Little Rock Pond Loop Hike

On Saturday, October 5th, six of us met up in Danby to do the loop hike over Green Mountain and around Little Rock Pond.  The hike was scheduled for 9:30AM, but Jim was running late and so we waited for him to arrive.  A little before 10AM we were all there (Howie, Jim, Mike, Michael, Tom and myself).  It was overcast with temperatures in the mid-60s, but the forecast suggested that it would break up and become partly sunny.

From the parking lot the Green Mountain Connector Trail was just a short distance down the road from the AT/LT crossing.  The first couple miles on the trail were a a gentle grade and the group took only a few breaks to keep us together.  Along the way there was one break in the trees, where there were partial views to the west, but it was cloudy...otherwise this part of the trip was a pleasant walk through very open woods.  After this the trail became slightly steeper as it ascended towards the ledges near the top of Green Mountain.  We made it to the first of these ledges at about noon...this was a thin ledge with nice views over the White Rocks Wilderness to the east.  It was about lunchtime, but we decided to press on a little further...and it was a good thing we did.  In about 20 more minutes we reached a nicer and larger ledge with views over the pond.  We took a much deserved break and enjoyed our lunches here.

After lunch we found a couple of more open ledges along the path before the trail started its descent down to the shores of the pond...steep and rocky in a few places.  At 1:40 we reached the loop trail around the pond and we decided to the head down the western shore first.  This side of the pond provided numerous nice views near the water and along some open ledges/rock.  The loop around the pond was fairly busy with casual day hikers...where we hadn't seen but one lone hiker on the mountain trail.  We reached the junction with the AT/LT near the southeastern edge of the pond and before heading back we decided to explore the eastern shore as well.  It was about 2:30.  Heading northward we quickly reached tentsites and a lean-to, where we chatted with the caretaker for a bit.  From here the trail hugged the shoreline with many openings for great views of the opposite shore.  We continued up the the little log bridge at the northern end and after a break turned around and headed back...this time following the AT/LT all the way back to the parking lot.  This part of the trail was fairly level and paralleled a nice brook most of the way back.  We were once again back to our cars at 3:50PM.

After getting settled again, we decided as a group to head south to Manchester and have a light meal and drinks at a Mexican restaurant (Gringo Jack's) in the town center.  It was a the perfect end to a great day out.

Thanks, Howie, Jim, Mike, Michael and Tom for making it a fantastic outting!  Welcome aboard to Mike, as this was his first GO trip...it was great meeting you.  See you all on the trails again soon!

Join me for this picturesque loop hike visiting the ledges of Green Mountain and the shores of Little Rock Pond...one of the more beautiful and popular high elevation ponds in Vermont.  We'll take the Green Mountain Trail, which traverses a ridgeline with several spur trails that lead to excellent views of the surrounding mountains and Little Rock Pond.  At the end of the ridge the trail descends to the shores of Little Rock Pond, where a trail encircles the pond.  Afterwards we'll take the AT/LT back to the trailhead. 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  7.1-7.5 miles with approximately 1700 feet of accumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  5-6 hours or more depending on breaks and lunch. 

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants or shorts, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, extra layer(s) (as needed) and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.  

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4:00PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we can grab a light dinner/drinks in Danby.