September 30th, 2022: Taylor Lodge to Sterling Pond (12.7 miles)
Today was the day!!! I was going to ascend Mt. Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont.
As per usual, I woke up pretty early and wow was it cold. I wrote before how I chose a later September/early October hike to maximize my chances at seeing peak Vermont fall colors, and it was starting to pay off. As I inched closer to Canada, all the colors of autumn were creeping up the mountains more and more each day. The trade off for this decision was colder nights. Last year on the Long Trail, it rarely dipped below the 50s at night, but this year so far it was routinely in the mid to low 40s and sometimes even dropping to the 30s. I had warm enough clothing and gear, but getting up to use the privy at night was not fun, and getting up at sunrise was worse, as it was quite brisk in the mornings.
It was 6 miles to the summit of Mansfield, and over, 2500 feet of elevation gain, but initially the trail from Taylor Lodge was fairly easy. The climb was steep at times, and there were ladders and rocks to scramble over, but with the weather warming up I had a spring in my step. I made it the Mansfield’s Forehead in approximately 3 hours.
From there, the trail was mostly on a ridge, until it turned on a gravel road passing some communication towers and a visitor center. With the weather being as nice as it was, the crowds of day hikers surrounded me as I continued to hike my way to Mansfield’s summit. It was the complete opposite of my climb up Camel’s Hump where I was alone.
I now understand why many people say Mansfield is the best part of the Long Trail. There were clear skies for miles and 360 degree panoramic views. From Lake Champlain in the west and to the White Mountains looming the east. It was absolutely incredible.
I navigated through the crowds, and finally reached the summit, Once there, I took a moment to take it all in. I just ascended the tallest mountain in Vermont, and I did so on maybe the nicest day. A celebratory lunch at the summit was in order. While I ate, I determined that my original goal of Taft Lodge was only another mile ahead. It was still early, and I still had a lot of energy, so I was going to push myself another 7 miles to Sterling Pond Shelter.
The LT immediately north over the summit was extremely steep and scary, I had to wedge myself in between rocks, and there many steep drops. If you are going SOBO over Mansfield…good luck. Somehow through all the treacherous moments going down Mansfield, I did not slip or fall once. Yet, once I got back to treeline which was much easier trail, I slipped and fell right on my ass. It always seems to happen that way. (Silver Lining: no one was there to see me).
I descended to VT-108 and Smuggler’s Notch, and got to walk over a nice boardwalk. At the visitor’s center I met a Green Mountain Club caretaker who offered to take all the trash I was packing-out and throw it away. Once again, the people of Vermont prove to be awesome.
Another steep climb up Madonna Peak later and I made it to my destination before the sun went down. The Sterling Pond caretaker brought me to the shelter, wrote me an IOU and went on her way. This shelter was definitely one of my favorites on trail. The lake was great place to get water, and stick your feet in after a long day.
When I was making dinner, Shane and Brian came in. It was good to see familiar faces. I have not met any other northbound hikers up to this point, and it was good to have the company.
Before passing out, we got a beautiful view of the pond with Mansfield in the background. It was another frigid night, but nothing a hot meal and warm sleeping bag couldn’t fix.
Previously: Taylor Lodge
Tomorrow: Trail Magic at Johnson Hardware