Killington to Hanover, NH

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#1

Hello,
I want to hike from The Inn @ the Long Trail (Killington) to Hanover, NH. Has anybody does this section before? I would like to know the mileage and type of hiking involved. Is there any place to camp in between?

Darrell

#2

It’s about 42-43 miles, or so. I think. I did it in 2 days on my thru-hike. There are shelters and campsites along the way.

Enjoy.

JH

#3

This is a lovely section yet may be a little difficult right out of the gate. You will be heading accross the mountains so there are quite a few up and downs. There are a couple of good places to catch a meal along the way @ South Ponfret Road (1 mile off trail) and in New Hartford (on trail) so you might not have to carry too much food. JH was probably in great hiking shape the time he hiked this section. If you are not acclimated to long days just yet if might take up to 4 days to comfortably travell this section. HAVE FUN:cheers

Steatlthblew

#4

Killington (U.S. 4) to Hanover: 46.1 miles
U.S. 4 to Tucker Johnson Shelter (0.4 miles W) 1 mile
Tucker Johnson to Stony Brook Shelter: 9 miles
Stony Brook to Winturri Shelter: 9.9 miles
Winturri to Thistle Hill Shelter: 11.6 miles
Thistle Hill to Happy Hill Shelter: 8.8 miles
Happy Hill to VT/NH stateline: 5.3 miles
Stateline to Hanover Center: 0.5 miles

Although there are no big mountains in this section it still provides challenging hiking as it climbs and descends frequently over many minor ridges between central Vermont and the Connecticut River.

Celt

#5

Hey Darrell,

I currently live near the Trail in this section (Woodstock, VT) and have hiked the section between the Inn and Hanover 4 times.

Here is some additional info that is not listed above:

*One of the highlights of the section is “The Lookout” - a privately owned cabin that the owner allows hikers to use. There’s a ladder to the roof with a platform on top that has views of the entire Green Mountains and the Whites of N.H. - one of the best views on the entire A.T. As there is no water at the cabin itself, plan on carrying some from the last source if you want to stay there. Its located 6.5 miles “south” (the Trail is almost due East/West through here - so its really west of VT12) of VT12.

*Food options are plentiful through here. Here they are heading northbound:

(1) Inn @ Long Trail - one of the best breakfasts on the trail… and great food served most of the day.

(2) Kent Pond - There is an Inn on the Pond (where the dock is) where you can order a “brown bag” hiker lunch - its huge and gourmet - well worth the price.

(3) VT 12 .2 left at road crossing, “On the Edge Farm” - nice roadside farm stand with ice cream, home baked treats, fruit, beef jerky and friendly owners…

(4)Woodstock Stage Road (next paved road) or later at Pomfret Road (next paved road after Stage Rd - after crossing 2 gravel roads - Totman Hill & Bartlett Brook roads)about mile to Right to Teago General Store: awesome sandwitches, ice cream, drinks, etc. Easy Hitch normally. My favorite General Store on the entire A.T.

(5) Cloudland Rd. (next paved road after Pomfret Rd.) .2 mile left to Cloudland Farm - great little farm store with Strafford Creamery ice cream (possibly the best ice cream in the U.S.), sodas, home made beef jerky, etc. Bill and Cathy Emmons own the store & the 1000 acre Cloudland farm that the A.T. passes through here - they are wonderful people & very hiker friendly…

(6) West Hartford: General store right on A.T. - great hot food with LARGE portions & very hiker friendly…

(7) Hanover - tons of great restaurants.

SO… as mentioned above, you really don’t have to carry much food through here & as mentioned above, even though the elevations are not so high, there is quite a bit of short ups and downs… A very enjoyable hike with lots to see and good people to meet. If I were you, I would take my time and enjoy it!

Happy Trails!

freebird

#6

Yeah, I was in great shape when I hiked that section in 2 days. If I was section hiking it off the sofa, I’d probably do it in 3.5 days.

JH

#7

Darrell,

I will be doing this section the first week in August when are you planning to go? I think we will be seeing some thru-hikers at that time so it should be a lot of fun.

Big B