Fairly dry now, but some mud
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jeff
We have had lots of rain in VT this spring. Bourn Pond Loop can sometimes be muddy with standing water. Bring crocs or sandals if you want to keep your hiking shoes dry.
I hiked the Stratton Pond Loop this past weekend, and found it to be fairly dry. But in some spots, you will still encounter some mud. Not too deep. I wore convertible hiking pants and the bottom half were fairly dirty when I got done, but overall, I found it relatively dry given the season.
I parked at the AT trailhead on the Stratton-Arlington Road (copy these coordinates into Google Earth for the exact location): 43° 3'40.33"N 72°58'3.62"W
My hike followed the AT to the summit of Stratton Mountain, where there is a caretaker from the Green Mountain Club. There are no views on the trail itself, but there is a 40' fire tower you can climb.
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There's a good 360-degree view from the top of this fire tower. Here's the view looking South towards the Somerset Reservoir, which also shows the caretaker hut (very nice caretaker, very informative).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/...58ac904c75.jpg
You can take a side trail over to the Stratton Mountain ski resort, where you'll get some more open views (such as this):
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Although the resort is closed, there is a bathroom facility that was left open, with running water and flush toilets (heaven!). You'll also find the USGS marker as you enter the unsigned trail that leads to the resort:
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After a snack at the ski resort, I hiked back up to the fire tower and took the Applachian Trail to the right, which continues on down to Stratton Pond, descending about 1400 feet along the way. You will reach a signed junction at the pond. To the right is the pond. To the left is the very fine, large shelter and several tent sites. Huge shelter. Could probably hold 25 people comfortably.
I forgot to photograph the shelter, darn it. Oh look, a pretty butterfly lunching on honeysuckle:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/...9b9dc5e9d9.jpg
If you are tenting, I'd recommend you make your way to the pond and talk with the Green Mountain Club caretaker at pondside. She can direct you to two tent locations on the pond itself.
One (I was told) is very hidden for added privacy, but she will show you the way. Cost is $5 ... but I imagine a tip is expected if she shows you a really good private tentsite from which you can skinny dip in the pond. I discovered two girls skinny dipping whilst walking the lake perimeter trail - woo hoo! Skinny dipping is no fun unless there's a chance you'll be caught, so I'm sure I made their day! The pictures came out looking really good. If you're reading this, and you were the skinny dippers, PM to purchase the negatives. Only $50! :eek:
A really bad storm was brewing, so rather than stay the night, I decided to hike out. I had to really hoof it out of there, so no photographs of the pond or my hike out, unforunately.
To descend Stratton Mountain and finish the loop, you can use the Stratton Pond Trail, which descends to a different parking area further down the Stratton-Arlington Road.
To find the trail from the pond, head from the pond back up to the shelter. The Stratton Pond Trail is the last trail leading off to the right before you reach the shelter. It's marked, but the sign is slightly confusing to some people I am told.
Once you reach the Stratton-Arlington Road at the end of this trail, you'll have about a 3/4 mile roadwalk (to your left) back to your car at the Appalachian Trailhead parking area.
Enjoy your hike!
Cheers,
Buckwheat