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

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

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

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5.85 miles

Elevation: 1,418 feet

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

Book Time: 3 hours, 38 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

[12:03pm - Long Trail]

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

"Bromley Mountain

Length: 6.0 miles round trip

Elevation change: 1380 feet

Hiking level: Moderate - Difficult

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[12:58pm - Long Trail/Vista]

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

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

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

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

[1:14pm - Bromley Mountain Summit]

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

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

[1:22pm - Long Trail]

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

[1:26pm - Long Trail enters woods]

[1:34pm - Long Trail/Vista]

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

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

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

[1:45pm - Long Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[2:20pm - End of Hike]

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

Step-by-Step

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

- Summit Bromley Mountain.

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

Photo Album

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

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

Hike Type: -o-o- Loop

Distance: 5.76 miles

Elevation: 1,213 feet

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

Book Time: 3 hours, 29 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

[9:03am - Start of Hike]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merck Forest & Farmland Center: A Resilient Anchor

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

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

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

[9:05am - Old Town Road]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[9:22am - Antone Road]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[9:58am - Antone Mountain Summit]

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

[10:05am - Antone Road]

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

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

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

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

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

[10:17am - Ski Trail]

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

[10:26am - Antone Road]

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

[10:28am - McCormick Trail]

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

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

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

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

[10:49am - End of Woods Road]

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

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

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

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

[10:56am - Old Town Road]

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

[11:00am - Page Pond]

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

[11:06am - Old Town Road]

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

[11:12am - End of Hike]

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

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Old Town Road.

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

- Summit Antone Mountain, then turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Ski Trail.

- At terminus, continue left onto Antone Road.

- At jct., turn left onto McCormick Trail.

- At terminus, continue left onto Old Town Road.

- At jct., turn left to Page Pond.

- At Page Pond, turn around.

- At terminus, turn left onto Old Town Road.

- Follow Old Town Road to car.

Map of Merck Forest and Farmlands Center

Photo Album

Haystack Mountain (North Pawlet Hills Natural Area)

Haystack Mountain (North Pawlet Hills Natural Area)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 3.57 miles

Elevation: 1,198 feet

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

Book Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

[7:07am - Tunket Road]

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

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

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

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

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

"North Pawlet Hills Natural Area

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

Staying Connected

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

Haystack Mountain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[7:51am - Haystack Mountain Summit]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[8:23am - Tunket Road]

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

[8:34am - End of Hike]

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

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Tunket Road.

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

- Follow trail to the top.

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

Map of North Pawlet Hills Natural Area

Photo Album

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

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

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 2.49 miles

Elevation: 554 feet

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

Book Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

"Welcome to Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1:44pm - Start of Hike]

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

[1:45pm - Alyssa Trail]

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

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

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

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

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

[1:59pm - Springs Trail]

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

[2:08pm - Kits Trail]

[2:10pm - Moot Point Trail]

[2:12pm - Zion Minor Loop]

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

[2:17pm - Moot Point Trail]

[2:22pm - Moot Point]

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

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

[2:32pm - Kits Trail]

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

[2:33pm - Japanese Garden]

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

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

[2:41pm - Meadow Path]

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

[2:51pm - Japanese Garden]

[2:53pm - Garden Trail]

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

[2:58pm - End of Hike]

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

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

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Alyssa trail.

- Summit Zion Major.

- Continue on Jan Trail.

- Summit Top of the Ridge.

- Continue on Spring Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Kits Trail.

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

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

- After loop, continue on Moot Point Trail.

- At Moot Point, turn around.

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

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

- Follow trails around meadow, returning to Japenese Garden.

- At garden, follow Garden Trail back to car.

Map of Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park (outdated)

Photo Album

Ludlow Mountain via Healdville Trail (Okemo State Forest)

Ludlow Mountain via Healdville Trail (Okemo State Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 6.25 miles

Elevation: 1,955 feet

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

Book Time: 4 hours, 6 minutes

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

The Hike 

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

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

[10:10am - Healdville Trail]

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

"Why log along the Healdville Trail?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11:02am - Healdville Trail/Sign]

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

[11:13am - Healdville Trail/View]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11:39am - Spur to Ski Area]

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

[11:41am - Return to Healdville Trail]

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

[12:04pm - Healdville Trail/Sign]

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

Me: "Hey how's it going."

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

Me: "Just about over a mile?"

Dad: "But how far?"

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

Dad: "So like 20, 30 minutes?"

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

Dad: "So 30 minutes?"

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

Dad: "Hmm."

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

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

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

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

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

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

[12:44pm - End of Hike]

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

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Healdville Trail.

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

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

- At ski slope, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Healdville Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Okemo State Forest

Photo Album

Mt. Ascutney via Weathersfield Trail & Summit Loop (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Mt. Ascutney via Weathersfield Trail & Summit Loop (Mt. Ascutney State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.15 miles

Elevation: 2,385 feet

My Time: 3 hours, 32 minutes (3 hours, 23 minutes moving)

Book Time: 4 hours, 46 minutes

Parking: Large parking lot at Weathersfield Trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: Vermont Fire Towers, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, Mt. Ascutney State Park Redline

The Hike 

Oh no! I'm sick! I simply had to take a sick day after working for one day yesterday. I talked to my doctor and she said the only way to cure myself is to go back to Southern Vermont. I had to listen! I had a super sleepy drive, but I had the distinct pleasure of passing the Chicken Farmer Rock in New Hampshire! The sunrise was full of beautiful cotton-candy colors and in my last 15 minutes of driving, I had a wonderful changing view of Mt. Ascutney. 

I made it to the large trailhead at 5:36am with an aching lower back (which has been happening more and more with these longer drives) and an upset tummy (the morning ritual had not yet been performed). It was a little cloudy with temperatures around 53 degrees. There was one other car in the parking lot and while getting ready I nearly crushed a poor red eft! I got myself put together, craving a nap, but pushed onward and got to my hike!

[5:47am - Weathersfield Trail]

The Weathersfield, the most popular trail to climb the mountain according to the trailhead kiosk, climbed a stairs bridge and entered the woods, following white blazes. The trail was nice and relatively gentle with good footing in it's beginning, and just wide enough where I was not swimming through a sea of spider webs. I crossed over a cute mossy stream, passed the tiniest eft, and enjoyed a well-constructed switchback before coming to Little Cascade Falls.

[5:57am - Weathersfield Trail/Little Cascade Falls]

Little Cascade Falls were an absolute delight. On the left, the water from the stream was cascading down a chopped up slab. The water then ran over the trail and went over a steep dropoff on the left, maybe 20-30 feet down? The water wasn't trickling nor running heavily, but just enough for a beautiful, peaceful sight.

The trail climbed a bit more moderately before zigging and zagging at an impressive rock wall. It almost reminded me of the walls that make the Flume Gorge. I climbed more switchbacks, nearing the impressive wall again, then climbed more switchbacks and got a great view into the upper reaches of this wall, which formed a little canyon with a waterfall further back.

The Weathersfield Trail crossed the little canyon area and climbed up rock steps followed by wooden stairs. At the top of this mini climb was a grown-in view, but there was a slightly better view just a bit further down. 

The woods smelled like summer as I hopped across another small stream. The trail descended easily for a minute past a few efts and then after a short uphill moment came to the junction with the Falls Bypass Trail.

[6:15am - Weathersfield Trail/Falls Bypass]

I was excited to see these falls, so I did not take the bypass. The trail began to descend again as it approached the water, then following the contour before making a steeper descent.

[6:18am - Cascade Falls]

The trail comes right up to the edge of the stream that makes up Cascade Falls. Looking upstream on the right, the water was cascading down over rocks and slabs. Straight ahead the water was rushing over the slabs, and on the left the water basically ran over the edge into oblivion. Apparently the falls are 84 feet in height (compared to Little Cascade at 60 feet, which I just learned from https://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/vt-cascadefalls.html), and I couldn't help myself to not follow herd paths around to the base of the falls.

I saw the herd paths on the left side of the falls, so I figured I'd follow them for as long as I safely could. I had to go slow and watch my footing on mossy boulders, but the trip down was more than worth it! The water created a fine mist as it hit broken slabs on it's descent, making for a really beautiful view. The forest was pretty grown-in down there, so I had to explore a bit to get a good vantage point. 

The climb up was much easier, as I simply blasted off and upward. I took one last view of the falls and then continued my climb up on the Weathersfield Trail.

[6:32am - Weathersfield Trail]

[6:36am - Weathersfield Trail/Falls Bypass]

The Weathersfield Trail climbed along the brook and had another lovely zig zag to turn away into a lovely forest full of soft pine needles. I hiked back into the hardwoods, joining and crossing a stream, and then started a longer moderate push with the stream on the right - my heart rate was up and I was sweaty! 

[6:51am - Weathersfield Trail/Halfway Brooks]

I climbed up to the sign for the Halfway Brooks (more than halfway up, mind you!), which looked like a series of slabby streams that I was simply not feeling adventerous enough to investigate. After a switchback, I could see the communications tower on the south peak through the trees, and my legs were really starting to feel the climb! I think I might have still been a little sore from Saturday's big day of Stratton and Equinox - I hadn't been that sore after a hike in a while.

More switchbacks led me back into a coniferous forest, where I'd stay for a while now. I saw my first person in this area, which was wildly eroded down to roots and bedrock. There were posts to hold rope to keep people on-trail, but they must have taken it down for winter. 

[7:05am - Weathersfield Trail/Harry's Lookout]

I hiked past Harry's Lookout, which was basically a fully grown-in viewpoint with a sign: "Dedicated to Harry Edward Temple of Perkinsville, VT. January 9, 1941 - March 8, 2020. Longtime hiker, trail maintainer, and active ATA member." The trail rounded a corner, revealing a wonderful breeze. I took this moment to wring out my shirt, which was apparently a huge mistake? I hurt my wrist weeks ago either skiing or doing strength training, took like six weeks off, got back into it for a week, and then it started hurting again this week. Wringing out my shirt would be the straw that broke the camel's back, apparently, because that HURT. Writing this a little over a week later and my wrist is still upset. Something around the ulnar nerve or tendonitis on the outside of my left hand? I'm going to lay off strength probably through the summer and see if that helps (aka, avoid doctors at all costs).

On the plus, my shirt felt much better! I conitnued hiking up to the signed turn to Gus's Lookout.

[7:11am - Weathersfield Trail/Gus's Lookout]

Gus's Lookout was much nicer with a great view to the lowlands and a unique perspective looking down to Monadnock. It was still pretty cloudy out, so views weren't distant or clear, but still nice! Old blazes made a mini-loop of Gus's Lookout, rejoining the Weathersfield Trail a few dozen feet past where I entered.

I hiked over a few boards and made friends with a photogenic squirrel before climbing again over short, steep switchbacks to the West Peak.

[7:18am - West Peak Lookout]

West Peak was basically divided into two spurs: the summit/lookout and the vista. First, I turned left to hike to the summit/lookout. Naturally, I slipped on a wet rock and landed on my hip and bad wrist... nice! This view was the best yet - I loved getting to see what I thought was Stratton (I will soon learn that it was Okemo) and Killington off to the far right. 

[7:22am - West Peak Vista]

The trail to the vista was just a bit further down the trail and shared a junction with the Hang Glider Trail. The muddy spur trail led to a wonderful view of the nearby mountains with Killington as it's centerpiece. There was a wooden ramp and wooden deck at the main view, which I'd later learn/realize is for hang gliding! This mountain is really winning me over!

[7:26am - Weathersfield Trail]

I made my way back to the Weathersfield Trail and was ready to climb the final 0.4 miles (according to the sign) to the summit. There were plenty of pre-flowering trout lilies and eventually just a few painted trillium. There was what appeared to be an abandoned yellow-blazed trail leading left out of a flatter area, and then some rock stairs led to the top! The observation tower was over on the left and the summit was on the right - I followed the trail to the summiti first.

[7:34am - Summit Spur]

[7:35am - Mt. Ascutney Summit]

There were two communication towers that were absolutely howling in the wind at the true summit area! There wasn't much for a view, but there were what seemed to be multiple footings for old fire towers. There was also a summit disc - yay! I found another one at the base of the higher communication tower. I poked around this clearing for a little bit and then worked my way over to the observation tower, nearly dying (read as: slipping on a wet rock) in the process.

"The Fire Tower is part of our history. 

The first fire lookout tower on Mt. Ascutney was built from wood in the early 1920s. The Civilian Conservation Corps later replaced the wooden tower with a steel structure from 1938-1940. They also brought 3.5 miles of phone line up the mountain to the tower. The fire lookout climbed 72 stairs to reach the small cabin at the top of the tower. (By the 1950s, this job was performed instead by airplane pilots on weather patrols.) At 56 feet high, the steel fire tower was more than twice as tall as the current observation tower, but that did not deter visitors from climbing up to take in the view, and parts of the 1940 tower have been recycled to build the 24 foot tower that stands here today." from Parking Lot Kiosk.

[7:41am - Mt. Ascutney Observation Tower]

The tower was delightful! Not too tall, which was nice, and plenty windy up top. Each side of the railing had a view guide, which I loved. The mountain I thought was Stratton was actually Okemo - my next stop! Killington was standing proudly above everything else, plus plenty of other mountains in all directions. The signs said the whites would be visible on a clear day, which would be really fun to see. The clouds were starting to clear up, but they were going nowhere fast!

[7:45am - Brownsville Trail]

Time to start the lollipop portion of my lollipop loop! I continued onto the Brownsville Trail, which first followed yellow blazes and soon white blazes as the Slot/Slab Trails left on the right. The trail was a little wet, but overall wonderful - somewhat reminiscent of the upper wooded sections on Monadnock.

[7:50am - Brownsville Rock]

The spur for Brownsville Rock was just after a gentle rise in the trail, which provided yet another wonderful view of Killington. The trail and viewpoint had some old graffiti, which as long as it's old, I enjoy seeing!

[7:54am - Brownsville Trail]

Back on the Brownsville Trail, I passed the foundations of the "Stone Hut Site." Not much more info, but I did find a disc! I gasped! Then another disc! I gasped again! Then ANOTHER disc! I gasped again! Two arrows and a summit disc - I was absolutely shocked and delighted - what a fun surprise! It was at this point that I decided I'd have to come back four more times to make the discs "count" and at that point I might as well make it a goal to hike all of the trails on the mountain.

[7:58am - Windsor Trail]

[7:58am - Castle Rock Trail]

[7:59am - Castle Rock]

The Brownsville Trail descended for just a minute afterwards to the junction with the Windsor Trail, which was also blazed in white. Just after that was the Castle Rock Trail, and just after that was Castle Rock proper! There was a partially grown-in view from the rock, but nice nonetheless. I could see Monadnock! The forest around Castle Rock felt prehistoric, which I just loved. 

After the viewpoint, the trail began to descent on a very narrow footbed, soon joining the Summit Trail at the junction with the Slab/Slot Trail (it's confusing on the map and signs what is specifically what around the summit, but the collection of trails that are blazed with yellow diamonds make up the "Summit Trail" in addition to whatever their official names may or may not be).

[8:01am - Summit Trail]

I descended on narrow rock stairs and had an annoying crawl-under blowdown to navigate. I reentered a deciduous forest and saw some leaf views towards the South Peak and New Hampshire. The Futures Link and Slab Trails eventually joined before the trail crossed some power lines and came to a junction with the Hang Glider Trail on the left. I stayed right, making a little side-visit to the parking lot, which was signed as 0.1 miles away.

[8:12am - Parking Lot]

The parking lot had plenty of room and a nice view of the South Peak. There was the world's cutest porta potty and a kiosk with a little bit of information on the mountain:

"Is Mount Ascutney a volcano? Not quite! There was a volcano here (possibly 5,000 feet above the current summit!) but it has since eroded away. Mount Ascutney was formed underneath the volcano, and has stood up to the water, wind, and ice that weathered away the surrounding volcanic rock and schist bedrock" from Parking Lot Kiosk.

[8:14am - Summit Trail]

[8:17am - Hang Glider Trail]

I didn't stay for long and got right back on the trail, soon continuing onto the blue-blazed Hang Glider Trail. I hiked back into the conifers and past some flowering hobblebush, gently descending with rugged, piney footing. It was a really beautiful area, like the Halfway House area of Monadnock. The Hang Glider Trail passed a grassy meadow (that was not yet overgrown) and then rose gently to the Weathersfield Trail, concluding my lollipop!

[8:24am - Weathersfield Trail]

[8:29am - Weathersfield Trail/Gus's Lookout]

I got greeted by the first screaming squirrel of the day once back on the Weathersfield Trail. My tummy was feeling WERID. I hiked down past an enormous boulder that I somehow missed on the way up, waved to Gus, nodded to Harry, and had to take my boots off to remove that simply had to have been the world's sharpest pine needle. I enjoyed the abundance of switchbacks as I made my way down, soon passing the Halfway Brooks.

[8:43am - Weathersfield Trail/Halfway Brooks]

I made my way back in to the world of Efts as I paralleled the brooks. The air was warmer and more humid down here.

[8:54am - Falls Bypass]

After a bit of mindless hiking, I turned left ont othe comically short Falls Bypass, which was delightfully flat with faded blue blazes. 

[8:56am - Weathersfield Trail]

The Falls Bypass brought me back to the Weathersfield Trail in a bright deciduous forest. This stretch of trail was truly a lovely, flat ramble with just a touch of uphill. I descended the wooden stairs into the canyon area, catching some rays of sun around 9am! The canyon area was cooler than the surrounding forest, which was nice. 

[9:11am - Weathersfield Trail/Little Cascade Falls]

I made my way across Little Cascade Falls, reluctantly going off-trail and downhill to get another view (medium worth it) and then wandered along the rest of the trail, passing a few older logging roads in a lush, green forest back to the parking area!

[9:19am - End of Hike]

There was a new car at the trailhead, but I did not see any new people. I was running 35 minutes ahead of schedule - yay! I got a map for Mt. Ascutney at the trailhead kiosk for a suggested donation of $1 with full intentions of starting a redline on this mountain - it was a fantastic hike!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Weathersfield Trail.

- At jct., stay left on Weathersfield Trail to falls.

- At jct., continue left on Weathersfield Trail.

- Hike spurs to Harry's Lookout, Gus's Lookout, West Summit, and West Vista, then continue on Weathersfield Trail.

- At terminus, turn left to summit Mt. Ascutney.

- At summit, turn around and hike to tower.

- From tower, turn left onto Slab Trail.

- Soon, continue left onto Brownsville Trail.

- At jct, turn left onto Brownsville Rock spur.

- At Brownsville Rock, turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Brownsville Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Windsor Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Castle Rock Trail.

- At terminus, continue straight on Summit Trail.

- Follow Summit Trail to parking lot.

- At parking lot, turn around.

- At jct., continue straight onto Hang Glider Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Weathersfield Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto Falls Bypass.

- At jct., turn left onto Weathersfield Trail.

- Follow Weathersfield Trail to car.

Map of Mt. Ascutney State Park

Photo Album