Another summit on the NE67 and finish of the Vermont 4000 footers.
An old arched tree over the trail on the lower section of Sherburne Trail from Rt 4Popping out of the hiking trail onto the ski trail, we catch our first of many views.Sneaking a pic of Kevin as we marched up the open ski trailDarting back into the woods, we reached the Pico Camp Cabin. It was small but adequate and had an nice view. The Pico Peak spur trail continues behind the campA nice view through the tall pines form the Pico Camp CabinThe Pico Link spur trail starts behind the Pico Camp CabinThe Pico Link trail crosses the ski trails a couple times on the way to the summitOne of the lift chairs left offer a brief restThe Pico Peak summit chair lift, seems out of place without the white snowKevin snapping a selfie with the rolling green hills behindPico Peak ski trail map near the summitThis Pico Peak summit was nondescript. This appeared to be the highest point in the area. A grass covered pile of rock behind the radio communication buildingFrom Pico Peak summit, looking to our future destination, Killington summitReturning down the Pico Link spur to the Pico Camp Cabin, we continue on the Sherburne Pass Trail south toward KillingtonArriving at the large junction where Sherburne Pass Trail meets Long Trail.The Long Trail overlaps the Appalachian Trail in these parts.The lush green ferns made for appealing trail bordersHobblebush in bloom and scattered among the fernsThe Long Trail junction with Bucklin Trail. Many reach Killington via the Bucklin Trail(out and back)Kevin studies the AT/LT sign markingsAt Cooper Lodge, there was obvious markers to keep skiiers back on the Killington ski property.The Cooper Lodge, I poked my head inside and a thruhiker was settling in. It was nice to meet ‘Dusty Pilgrim’ on his journeyJust beyond the Cooper Lodge, the Long Trail breaks right and the spur to Killington summit is leftShortly after splitting from the Long Trail, the Killington Spur trail ascends a steep rocky pitch for nearly the entire .2 milePopping out of the alpine trees, Kevin assesses his route up Killington SpurAs I pop above the trees, a glance back at where we were, Pico PeakMore communication buildings and tower crown Killington’s summit. Also present an old fire towerFrom the ledge summit of Killington, the view north are amazing.Breezy on the summit of Killington.Walk beyond the communication building to find a nice lookout on Killington summitLooking west from the lookout, the haze settles on the distant rangesKevin dropping down from Killington summit back into the green forestReturning on the spur trail from Killington summit, back to Cooper LodgeBack on the Long Trail / Appalachian TrailAge and weather took it’s toll on this tree along the trailWell camouflaged toad tried to escape the photo.More greens, these large leafed plants lined the trail through some areas. They added a different texture to the underbrushThe tall mature trees provided shade for the ferns below, along the Vermont Long Trail / Appalachian TrailSmaller white flowers work to earn their territory among the ferns and well worn trailAn open peek through the thick forest at the Mendon Lookout along the Long TrailDirections provided by this trail sign at the junction of a spur trail to Churchill Scott shelterSolid post and beam construction at the Churchill Scott shelter along the Long Trail / Appalachian Trail. We chatted briefly with trail maintainer wrapping up lunch break and on their way to clean water barsMossy falls of a brook making its way among the forest floor. A complete variety of greens line the Long TrailKevin takes a moment to absorb the expanse of the area. The mature hardwood trees, canopy so thick, deny much sunlight to the underbrush belowSmall flowers, mostly white but some lavender, vie for their turn to flourishKevin looks around at this section of uprooted fallen trees. The massive root balls scooped up boulders and suspend them among their roots.Ducking under the uprooted trees, Kevin tries to follow the trailThe white rectangular blaze, marking many miles of trail along the Vermont Long Trail and Appalachian TrailAppalachian Trail and Long Trail markers, not often seen around these areasThe last stream crossing before the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail parking lot on US Rte. 4 in Mendon, VTThe dreaded road walk. This was only 1 mile on Rt 4 between Sherburne Pass trail head and Appalachian Trail/Long Trail parking lot. Maybe this will convince Kevin road walks can be goodGPS Stats for this loop w/side trips and road walk between trail heads. A mighty fine day.
