I’m doing a SOBO thru starting on Sept. 15, 2007. The first week I’ll be with a friend and she wants to have her last night at Taft Lodge. I would like to spend the next night at Smugglers Notch SP for a shower and resupply from the person picking up my friend. The question I have is; What is the easiest way to get down and up Mt. Mansfield? Is there a chair lift or road near the top that I can hitch from that don’t require much backtracking.
Captain K-man
There is a gondola on the Stowe side of Mansfield that should be running. There is also a toll road (or at least there has been in the past) that can be driven up.
Ali
If you leave Taft Lodge and go to the Chin (summit of Mt. Mansfield), after spending the night there, there is a trail below the summit called the Cliff Trail. It is about 1/2 mile south on the LT and leaves to the left as you are going south. This trail takes you directly to the gondola station.
Or, you could retrace your steps and hike down from Taft on the LT north back to the notch road. From the road, it is not too far to the Smuggler’s Notch SP. You might even get a ride if you hitched. Lots of tourists travel this road, so I am not sure how many might consider picking up a hiker but someone probably would.
WoodBadge
Thank you Ali & WoodBadge. I’m going to try for the gondola and use the toll road as a backup.
Thanks again,
Captain K-man
Captain K-man