Hiking the Long Trail across the ridge of Mt. Mansfield toward the Summit!
Here is what you need to know about hiking Mt. Mansfield:
1) It is the tallest mountain in Vermont, coming in at a 4,395 feet
2) There is a toll road ($24) you can drive up in the summer, that doubles as a ski slope in the winter
3) You can hike to the summit from the bottom, OR you can hike along the ridge toward the summit after driving up the mountain
4) Most importantly -- Dogs are Allowed!
I chose the simpler, possibly more fun, method. I paid the fee and drove up the mountain. It is a quick 20 minute trip to the top! No 4WD needed. I was worried about my little 4 cylinder SUV with high miles, but old Ruby Red made it just fine! And even earned a bumper sticker proving she made the trip! Once at the top, there is your starting point to hop along The Long Trail from what is known as the nose to the chin (summit). The hike is 1.4 mile to reach the summit. The entire trail has open 360 degree views. It is incredible! At times, it is rocky (nothing where I had to boost up Rusty this time), but mostly it is an easy trip with proper shoes. Even though you start basically at the top, there is still quite the incline to complete that is still exhausting. Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks! Which reminds me...here is a DON'T from a dog mom:
Don't pass my dog on the trail and proceed to gush over how cute he is and then say "but he looks thirsty..."
Sure, I bet you mean well. But that is insulting. I am the LAST person to think of myself before my dog. Like I legit forgot to pack my own water one time, but remembered Rusty's. This trail in particular is very busy on the weekends since it is short and relatively easy to summit for all ages. I passed sooo many people that like to stop and gush about Rusty, pet him, and root him on for completing a hike. I love when that happens. But this time, people would do the same, but then comment on how tired he looked, how thirsty he seemed, and one even offered to pour their water bottle into his mouth (of which Rusty had no clue how to drink like that). I have never experienced this before from fellow hikers. Maybe because this one was more populated? Maybe because the other dogs we passed don't have their tongues hanging to the ground? I don't know. But if you know Rusty...you know he is ALWAYS panting. Like even in the house with the AC on. So if I take him outside (which I always pay attention to sun and heat for his sake), his tongue is going to immediately be hanging out of his mouth. AND HE HAS WATER. I stop more on trails for Rusty's sake for a break and water, but most times he just keeps pulling along not wanting to stop! So please, if you have ever wondered about another dog's well being on a trail, I'm almost certain that if they are obsessed enough with their dog to hike with them, that they are probably aware of their dog's needs. Rant over.
Besides the water issue, the hike was amazing. I still can't believe the views that existed up there. The trail itself is promoting re-vegetation along the path so they have the trail roped off (more like a string) to show where you can and cannot walk. It is nice for outlining the trail so you don't get lost. But let me tell you, at times, it was very narrow. Like not physically narrow, but the path marked off was narrow! And Rusty can't follow rules...so there may have been numerous times where he crossed the line (literally) and got his little feets tangled up briefly. So that was annoying. BUT all things considered, this hike was definitely worth it.
With each additional adventure here in New England, I'm definitely obsessed with the scenery. Places like Vermont are very much under appreciated. I hope everyone has the opportunity to see all the beauties the US has to offer.
Shawna + Rusty
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