A major rain event yesterday washed away almost all the snow we had in the Upper Valley. On the bright side, though, the storm brought clear skies and warmer temps this morning. Since it’s rare to see such nice weather in mid December, I seized the opportunity to get some more Long Trail miles! I left the condo at around 0745 and drove west on I-89 until I reached VT-100 and took it until I reached the intersection with VT-15. It took almost two hours of driving (and dodging shoppers in Stowe) to get to the trailhead (at Hog Back Road in Johnson) and I was raring to go as I headed (NOBO) into the woods (0945). I was wearing three layers and it made me feel pretty comfortable as I climbed up to Prospect Rock - this was despite the 30 degree temps and brisk wind. There were lots of trees down on the trail but I was able to scramble around them. I got some good views of the Lamoille River Valley as I went higher and really enjoyed the viewpoint spot at the top. I then continued north, descending into a dark valley full of ice and frozen snow, until I reached the parking lot for Prospect Rock Road. The trail followed the dirt/gravel track for a few hundred yards and then went back into the woods. At that point, I started my backtrack. Somehow, I made it back down to the road without slipping on the rocks and roots. Thought about putting on my micro-spikes but never did. I only saw two other people - a young couple who were trail running (their loud footfalls behind me made me think, for just a moment, that I’d encountered some moose). I crossed Hog Back Road, intending to walk to the parking lot at VT-15. This required crossing a rickety, vibrating suspension bridge over the Lamoille (yikes). I didn’t realize it initially but I was actually on an island when I reached solid ground again. After walking a little further, I found another (deep and fast) river arm beyond the bridge - unfortunately, there was no way to safely ford it. So, I backtracked to my car and drove around the obstacle, feeling glad that I wasn’t forced to walk the full “high water route” that was advertised… I parked at the lot on VT-15 and walked back to the same river crossing from the south side. Met a few people in this area (pair of women backpackers who had to turn around and a local man with three friendly dogs). I also got some pretty views of Whiteface Mountain (located to the south). After backtracking to my car, I decided to continue and check out the trail (and possible parking spots) on the other side of VT-15. This required a bit of “Frogger” maneuvering because there were LOTS of fast cars! The trail passed through a little cemetery and big farm field before reaching the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Mollie and I had previously walked on the eastern end in Saint Johnsbury - I had no idea it reached so far into Vermont! Walked on the rail trail until I got to West Settlement Road - since the Long Trail headed uphill there, I called it a day and backtracked to my car (arrived at around 1200). All told, I walked about five miles on one more hiking day that I never expected to get in 2021. On the way home, I got (free) hot chocolate at Dunkin Donuts in Morrisville (1250) and then stopped to check out the Green Mountain Club Visitor Center in Waterbury (closed). I backtracked on I-89 and arrived home at 1430. After such a nice day of hiking, I'm looking forward to returning to the area again soon! Long Trail Today = 2.3 miles / Grand Total LT = 119.2 miles
