The Mountains Call To Me

  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?

  I hiked this trail in December of 2015. This is the path less traveled to the summit of Snake Mountain. From trailhead parking it is 6.7 miles to the summit with 1335 feet of elevation gain.   This is a beautiful hike, passing a beaver dam along the way. Once, a beaver started slapping its tail on the water to let me know that I was getting too close. Frozen mushrooms on an icy stump.   The little town of Addison, Vermont viewed from the summit of Snake Mountain. A hotel once stood in this location that I am photographing from until 1925; the foundation is still there. A view west to the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Another view west to the Adirondacks and New York State. A view north to Lake Champlain. A view south.