This 224-foot Long Trail suspension bridge, built and maintained by the Green Mountain Club, is accessible from Duxbury Road on the south side of the Winooski River. The bridge is wheelchair accessible from the south side, on Duxbury Road, but there is no parking permitted here. Park about 1.0 mi east on Honey Hollow Road and carefully follow the road back to the bridge (1.0 mi). The bridge is wheelchair accessible and you can enjoy looking at the mountains from the footbridge and enjoying the river running below you. (Wheelchair users may wish to be dropped off at the entrance to the bridge).
Hike Feature: Pond or lake
-
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 right and follow the Long Trail South for 0.3 mi (1.8 mi.). The Long Trail then intersects with Clara Bow Trail, an optional side trail climbing over and under enormous boulders through the notch, with a ladder to aide in negotiating a vertical drop. You can also continue on the Long Trail for 0.4 mi. instead of Clara Bow, both routes reach Taylor Lodge (2.2 mi.).
Taylor Lodge features scenic views of a beaver pond and lovely streams. The lodge provides bunks for 6 to 12 people, along with comfortable bench tables outside. To return either take Clara Bow from the Lodge or Long Trail North (2.6 mi.) back to Nebraska Notch Trail then end at Stevensville Rd. (4.4 mi.).
-
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 prevailing winds. The trail gains 1,066’ just over one mile, making it a moderate trail, but a good day hike option in summer, fall, and winter (note additional road walk needed).
From the Sterling Pond parking lot, carefully cross Rt. 108 to get to the trailhead. The Sterling Pond Trail is on the right and begins with a steep ascent on stone steps. Follow blue blazes for 1.1 mile to the intersection with the Long Trail. Turn left, heading north on the Long Trail (blazed in white) and continue to Sterling Pond, an additional .01 of a mile (1.1 mi). To get to Sterling Pond Shelter continue straight on the Long Trail around Sterling Pond for 0.3 mi (1.4 mi). To return to Rt. 108 as an out-and-back take the Long Trail back to Sterling Pond Trail for a trip total of 2.8 mi.
For a loop option, continue past Sterling Pond shelter on the Long Trail to the intersection with Elephants Head Trail. This trail is 0.7 miles and follows the rocky shore of the pond. At the Elephants Head Trail and Long Trail intersection, turn right and follow Long Trail North for 0.3 mi. to the Sterling Pond Trail. At Sterling Pond Trail intersection take a left to return to the parking lot within another 1.1 mi. This loop is 3.5 mi. total.
Note this is a busy trail system, especially on weekends. Consider visiting outside of peak periods.
-
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 you came. (3.2 mi.)