This weekend is shaping up to offer weather hikers love: comfortable temperatures, no serious heat to battle, and dry conditions that make getting out on the trail ideal. Before we start throwing around words like easy, moderate, and hard, though, let’s get one thing straight: hiking is hiking. Even an “easy” hike requires physical effort, and rocks, roots, elevation, weather, and distance can turn a casual outing into a real adventure. Difficulty ratings are relative, not guarantees. Know what you’re getting into, give yourself plenty of time, and choose an adventure that fits your ability. We also offer guided hikes multiple times a week with experienced trekkers who can make the adventure even better.
With that said, here are a few ways to explore our corner of the Green Mountains this weekend.
Rum Runners’ Hideaway & Morse Mountain
No car required for this one. Head out from the Village toward Rum Runners’ Hideaway via Meadowlark, where a quick swim in the mountain reservoir is never a bad decision on a summer day. From there, continue your exploration of Morse Mountain toward the top of the Village Lift before making your way back down Garden Path. This is our most approachable option, perfect for getting outside for a couple of hours without committing to a major mountain expedition. But remember: “easy” is relative. You’re still walking through mountainous terrain, so bring water, wear good footwear, and be ready to put in some effort.
Sterling Pond
Don’t let the mileage fool you. Sterling Pond is one of the classic hikes in the Notch, climbing steeply from Route 108 to a beautiful mountain pond tucked high in the Green Mountains. It’s not an especially long hike, but you’ll earn every bit of it on the way up. Expect rocks, roots, plenty of climbing, and a trail that feels considerably more challenging than its relatively short distance might suggest. Take your time and enjoy the payoff when the woods suddenly open onto Sterling Pond.
Short hike? Yes. Easy hike? Not exactly.
Mount Mansfield via Hell Brook
Ready for the serious stuff? Hell Brook offers a steep, rugged and demanding route toward the summit of Mount Mansfield. This one is for experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained climbing, scrambling and challenging mountain terrain. Our pick is to climb Hell Brook and descend via the Long Trail, rather than attempting to come back down Hell Brook. This isn’t a casual afternoon stroll. Give yourself plenty of daylight, bring the right gear, check conditions before leaving, and be prepared to turn around if weather, trail conditions or your own energy level tell you it’s time.
Devil’s Gulch via the Long Trail
Want something completely different? Head north toward Eden and Belvidere for one of the strangest little adventures on this list. Devil’s Gulch doesn’t have the relentless elevation gain of Sterling Pond or Hell Brook, but what it lacks in climbing, it makes up for in character. The Long Trail leads into a narrow ravine filled with enormous boulders, cliffs, ledges, tunnels and unusual rock formations. Inside the gulch, the forest seems to change with it. Moss, ferns, stone and deep shade give the whole place an ancient, almost otherworldly atmosphere. There’s a definite Lord of the Rings quality to wandering through it. If you suddenly feel like your hiking snacks should be called lembas bread, you’re probably in the right place. Don’t mistake relatively modest elevation gain for an effortless hike, though. The Devil’s Gulch loop is roughly 4.8 miles, and traveling through the gulch itself requires navigating and scrambling among large rocks. It’s weird. It’s beautiful. It’s memorable. And it’s a great choice if you’ve already climbed some of the better-known mountains around the Notch and want to discover something new.
Before You Hit the Trail
Whichever adventure you choose, take it seriously and go prepared.
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather before you leave. Mountain weather can change quickly, even on sunny days.
- Wear proper footwear. Sneakers are fine for some easier walks, but hiking shoes or boots provide much better traction on rocks and roots.
- Bring water. Plan on at least one liter per person for shorter hikes, and more for longer adventures.
- Pack a few snacks. Trail mix, granola bars or fruit are great for keeping your energy up.
- Dress in layers. Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm, and summits surprisingly breezy.
- Carry the essentials: a charged phone, small first-aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, map or trail app, and bug spray.
- Stay on marked trails. Shortcuts damage vegetation and make it easier to get lost.
- Know your limits. Choose a hike that matches your fitness and experience level, and allow extra time for breaks.
- Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms and darkness have a habit of arriving faster than expected.
- Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in and help keep Vermont’s trails beautiful.
- If something doesn’t feel right, turn around. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.
The goal isn’t simply to reach the top, the pond, or the gulch. It’s to have a great adventure and make it back with a story worth telling.
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