Mount Mansfield (Vermont)

[morrell12]

I hiked this mountain about 5 years ago and it was awesome. I remember taking a side excursion and bushwhacked our way to the summit. I can remember going off the trail exactly where I do not know but when we reached some rock cliffs....totally amazing.
We had to climb through crevices or walk ledges that if you slipped it was a couple hundred foot plunge to your death

This was an awesome hike I would love to do it again sometime if anyone is interested.

Thanks,

[Kevin]

Is this a winter or summer hike?

[morrell12]

Kevin,
I did this hike in the summer. I do not know much about the Green Mountains but I once heard that you can only hike these trails certain times of the year. Is this true?

Thanks,

[Kevin]

I do not believe that's true, but I think the roads are NOT well maintained up there, so getting to the trail head might be a bit of a problem. The ADKs have a lot of money coming in and out all year round, so they pay for extra snow removal and such, which is one reason I love going up there so much -- even in the worse weather I seem to be able to make it just about anywhere in my 4 door sedan.

[VTskier]

Not sure which trail you were on, but you can snowshoe/climb anywhere on the mountain, including bushwhacking. And contrary to popular belief, we do plow our roads, its just that flatlanders don't know how to drive in snow ;-)

[Kevin]

Originally posted by VTskier
Not sure which trail you were on, but you can snowshoe/climb anywhere on the mountain, including bushwhacking. And contrary to popular belief, we do plow our roads, its just that flatlanders don't know how to drive in snow ;-)

lol

I hope it's the case that things have evolved since the horse and biggy out there in the boonies.

Last time I winter travelled in Vermont it was on major roads and there wasn't much of an issue, but I know that isn't the case on late winter backroads. It's obvious that many back country hills are only scalable with chains and a 4x4 during winter. I know they would be a challenge for my passenger car.

[SherpaKroto]

There are certain trails that are officially closed in "mud" season, or early spring just after the snow is out, until roughly Memorial Day. Most other trails are accessible. The Long Trail is a short hike up from the Gondola Parking lot at Stowe Resort and is quite often packed out. Other trails get less from what I know.

[SherpaKroto]

Note: When I said "The Long Trail is a short hike up from the Gondola Parking lot " I meant the TRAILHEAD for the LT is a short hike up the road from the Gondola parking lot. Sorry for any confusion...