Hike Feature: Backpacking

  • Battell Trail to Battell Shelter

    Battell Trail to Battell Shelter

    From Elder Hill Rd. parking lot, climb steadily through a sugarbush for almost a mile. After crossing two small streams and an old woods road (1.0 mi.), and then another woods road (1.2 mi.), arrive at the LT (2.0 mi.) just south of Battell Shelter. Take a right onto Long Trail North for 0.1 mi until reaching Battell Shelter (2.1 mi). To return, take Battell Trail back down…


  • Nebraska Notch to Taylor Lodge

    Nebraska Notch to Taylor Lodge

    This is a good moderate day hike or beginner-friendly overnight trip. From Stevensville Rd. Trailhead register, take a right onto Nebraska Notch Trail and follow it for1.5 mi. Nebraska Notch Trail is a gradual climb through the woods and near streams to reach Nebraska Notch. Where Nebraska Notch and the Long Trail intersect, take a…


  • Sterling Pond

    Sterling Pond

    Sterling Pond Trail is short but steep two-mile round-trip hike on the eastern side of Smugglers’ Notch. The excursion can be turned into a half-day or all-day hike by adding connecting trails, including stretches of Vermont’s Long Trail. One of the Long Trail shelters, Sterling Pond Shelter, faces away from the water and its usual…


  • Lake Mansfield Trail to Taylor Lodge 

    Lake Mansfield Trail to Taylor Lodge 

    From the Trout Club parking lot, follow the trail alongside Lake Mansfield, nestled in the shadows of Mount Mansfield, and continue on Lake Mansfield Trail for 1.6 mi. to Taylor Lodge and a junction with the Long Trail. This route climbs up toward Nebraska Notch and offers great views of the Notch. Return the way…


  • Frost Trail and Butler Lodge Loop

    Frost Trail and Butler Lodge Loop

    This is a good moderate day hike or beginning overnight trip. A beautiful but difficult 4.8-mile loop can be made by connecting the Frost, Maple Ridge, Rock Garden, and Butler Lodge Trails. The loop provides a variety of terrain with many amazing views, exciting rock scrambles and caves, interesting birch forests, and of course, Butler…