With over an inch of rain in the forecast starting early afternoon, we set our alarms for 6AM and got on the road early. Hiking by 8AM, we started up route #6 on the Sugarbush Ski Resort Hiking map. We deviated from the route once to short cut the route up Organ Grinder, but then got back on #6 to the top of Lincoln Peak. The route up was a steady 2300ft climb. There was some construction going on up there but we found our way to the observation deck and the Long Trail easily. The wind chill temperatures at this elevation were near freezing so we didn't linger long and started off on the Long Trail towards Abraham's bald summit. We passed by some blowdown, a few muddy sections and over one downed tree. We passed by Little Abe at 3900 feet before reaching Mount Abraham proper. When we arrived, there were 4 others there already - all of us being blasted by the wind. The views were spectacular in all directions and there was a rock ring constructed on the summit to protect from the wind. We donned some more clothing and gloves and took a few photos before quickly retreating back to the same trail we came in on. Back in the trees we added more layers as the ridge was still frigid and we weren't generating enough heat now that we were travelling on the ridge. We got back to the Lincoln chair and passed  quickly through an open area back onto the Long Trail ridge. The trail here becomes easier as it moves towards the CastleRock chair and we were able to pick up the pace a bit. Still exposed to the wind we didn't stop until we got to the top of the chair. 

Here Glenn decided his foot (which is slated for foot surgery) had enough of the uneven terrain and decided he we would descent the ski hill while I continued on the Long Trail over to Mount Ellen. I skidaddled onto the Long Trail ascending over a few bumps to Cutt's Peak where I double checked my position on my GPS watch and then continued on to Ellen. The trail has a couple of muddy spots to skirt but for the most part is an easy walk. Ellen's summit is treed and close to the top of another part of Sugarbush ski hill. I thought about descending that Sugarbush North ski hill rather than turning back the way I came and get Glenn to come pick me up. I couldn't find any information about hiking on that portion of the ski hill online and saw that everyone who was out hiking on the day returning the way we came so I followed suit. The trail out to Ellen was not difficult, so it only took about 40 minutes to re-trace my steps before I was back at the top of the Castle Rock chair texting Glenn at the bottom. I descended the Troll Road run to the base with the top third being a bit loose an steep and then bottom 2/3rds being a beautiful fall walk with colours in all directions. An hour later I met up with Glenn and the bottom who was listening to a live band at the base and a crowd at the village enjoying a crisp fall day. 

Luckily I had beaten the rain and was able to get back to the car and start the 5 hour drive home north before it hit. We decided to forego camping for another night due to the rain but there is something so magical about Vermont's scenery, vibe and hiking I wish we could have stayed longer. Vermont is done!

Hike Stats:
Distance: 17.82km
Time: 5 hours 27 mins
Elevation gain: 1158m or 3808ft

Vermont: 5/5
Northeast 115er count: #96 and #97 out of 115
​October 13th, 2024

​I rolled my ankle on a hike in September and had been still feeling the effects a couple weeks later. Glenn has a foot slated for surgery so when I was thinking about what 115ers I had left to do, I selected two hikes with ski hill approaches to reduce the amount of time hiking on uneven terrain. 

We drove the 6 hours Saturday morning via the southern Adirondacks to Killiington Ski resort in Vermont. The drive down was spectacular as the fall colours were on display despite being slightly past peak. The resort was busy, complete with hikers, mountain bikers, and leaf peeping gondola riders. We set off around 2pm, and followed the "E" trail up. This route up winds it's way up using forested trails, ski hill runs, and ski hill roads. The very well marked trail mixes steep climbs with traverses to catch your breath. Closer to the top, you pass under the gondola and head up the staired walkway which brings you to the top of the gondola and summit hut. When we arrived, we couldn't believe the hoards of people. The crowds were out in full force leaf peeping in all directions. The sunny day made the conditions pleasant - we hiked the last short trail to the summit, only to find about 50 others there at the same time. We took a few summit photos - well actually we got a random stranger to take some photos and enjoyed the views of the Adirondack in the distance.

We scampered down the summit trail back to the gondola and walked back down the stairs and decided to take a the "C" route back down. This route was a great descent as it followed all ski hill roads and was only steep for one short distance. The mountain bike trails that merge with hiking trails are well marked and I give kudos to Killington for their well managed property. Before we knew it we were back at the base and finished the hike. We headed driving north to Chittenden State Park campground for the night, arriving with just enough light to spare to set up our tent.

Hike Stats:
Distance: 7.83km
Time: 2 hours, 27 mins
Ascent: 541m or 1773ft

Hiked October 12th, 2024. Peak #95/115

​Camel's Hump is a peak in the Green Mountains of Vermont that has a prominence of 4080feet tall. This peak has a short 2.4 mile approach via the Burrow's trail and was a perfect selection for a short hike before driving 6 hours home later the same day.

We drove a maze of back gravel roads from Underhill State Park to the Burrows Trailhead which was super enjoyable. Vermont is a beautiful state and one I have not spent that much time in. Beautiful lush green fields and forest with beautiful barns and homes all around. We noticed several people out running and cycling on a Sunday morning and liked the vibe of the area. We arrived at the trailhead around 9AM and started upward. The parking lot was already full so we had to park on the side of the road. This hike is popular because of the short distance and there were many users out on the trail today including several trail runners, families with dogs and children, and a full military group of 20. 

We bolted up the forested trail with good dry footing. Some erosion pathways created some rock obstacles to hike over but were not an issue. Soon the gradient steepens and the trail became more rocky, rooty and wet. I was glad I chose to wear shorts on this day as the temperature was much warmer than yesterday's hike and the sweat rolled off our chins and our soaked through our t-shirts on the way up. We noticed the Burrow's trail was being renovated with some new wood steps and several flags and signs indicating work was being done. Covid has really widened several trails as people tried to stay 2m(6ft) apart so I was glad to see that they were trying to narrow the trail again. 

We made it up to the junction with the Long Trail and the Munroe descent trail. Here there is a historical plaque that registers the Camel's Hump as a natural landmark and historic site. The home stretch of the ascent is from here up and after 1hr and 20 mins we hit the summit. There was a large crowd up there already, including a family celebrating grandpa's 83rd birthday which was  great to see! We took a 20 minute break here and enjoyed the 360 degree views. We could see Mount Marcy in the distance as well as Mount Mansfield from the day before. We took a few summit shots and headed back down the trail.

We finished the 8km (5mile), 2000ft hike in 3 hours exactly. This is peak #69 checked off on my Northeast 115 peak bagging list. Our stay in Vermont was very enjoyable and I am happy that I will need to return to hike Killington, Ellen, and Abraham at some point. 

Scoring a last minute weekend cancellation of a lean-to at Underhill State Park, we made the 6 hour drive from Ontario and set up camp at this small and quaint camping location. A thunder and rain storm rolled in and poured for most of the night but luckily we were snuggled inside a tent inside a lean-to and were not worried. 

At 7:45AM on Saturday August 27th, 2022, we left the parking lot at Underhill and headed up hill to the sign-in register past the group camping area. The 500ft ascent here has two options: trail or road. You can pick either to get to the upper trailhead. We signed in and headed up the Sunset Ridge trail. The trail was saturated with moisture from last night's storm and in some places was still flowing down hill on the trail. Luckily the temperature was cool and we could charge up the trail as fast as our feet could take us. Due to Covid, I hadn't been able to cross the border the past 2 summers and was a bit worried that my fitness wasn't up to par but there is only one way to find out if your lungs and legs were ready: go up!

In less than an hour we had reached the turn off to a 0.1mile side trail to view the famous Cantilever rock. I had seen photos of this online previously but was floored by how large it was in person. It is definitely a unique feature and worth the side trip. Back on the ridge trail, we noticed it had been one hour in and we could all use a sip of water. Heading up hill from here, the theme of the trail is ROCK. There are many rock steps, rock ledges, and rock slabs to negotiate. Some views start popping out above the trees and a few welcome cool breezes started to be felt. The trees start to change from deciduous to coniferous and the height of the trees seems to start to shrink with every step. In the alpine zone, Vermont uses white string to guide hikers as to where to walk so that the impact to the alpine zone vegetation is minimized. At the 2 hour and 10 minute mark, we had ascended the 2543ft of elevation to the summit of Mount Mansfield, otherwise known as The Chin at 4393ft. The summit steward answered our questions about landmarks on either side of the summit and took some group photos for us. Crowds were definitely starting to build but we couldn't really figure out where all the traffic was coming from. Then we could see it: a gondola bringing hikers up the Stowe ski hill and a road that some people drive up bringing them about 90% of the way to the top!

We descended from the summit proper back down to the junction with the Sunset Ridge Trail and had a snack and water break before continuing our loop hike along the ridge. The sun had just started to break up the clouds and views were coming into play. The ridge walk is along the Long Trail in Vermont and is mainly rock boulders and slabs. There is a real mix of hikers here - everyone from multi-day thru hikers, to day hikers, to people in flip flops and white shirts who had drove up. Across the ridge, we came across a cell tower and hut and the Visitor Centre. We stopped in at the centre to read more information about the area and speak to some of the staff. We left and continued on the Long Trail to the Forehead and stopped for lunch. 

Here I noticed one of my favourite pieces of gear was broken: my short gaiters from Outdoor Research (Salamanders). Vermont is affectionately known as 'Vermud' among thru-hikers and gaiters were helpful on our hike today, especially after the rains the night before. I have been holding on to these gaiters for years and think they are the best on the market but unfortunately the metal buckle broke and they are dunzo. 

We found the Maple Ridge trail and found the mainly rock trail was a bit treacherous from the rains the night before. Many of the rocks were slimy and sloped and it was tricky in places to get a good pole plant or foot placement. In a few cases we had to resort to lowering down on our butts to safely descend. We all had instances where our feet slipped from underneath us so we slowed our pace down to ensure that no injuries took place. We found the chasm, and all had to jump over the crevasse-like crack to get to the other side. All in all the Maple Ridge trail is do-able, but isn't as fun to descend when wet. The first part of the decent is the steepest and then once it hooks up to the CCC road it is easy going again. The CCC road surprisingly climbs as it traverses at first and then descends back down to the trailhead on good trail. I enjoyed this hike with it's mix of interesting features and good challenging trail that keeps your focus.

Arriving back at the trailhead we signed out of the register and chose to take the road walk back down to the campground. We looked at our watches and it took us 6 hours exactly to do the 14km (8.7 miles) with 3100ft of ascent. This is #68 for me on the Northeast 115 list.