Kyler
07-23-2011, 02:05 PM
On Tuesday morning, I drove to Underhill State Park and climbed the Sunset Ridge Trail. I had seen the trail described as "this route is considered one of the finest hikes in Vermont -- many would say the finest", and it didn't disappoint. The last mile or so is above treeline on open rock with views of Mansfield and to the West. Unfortunately, the sky was hazy, so there wasn't much of a view to the West. As I went up the trail, I was staring at the West Chin area, and the closer I got, the more I wanted to climb it, but when I got close there was a sign saying that it is a natural area and closed. Respecting the vegetation, I stayed on the trail.
When I got the summit views were very limited. I could see down the ridge, but almost nothing to the East or West. I talked to the steward for a few minutes and then explored the ridge. As I neared the parking area, I passed a lot of people who had driven up and were hiking over to the summit. I continued on to the forehead and then descended via the Halfway House Trail.
Even with the worst views of the three mountains that I hiked, Mansfield was the most exciting with above treeline hike on the way up and the long ridge-line to explore. I'm not sure when I'll go back to Vermont, but I hope to have better views for my return trip.
When I got the summit views were very limited. I could see down the ridge, but almost nothing to the East or West. I talked to the steward for a few minutes and then explored the ridge. As I neared the parking area, I passed a lot of people who had driven up and were hiking over to the summit. I continued on to the forehead and then descended via the Halfway House Trail.
Even with the worst views of the three mountains that I hiked, Mansfield was the most exciting with above treeline hike on the way up and the long ridge-line to explore. I'm not sure when I'll go back to Vermont, but I hope to have better views for my return trip.