Best route for Breadloaf/Wilson

[Daniel Eagan]

We're looking for scenic, not slogging. Wondering whether to go from West (Emily Proctor or Skylight trails) or East (Clark Brook Trail).

We're staying near Middlebury, so trailhead distances not an issue.

Thank you in advance.

 

[MichaelJ]

The Skylight route takes you to Skylight Pond and the cabin, which are lovely, but most of the rest of the hike is in the woods, except when you continue down the end of the "Breadloaf summit spur" to the west overlook. There's also an east overlook shortly before where the LT turns from N to W to head out toward Breadloaf, but beware the bear den nearby (the dog indicated a bear was present when we did it). They are, all things considered, lovely woods.

 

[HockeyPuck]

I took the Skyline to the LT in November 2009 hiking Breadloaf and Wilson then back.. Conditions were wet and muddy with limited views but I found the Skyline trail interesting as the scenery changed through the hardwood forest, to birches to firs as elevation increased. The short side trip to Skylight pond is worth the minimal effort and will present the best views on the trip.

 

[jniehof]

The shortest mileage+elevation is definitely Emily Proctor. Note that the LT map has the trail wrong; it now crosses the New Haven river quite far down. Not a lot of scenery on that route and the final climb up the headwall is steep, but it is a lovely river valley. The crossings of the river might be tricky in low water; I haven't been there in summer. I haven't tried, but there's a loop possibility by continuing north past Wilson.

Skylight Pond is a really nifty side trip and if you continue a little further south on the LT there's another lookout. That approach definitely has more scenery and a bit more slog (particularly reclimbing Breadloaf.)

I ruled out the East approach early in my planning, probably because the west approaches were shorter.

 

[SteveHiker]

If you want scenic, unless trees are your idea of scenic, those really aren't the mountains for you. Go one gap down (Brandon Gap) and check out the cliffs on Mt Horrid if you want scenic.

 

[Amicus]

Since no one else who has hiked to Breadloaf and Wilson from the Clark Brook Tr. has spoken up, I'll mention that I did, three summers ago. I loved that Trail, much of which is in the Breadloaf Wilderness. It had the pristine freshness of a Trail that sees little use, but was easy to follow, with bridges over what would otherwise be some challenging crossings.

One big plus is that it hits the Long Trail north of Breadloaf and Wilson, which, as SteveHiker notes, are short on views. It is just a half-mile south, however, of Mt. Roosevelt (an NE3K), which offers terrific views from ledges just beyond the summit.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

If you want scenic, unless trees are your idea of scenic, those really aren't the mountains for you. Go one gap down (Brandon Gap) and check out the cliffs on Mt Horrid if you want scenic.

Thanks for the tip but a list is a list and you gotta do them scenic or not.

 

[funkyfreddy]

I'm interested in doing these 2 mountains soon as well. If anyone's interested in joining us please feel free to contact me! Thanks, Fred

 

[MarkJ]

The shortest mileage+elevation is definitely Emily Proctor. Note that the LT map has the trail wrong; it now crosses the New Haven river quite far down. Not a lot of scenery on that route and the final climb up the headwall is steep, but it is a lovely river valley. The crossings of the river might be tricky in low water; I haven't been there in summer. I haven't tried, but there's a loop possibility by continuing north past Wilson.

Skylight Pond is a really nifty side trip and if you continue a little further south on the LT there's another lookout. That approach definitely has more scenery and a bit more slog (particularly reclimbing Breadloaf.)

I ruled out the East approach early in my planning, probably because the west approaches were shorter.

Actually the approach from the east on forest rd 55 at a skidder rd near a bridge with a wack up to Wilson and the LT to Breadloaf and back to55 would 1/2 the distance of the Emily Proctor approach.I went up that way but chosse to go over to Roosevelt for some nice views and headed down the Clark Brook Tr back to my car.I'm not saying its the best way but it was a fun way to grab Bread/Wilson.Plus if you live east of the Greens you don't have to drive the Gap and up the Natural Turnpike.

 

[una_dogger]

Guess this means PaTN and Scar are "in the bag"?

Aside from the many righteous route recommendations, allow me to add some smaller yet important details:

There's a really good bagel place in Middlebury for pre hike egg sandwiches -- also, if based there, check out the Middlebury Co oP -- super local foods.

An afternoon stroll in Middlebury is a great way to round out the weekend, not sure of the name of it; but there's an old mill converted to galleries and boutiques offering Vermont made arts, crafts, and wares. Well worth the visit.

 

[MichaelJ]

There's a really good bagel place in Middlebury for pre hike egg sandwiches -- also, if based there, check out the Middlebury Co oP -- super local foods.

Middlebury Bagel, and it's right next door to the co-op. Be warned - the sandwiches are HUGE. I think they were 2-egg on enormous bagels ... we could barely finish 1/2 of ours for breakfast and saved the rest for on-mountain lunch. Superbly delicious.

 

[audrey]

Another vote for the east approach: lots of hardwoods, including birch glades with spectacular foliage if you are there at the right time. And very lightly traveled. We were there one Labor Day and met only 2 people until we got to the LT.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

Guess this means PaTN and Scar are "in the bag"?

Aside from the many righteous route recommendations, allow me to add some smaller yet important details:

There's a really good bagel place in Middlebury for pre hike egg sandwiches -- also, if based there, check out the Middlebury Co oP -- super local foods.

An afternoon stroll in Middlebury is a great way to round out the weekend, not sure of the name of it; but there's an old mill converted to galleries and boutiques offering Vermont made arts, crafts, and wares. Well worth the visit.

Hi Sabrina thanks for the tip. We've been to the old mill and it's nice. All of Middlebury is nice. I wish I were going back to college again.

What I'd like is a good post-hike burger/pub in or near Middlebury. Nothing too loud or fancy.

Yes to PatN, but we went Mohammed's way and it was so tough that we passed on Scar Ridge and did Sandwich the next day instead. So Scar is still lurking, but we are almost down to single digits.

When are you finishing?

Thanks to everyone for the trail advice.

 

[Daniel Eagan]

Bumping this for dinner advice in Middlebury area.