2 day loop along LT?

[cainerguy]

I was hoping some of you folks could help me out. I am trying to plan an easy to moderate 2 day loop in Vermont with my wife. We already did the Bourne pond Stratton pond loop and that was perfect! So something like that is a good example. My apologies ahead of time if this isn't the right place to post this, however I haven't had much luck in my searches. It doesn't necessarily have to be on the AT, but I figured it would be easiest to find a tent spot along.

[Slo-go'en]

Unfortunately, the LT is set up as a linear trail so loops aren't very easy to find. In and out the same way is more practical. Camels Hump or Mt Mansfield come to mine, but these are on the difficult end of "moderate" hikes. Tenting along the LT is highly restricted to a handful of designated areas and forbidden along much of the LT, with the exception the AT section in the National Forest area, but even there it's not practical for the most part due to terrain and dense forest.

Out side of the LT, there are quite a few short "destination" trails which lead to a peak, waterfall or pond, but not much in the way of a 2 day overnight hike. These are mostly based out of the various state parks.

You don't say when you want to do this, but keep in mind any trail on state or private land is currently closed for mud season until Memorial day.

[burger]

Glastonbury - West Ridge: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5313356.pdf

If you haven't done it before, the climb on the AT up Glastonbury isn't especially hard by New England AT standards, but if you're not in shape, or you're carrying a lot of weight, it might be a bit beyond moderate.

BTW, if you live in Worcester, you're right near the Tully Trail which is an easy-to-maybe-moderate 20 mile loop.

[cainerguy]

Unfortunately, the LT is set up as a linear trail so loops aren't very easy to find. In and out the same way is more practical. Camels Hump or Mt Mansfield come to mine, but these are on the difficult end of "moderate" hikes. Tenting along the LT is highly restricted to a handful of designated areas and forbidden along much of the LT, with the exception the AT section in the National Forest area, but even there it's not practical for the most part due to terrain and dense forest.



Out side of the LT, there are quite a few short "destination" trails which lead to a peak, waterfall or pond, but not much in the way of a 2 day overnight hike. These are mostly based out of the various state parks.

You don't say when you want to do this, but keep in mind any trail on state or private land is currently closed for mud season until Memorial day.

We planned on hiking June 23rd/24th, but thats flexible. I wasnt aware of the camping restrictions beyond the AT portion, thank you. I would say if its less difficult then the franconia ridge loop, then it should be fine.

[Slo-go'en]

A good overnight hike is to go to Taft Lodge from Smugglers notch. It's only 2.5 miles, so a late afternoon start is okay. It would be possible to drive up after work on Friday and still make the cabin before dark. It's a pretty straight shot up I91 for you.

No need for a tent, you must stay in the lodge (and give the caretaker a few bucks). The next day do the ridge walk and back, you can spend all day doing it. There are some interesting trails around the edges of the summit to explore in addition to the main corridor.