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Healdville Trail - Okemo Mountain - Mount Holly, VT

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  This 3 mile hike (6 miles RT) ascends 1900ft to the summit of Okemo Mountain (3343ft). I first hiked this trail in December of 2015. The trail follows a stream for a while before making a few switchbacks and meandering gently through a beautiful hardwood forest before making a final ascent through dense and rocky terrain to the summit. On this warm December day there wasn't much for views. The trail follows a beautiful mountain stream with small cascading falls.   The trail levels out and meanders gently through the hardwood forest. Heading into the clouds but they seemed to keep rising as I approached. Around the 2.5 mile mark we get a view to the west. As we near the summit the trail passes the remains of the fire wardens cabin. Finally the summit and fire tower. From the top there are 360 degree views. On this day I did not bother to go up. I returned on a beautiful day in October of 2023 to capture some photos from the firetower.   Looking towards Mt. Ascutney...
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Battell Trail to the Summit of Mt. Abraham - Lincoln, VT

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This hike is 5.8 mile out and back with 2,493 feet of elevation gain, challenging, especially near the top. In the summer it's steep rock scrambles and in the winter you need ice gear (micro-spikes, snowshoes with cleats, or crampons. It's about 3 miles to the summit and there are very few places where you are hiking on flat ground.   The view as I approach Mt. Abraham and the Battell Trailhead. The trail is a path of ice. There is almost a line where the hardwoods end and the softwoods begin. Finally I reach the Long Trail. The Battell Shelter comes into view The trail keeps getting steeper. The summit is just up ahead. The summit of Mt. Abraham A view north towards Mt. Glen Ellen A view south towards Lincoln Gap   Map & Directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/mount-abraham-battell-trail
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Jerusalem Trail to Orvis Lookout - Jerusalem, VT

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The Jerusalem Trail is a side trail that connects to the Long Trail. It is a 5 mile out and back with about 1700 feet of elevation gain. I started this hike before the sun had come over the mountain and the temperature was in the teens. The destination today is Orvis Lookout.   A large portion of the hike goes through a maple grove. There is a large scale sugaring operation and twice I had to duck under the lines. We finally reach the softwoods and start a steeper climb. Just before reaching the Long Trail it gets steep and icy. While standing there a group of about 8 hikers went by. They had spent the night at Glen Ellen Lodge. It must have been a cold night because there is no heat at the lodge. The Long Trail. This is a look north.   My first look at Orvis Lookout. And the view then you step out on Orvis Lookout. I final look back at the Green Mountains. I was up there somewhere. Map & Directions: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/jerusalem-trail
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Codding Hollow to Laraway Lookout - Waterville, VT

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This hike is a 4.3 mile out and back with 1795 feet of elevation gain. It follows the Long Trail to near the summit of Laraway Mountain. The hike is a moderate grade following what seems to be an old logging road for much of the hike. On this day it was crusty and icy with lots of branches down; I cleaned up most. There are a few stream crossings. When you get close to the summit the trail narrows and the trail follows along fantastic cliffs into a narrow passage that brings you out close to Laraway Lookout. I should add that the trailhead is difficult to get to in winter.   This is the largest stream crossing. Nature's decorations. The narrow passage to the top. Water could be heard flowing underneath my feet. Approaching the Lookout View from the Lookout   Map & Details: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/18431962742
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Hunger Mountain - Waterbury Trail - Waterbury, VT

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  I had not hiked this trail since the mid-1990's. I remembered it being especially difficult near the top because of the rocks and steepness. Add ice and this trail becomes especially challenging; 2,290 feet of elevation in less than 2 miles. Out and back is 3.8 miles. The beginning of the hike is a nice winding trail up the mountain. There are several cascades of waterfalls.The trail crosses the stream here. Shortly after the stream crossing it was time to put on the micro-spikes. As I continued to climb the trail got icier and icier. Looking past the sign towards Stowe and Mt. Mansfield. Uhm, did I come up this? That looks like a tight squeeze! Are you sure I came through here?
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