The Mountains Call To Me

The Monroe Trail is reached from Waterbury on the East side of Camels Hump. I was not expecting views today and wasn't even sure if I could make it to the summit. Round trip it would be 7 miles and my ankle is still recovering from being broken in September. A gray snowy day with nothing but silence in the woods. I didn't make it to the top, but had a great hike. Finally, after hiking the snowy road for a ways I reach the trailhead. The first 2.5 to 3 miles of this hike is a modest steady climb. The junction with the Dean Trail is at 1.7 miles and it is always a good place to take a break. Up until this point I was wearing micro-spikes but from here the snow gets deeper and I could see where someone was post-holing (a no-no in hiker's etiquette ). The trail actually skirts to the left of these rocks and eventually works its way through them. It's still at least a mile to the summit.   It's a strange feeling to know that you are the only human for miles aro...

The hike starts at Elmore State Park; from the back left side of the parking lot head towards the park, turn left after reaching a building. There will be a small sign that says trails with an arrow. The trail follows a road for a while then eventually leaves the road. It's a popular trail to a view point where once stood an old fire warden's cabin. From here you can see the fire tower. The trail to the tower is steep and treacherous. It is always icy in winter and micro-spikes or crampons should be used. On the way down I took the path less traveled (surprise!). The Ridge Trail is one mile longer but a safer way to descend the mountain. This trail is a 3.7 mile loop hike with 1,222 feet of elevation gain, but in winter you can add at least another couple miles and more elevation, because the road is not plowed to the trailhead. This is a view of the road. It's a multi-use trail. Please snowshoe to the side and don't posthole! A nice gradual climb winded throu...

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

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

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