, I did not get any surprise views through the clouds so I SLOWLY made my way down. I realize I sound very grumpy writing this and reflecting, but I promise I was in good spirits and really enjoyed the hike!

 

I thought about it, and I definitely had enough energy to go to at least Piper, but that digestive system had me worried, so I started my return trip. Blue to White/Saddle to Yellow/Brook, and then the Brook trail descends down the mountain for 1.6 miles. The trail started in lovely pine forests with that amazing christmas tree scent, and then became very reminiscent of the Old Indian Trail down Mt. Wachusett. The Brook Trail crossed the ski slopes, dipped in and out of the woods, and then followed a glade run (did I use that terminology correctly?!) which was gorgeous. My feet were feeling the steep descent toward the end, and there was loud machinery somewhere on the mountain (either crews working on the mountain or I read that there is logging somewhere in the Belknaps, those are my best guesses). The trail bottoms out at... a brook! Soon after the brook I landed back at the parking lot and was shocked at how busy the area was now. It wasn't packed, but I was surprised to see so many families out on a cloudy, rainy Monday. I did flirt with riding the mountain coaster, but decided to save it for another day. I couldn't change in the parking lot due to the endless families, but the ski lodge was open with it's shockingly nice bathrooms. Overall it was a great hike! Only saw a few other people and an endless amount of crazy red squirrels. 

Step-By-Step

• Park at Gunstock Mountain Parking Lot.

• Start hike on white-blazed Ridge Trail (BRT)

• Summit Mt. Rowe, continue.

• Hike on white-blazed Belknap Range Trail.

• Summit Gunstock Mountain.

• Hike on yellow-blazed Brook Trail.

• Hike on white-blazed Saddle Trail (BRT).

• Turn onto Blue Trail (BRT)

• Summit Belknap Mountain, climb fire tower.

• Retrace steps back to yellow-blazed Brook Trail.

• Follow Brook Trail back to car.

  

Gunstock Mountain Resort Hiking & Biking Trail Map

Belknap Range Trail Map

Photo Album