My dad and I are going to do a short section hike of about 30-40 miles during the first week of October. We're from Seattle, so we don't know the area at all. Can anyone recommend a section of the AT in the Green Mountains that would be really pretty? We want the best bang for our buck as far as scenery goes since we only have time to cover a relatively small amount of mileage. Thanks!!!
_Gator_Vermont Section Hike
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#1
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#2
I love the section from VT 11&30 (Manchester Center) to VT 103 (North Clarendon), which is about 32 miles. There are beautiful Lakes (Griffeth & Little Rock Pond), nice views from Baker Peak and White Rocks Lookout, and an awesome suspension bridge over Claredon Gorge. The lakes and Claredon Gorge are fun to swim in if its warm enough. If you have extra time you could extend the hike over Killington Peak down to US4 @ Sherburne Pass.
The section from Killington (US 4)to the New Hampshire border (46 miles) is fun, but lower elevation - more farmlands. If you like classic Vermont feeling farms with much better Fall foliage (more Maples down lower) then this might be the section to do. Highlights include The Lookout (one of the best cabins on the entire trail with views of the Whites & Greens - I was up there last night for the full moon) & some awesome farmstand markets - On the Edge & Cloudland Farm. Also Kent Pond is great @ Mountain Meadows Lodge - Bill the owner is super hiker friendly & he has a pot belly pig named ‘Alice’ which often wanders around the lawn (which the AT goes through).
If the weather is cold & you love Fall Foliage, I would recommend option #2. If its unseasonably warm - option #1 is fun with great swimming opportunities (although the water will be cold by then).
Happy Trails, freebird
_freebird_
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#3
I agree with Freebird about going North from Vt. 11&30 where there is a large paved parking lot on a well travelled road. Lots of great views as mentioned, also an observation tower on Bromley and another suspension bridge over Big Branch. Several road crossings, side trails West to Vt. Rt. 7, and a ski lift at Killington make it unnecessary to have a definite end point if you have a shuttle service's phone number, maybe if you use a Hostel or B&B in the area they could shuttle you to the start and pick up at the finish. Great hike, I plan to repeat it myself someday. Bring a 20 degree bag. Aesop the section hiker
_Aesop_