NAKED HIKE TO THE SUMMIT OF BROMLEY MOUNTAIN VT REDUX

   Weather was warm, skies were sunny, perfect for our hike!  We had a total of 6 great guys that enjoyed the day hiking hiking a 5.2 mile section of the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail and  traversing Mount Bromley.  During our hike, we had dozens of positive encounters with other hikers to whom we wished a Happy Independence Day and everyone replied in kind.  Some stopped to chat a bit and inquire and learn more about our special hikes.  The view from the summit was spectacular and made for wonderful photo opportunities.  Back at the trailhead, we took the customary photo by the trail sign to memorialize the day.  Everone commented that they couldn't wait until the next hike!  

This hike was originally scheduled for Memorial Day but was cancelled due to rain.  We will meet at 9:30 am at the trailhead parking lot located on Rte 11 / 30.  Once everyone has gathered, we will carpool to the trail head parking lot on Mad Tom Notch Road.  The hike should start somewhere between 10:00am and 10:30am.  Distance is approximately 5.5 miles and has an elevation gain of approximately 1420 ft.  All Trails lists the hike as difficult, but I think it is more of a moderate hike.  We leave Mad Tom Notch Road and head south on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.  The trail ascends at a steady pace and reaches the north summit of Bromley Mountain where there is a vista overlooking the surrounding area (approx.. 2 miles).  The trail then descends a col after which it climbs again passing to the left of an old outhouse and then turns sharp right.  Continuing straight ahead along the west edge of a clearing, the trail reaches the south summit of Bromley Mountain (approx. 2.5 miles) where there is another scenic vista of the valley below.  We will stop here for a respite, have lunch, all while basking in the warm summer sun.  After lunch we will continue our hike and follow a ski trail for approx. .2 miles and then bear right and reenter the forest.  The trail continues to descend and reaches a spur (approx. 3.5 miles) that leads east 100 yds to Bromley Shelter.  Continuing past the spur, the trail follows an old logging road then turns right and reaches Bromley Brook (approx. 4.8 miles).  A bridge crosses the brook and the trail then descends gently passing under a power line and then crosses a brook over an I-beam bridge.  The trail continues and turns a sharp right after which it leaves the woods and then follows abandoned old Vt Rte 11 (approx. 5.4 miles).  In another .1 miles, the trail enters the trail head parking lot on Rte 11/ 30 where the hike ends.  We will rest for a bit in the parking lot socializing and recapping the day’s highlights.  For those interested, we can stop at a local restaurant for dinner and well-deserved libations before heading home