The Mountains Call To Me

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

  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.

Laura Cowles - Sunset Ridge Trail Loop 4.5 Miles, 2555 elevation gain Mt. Mansfield had been calling to me for a while. My original plan called for a longer loop hike but the forecast called for afternoon thunderstorms. I decided to hike a shorter route on a trail I had never hiked. The Laura Cowles Trail is a trail with limited views and a steep ascent. The trail that parallels it, the Sunset Ridge Trail offers plenty of views and an easier ascent so it has been the trail of choice on other occasions. The sign at the trailhead offers little information; I wondered if it was on purpose?   The hike starts from Underhill State Park . From there it's a short hike to the junction of several trails. The Laura Cowles Trail follows a stream and stays in the woods for much of the hike. On this humid day I welcomed the coolness of the stream and shade. It didn't take long to learn that I had a stair-stepping climb ahead of me.   The trail is a short 1.5 miles from...