| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Mansfield - The Forehead, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Frost Trail, Maple Ridge Trail, Long Trail, Wallace Cutoff Trail, Butler Lodge Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
There were not many cars in the lot when arrived at about 12:15. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
No significant crossings. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The ladders on the LT between Forehead and Butler Lodge need some work. The lower one is very awkwardly placed for southbound hikers and scrambling onto the ladder from the rocks above is quite dangerous. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
This hike is NOT suitable for dogs, particularly the vertical rock faces on the Long Trail where ladders are provided. |
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 | Bugs: |
Almost none at all today. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
This is one of the most difficult loop hikes that I know of in Vermont. The climb along the Frost and Maple Ridge trails was arduous and technically challenging, with several rock scrambles. The excellent views along the way made it worthwhile, but make no mistake: this one is not for novice hikers. Coming down the south side of Forehead on the Long Trail there are two near-vertical rock faces spanned by ladders, one of which is difficult to reach from the upper end and requires a scramble out onto the rock face. There is another spot where you have to maneuver through a narrow gap under a low overhanging wall of rock. Making today's hike especially hard was the wetness of the rock from last night's rain. Even where the rocks were exposed to the sun, there was a lot of moisture, making the rock scrambles downright dangerous. There was also a lot of mud and standing water along both Maple Ridge and the Long Trail. In my opinion, this hike should really not be attempted except after at least a couple of dry days. Live and learn!
A shout out to hikers Wanderer and Gal, whom I met on the Maple Ridge Trail. |
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 | Name: |
Liz |
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 | E-Mail: |
azuregrrrl@yahoo.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2017-08-23 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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