Peak Foliage Stratton Mt. Hike

Peak foliage in southern VT usually happens right around Columbus Day weekend and mother nature did not disappoint.  Despite cloudy skies there were fiery reds, bright yellows and brilliant oranges as far as the eye could see. The Stratton Mountain loop proved to be one of the best fall hikes. Except for maybe a mile of moderate steepness close to the summit, the trail is pretty easy and everyone in our group did really well. The best views were from the fire tower on top of Stratton. There is another easier way to the summit, taking the gondola up the ski resort and then hike half a mile to the fire tower. It’s no surprise there were tons of people and we had to wait our turn to climb the tower. After a brief break and a snack we headed down to Stratton Pond. We had lunch while admiring the fall colors of the gentle hills surrounding the pond. The flat Stratton Pond trail took us back to the road and after a short walk we were back at the trail head where we had left 11 miles and 6.5 hours earlier.

Thanks to everyone for being such an amicable and good natured group of guys, the great conversations and staying together as a group throughout the hike. You made this event a wonderful and permanent memory.

Camping was optional, and all of us, except for Steve (PeacefulPines) who lives close by, camped at Molly Stark State Park Friday and Saturday night. Kirk headed home on Sunday and Greg, Rob, Stephen and myself also stayed Sunday night. Saturday evening we had a home cooked meal at Dot’s restaurant in Wilmington. Sunday morning we went to Dot’s again where Steve joined us and we all had a sumptuous breakfast (BTW, get there early to avoid long waits).

On Sunday, we decided to visit all the tourist traps. This turned out to be a good decision as bands of rain moved in. After breakfast we headed to the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum on top of Hogback mountain. The $5 entrance fee was well worth the money and the museum ended up being the highlight of the day. The exhibits of wildlife (some live exhibits of snakes and raptors) were exceptionally well done and informative. The caretaker took the time and effort to explain the history of the museum and its exhibits. He took the cutest owl out of its enclosure, putting him on his hand so we all got a closer look (of the owl and the caretaker :D).

After doing the gay thing of buying goodies and souvenirs at the gift shop we headed to Adams Farm in Wilmington. We didn’t stay all that long as there was not that much to do. Driving another 15 miles took us to Bennington where we first visited the Bennington Battle Monument. The rain had stopped and the observation platform of the monument offered panoramic views in all directions. The Bennington Museum was also a worthwhile place to visit. It’s an art museum specializing in artists from VT and surrounding areas. The main exhibit is a collection of paintings by Grandma Moses. Afterwards, we took a stroll through Bennington stopping at some shops before heading back to Molly Stark.

We finished another great day with conversations by the campfire and slept in our tents during a really chilly night. Monday morning, we cooked breakfast and packed up. It was a perfectly sunny day and we hiked the 1.8 mile loop up Mt. Olga, starting right from the camp ground. Mt. Olga also has a fire tower and we enjoyed the fall colors one last time, now in full sunshine. We said our good-byes and headed in different directions.

Stratton Mountain lies in the heart of the Green Mountains with a fire tower offering 360 panoramic views. The hike is long at about 11 miles, but the trail is not difficult with only moderate elevation gain (about 1700 feet). Fall colors should be close to their peak. From the trail head on Stratton-Arlington road, we’ll follow the AT/LT to the summit of Stratton Mt., then descend the AT/LT to Stratton Pond, a remote picturesque pond. The mostly flat Stratton Pond Trail will take us back to the Stratton-Arlington road and a 1 mile (gravel) road walk back to the parking area finishes the hike. Pack a lunch, snacks and water. Weather may be chilly in the morning to comfortably warm in the afternoon. Dress appropriately in layers.

Optional Camping: I have reserved a lean-to at Molly Stark State Park for the entire Columbus Day weekend (3 nights). If you like to camp for all or part of the weekend, let me know and I will help coordinate sharing of campsites. However, you are responsible for making your own reservation.