lord and lady of the flies
June 10, 2008 6:14 AM Subscribe
Going backpacking in northern Vermont soon - any suggestions?
We're going to be near exit 14 on I-91, and would like to head north from there. We're not opposed to crossing over into Canada a little.
Our goal is to backpack for three days and camp for two nights. A 20-mile loop near a river or lake would be perfect. I'm a novice hiker, so nothing too rigorous, but something challenging enough so that he doesn't get bored. Any trail suggestions?
(And yes, we are prepared for black fly season.)
We're going to be near exit 14 on I-91, and would like to head north from there. We're not opposed to crossing over into Canada a little.
Our goal is to backpack for three days and camp for two nights. A 20-mile loop near a river or lake would be perfect. I'm a novice hiker, so nothing too rigorous, but something challenging enough so that he doesn't get bored. Any trail suggestions?
(And yes, we are prepared for black fly season.)
Response by poster: North of White River Junction. We're willing and able to travel a bit if it's worth it.
posted by kidsleepy at 7:01 AM on June 10, 2008
posted by kidsleepy at 7:01 AM on June 10, 2008
Hmmm well that is more southern Vermont than northern Vermont. As far as a plan are you looking for nice day Hikes or roughing it a lot and being self sufficient. IE campgrounds or just pitching a tent wherever you decide to stop?
posted by koolkat at 7:05 AM on June 10, 2008
posted by koolkat at 7:05 AM on June 10, 2008
I live about 20 minutes from there. A lot of the VT hiking is usually centered around the Long Trail which is a bit more in-state. You may want to check out the UV Trails which are mostly [all?] day hikes but give you an idea of what's around that area. I have this book which I use for finding good hikes in places I haven't really been before.
posted by jessamyn at 7:30 AM on June 10, 2008
posted by jessamyn at 7:30 AM on June 10, 2008
It's probably about an hour plus away from White River Junction, but I would definitely recommend hitting the Long Trial through the Camel's Hump peak.
posted by doomtop at 7:58 AM on June 10, 2008
posted by doomtop at 7:58 AM on June 10, 2008
Response by poster: We don't need pre-established campgrounds, but they're okay by me. We'd prefer to have privacy.
Any good online resources for the Long Trail vs. buying a guidebook?
posted by kidsleepy at 8:22 AM on June 10, 2008
Any good online resources for the Long Trail vs. buying a guidebook?
posted by kidsleepy at 8:22 AM on June 10, 2008
2nding Camel's Hump. I also would reccomend doing some of Mt. Mansfield.
And please have either a Long Trail or a Magic Hat #8 for me. :) I can't get either of those now that I'm back in the midwest...
posted by xotis at 9:01 AM on June 10, 2008
And please have either a Long Trail or a Magic Hat #8 for me. :) I can't get either of those now that I'm back in the midwest...
posted by xotis at 9:01 AM on June 10, 2008
I would head to camels Hump as well. Either that or also Mt Mansfield, and camp along the way in some secluded area. There are some lean-tos along the long trail. The best resource for Long Trail Hiking is http://www.greenmountainclub.org/
They are responsible for maintaining the trail, and also write the best guidebooks. I've hiked the trail in a nice route from Bethel northwards, and it was easily navigable, but a bit of a climb. The campgrounds at Groton lake are nice, and there are a lot of random trails around there, but be careful there are some bear around. (We've got a camp on a mountain up there and have seen droppings and heard other people saying that they've seen them.
If you are up for some more rugged trips I would head further north to the NE kingdom, but up there it is really remote and if you get lost, you really are lost.
posted by koolkat at 9:55 AM on June 10, 2008
They are responsible for maintaining the trail, and also write the best guidebooks. I've hiked the trail in a nice route from Bethel northwards, and it was easily navigable, but a bit of a climb. The campgrounds at Groton lake are nice, and there are a lot of random trails around there, but be careful there are some bear around. (We've got a camp on a mountain up there and have seen droppings and heard other people saying that they've seen them.
If you are up for some more rugged trips I would head further north to the NE kingdom, but up there it is really remote and if you get lost, you really are lost.
posted by koolkat at 9:55 AM on June 10, 2008
Response by poster: Mt Mansfield and Camel's Hump look good. Any hikes out there that are a bit longer? Camel's Hump looks like it's only a one-nighter, and we'd like at least two nights. Or another one-nighter somewhere else We have a week of vacation time to fill, so non-nearby trails work as well.
posted by kidsleepy at 11:27 AM on June 10, 2008
posted by kidsleepy at 11:27 AM on June 10, 2008
If the Long Trail isn't long enough for you, I'd suggest the book Jessamyn recommended. There are cool overnight cabin/lean to-type platforms on the Long Trail for hikers.... I've never stayed in them but they look darn inviting. Seconding Groton... beautiful. I've hiked Camel's Hump twice and didn't see anywhere to camp... but I wasn't looking for one either.
posted by vermontlife at 7:15 PM on June 10, 2008
posted by vermontlife at 7:15 PM on June 10, 2008
Here is a book I have in my library... just found it.
MAKE A SPLASH - SWIMMING HOLES AND WATERFALLS OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
Author: Minor, Jason
Published: 1998, Master Studios
Comment: (From book publicity) A unique guide to 40 swimming holes and waterfalls up and down the length of the state (Vermont), both in and away from the Green Mountains. Most are roadside. For each spot there are directions, description, location map and photo. 112 pp, 6" x 9". Purchase: $14.95, From Jason Minor, RR1 Box 260, Swanton, VT 05488
posted by vermontlife at 9:43 AM on June 11, 2008
MAKE A SPLASH - SWIMMING HOLES AND WATERFALLS OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
Author: Minor, Jason
Published: 1998, Master Studios
Comment: (From book publicity) A unique guide to 40 swimming holes and waterfalls up and down the length of the state (Vermont), both in and away from the Green Mountains. Most are roadside. For each spot there are directions, description, location map and photo. 112 pp, 6" x 9". Purchase: $14.95, From Jason Minor, RR1 Box 260, Swanton, VT 05488
posted by vermontlife at 9:43 AM on June 11, 2008
oops... posted to the wrong question... please ignore previous post unless you want to go swimming while you're hiking!
posted by vermontlife at 9:45 AM on June 11, 2008
posted by vermontlife at 9:45 AM on June 11, 2008
Response by poster: we tried to go south from the lamoille river to mt. mansfield, and went down a dozen dead end trails. after giving up and going back to the car, we saw a very faded sign saying the trail was closed due to snow melting/rain/mud.
the next day we decided to go north and do laraway mountain. we made it up and over, but it took us awhile - i would NOT recommend it for a beginner hiker. in the end, it all worked out, but next time i'll know my limits!
thanks for all the advice.
posted by kidsleepy at 7:44 AM on June 27, 2008
the next day we decided to go north and do laraway mountain. we made it up and over, but it took us awhile - i would NOT recommend it for a beginner hiker. in the end, it all worked out, but next time i'll know my limits!
thanks for all the advice.
posted by kidsleepy at 7:44 AM on June 27, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by koolkat at 6:58 AM on June 10, 2008