| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Mansfield (The Chin), VT |
|
 | Trails: |
Long Trail, Toll Road, Haselton Trail |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, August 5, 2019 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Large lot at Gondola area. Look for Long Trail Hiker's sign at lower right of the lot. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trailhead to Long Trail on Route 108 is a bit tricky to find - if you park at the first parking lot when pulling into the Gondola area (which has a Long Trail hiking sign), you can either walk up 108 to find the start of the Long Trail South on the left (less than a 1/4 mile) or you can cross the street to Barnes Camp and follow the boardwalk on the left (which is part of the Long Trail) until until it crosses 108. There is no trailhead sign but you'll see a white blaze right after crossing 108. Long Trail is well-blazed in white. Haselton Trail is blazed in blue. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Long Trail South from 108 to Taft Lodge is fairly steep but nothing technical and minimal water sources. Water is available at Taft Lodge. Above Taft Lodge could be tough for most dogs not experienced on more technical terrain. Once short section involves a "chimney". |
|
 | Bugs: |
None. |
|
 | Lost and Found: |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Couldn't have picked a better day! Blue skies, moderate temps, light refreshing breezes, and no bugs! 360 views from The Chin and along ridge are spectacular - could see Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks to the west, the White Mountains to the east (notably Moosilauke, Lafayette, and Washington), and Camel's Hump and Ellen to the south.
Did loop hike up Long Trail from 108 starting just past Gondola area, across the ridge to The Nose, and down the Toll Road to Haselton Trail about .5 miles down on the left.
Long Trail is persistently steep with some mixed in flat sections to catch your breath. Climb to Taft Lodge from 108 is about 2,000 feet in just under 2 miles. Long Trail from Taft Lodge to summit is quite steep with some scrambles and light-technical areas with hand-holds. Section includes a pretty cool "chimney" somewhat similar to the one between East Osceola and Osceola (it's a little shorter). Short hike (only 5-10 minutes) out to Adams Apple also offered great views. The Chin was quite busy today for a Monday, probably a mix of hikers and those who came up the Toll Road or Gondola from the Cliff House. Walk across ridge on Long Trail was really terrific and distracting with non-stop mesmerizing views in all directions. Hoped to hike up The Nose as well, but confirmed with a GMC rep at the Mt. Mansfield Visitor Center that hikers are no longer allowed access to the true summit (due to the radioactive towers on the summit??). Close-up views of the cliffs around the Nose were impressive.
Hiked down the Toll Road for about .5 mile until the junction of the Haselton Trail on the left. Haselton starts on ski trails, but quickly enters back into the woods and continues on more of a traditional hiking trail to the Gondola base. Haselton is well-blazed in blue the entire distance, either on rocks along the ski trails or on trees back in the woods.
Just a terrific day and a memorable one to complete #66 of 67! |
|
 | Name: |
Charlie |
|
 | E-Mail: |
skcharles at comcast dot net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-08-05 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
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. |
|
