Breadloaf and Wilson in winter?

[Mohamed Ellozy]

We are planning to do Breadloaf and Wilson next Sunday. Both Emily Procter and Skyline Pond trails seem possible. Since we are coming from the Rutland area Skyline Pond Trail involves less driving, also marginally less hiking. But since I am unfamiliar with the area I would like advice!

How much useage do these trails tend to receive?

Thanks!!

 

[Pig Pen]

Distance-wise they are probably about the same, 10 miles or so. Emily Proctor puts you in the col between the two. Skylight Pond would force you to climb back over Breadloaf on the way back.

Emily Proctor crosses the New Haven River which can be interesting during high water. There are no signifigant crossings on the Skylight Pond route.

I did the Emily Proctor route in late December and the trail was sort of broken out to EP shelter but the long trail was untouched between Wilson and Breadloaf and beyond.

 

[mhrsebago]

When we attempted the Emily Proctor TR on MLK day, we turned back at the New Haven River, which was wide, deep and fast. There were several fallen trees spanning the river just downstream from the trail, but they were snowy/icy and we judged that a slip into the water was too possible. (Luckily we had a great day on Mansfield that afternoon)

 

[RoySwkr]

which Sunday is that?

I've done B-W from the Skylight Pond direction, we drove to trailhead but that may not be possible depending on plowing for logging operations.

At one time the standard winter route was the Clark Trail (with extra road walk), but I've only done it in summer.

 

[Mohamed Ellozy]

Arm,

With a bit of luck we will follow your tracks on both hikes this coming weekend, though I suspect that we will go up Mendon by the "usual" logging road. Almost feels like cheating, but you take the lucky breaks when they come your way

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

I cannnot remember the trail names from a few winters back, but you also could hike Wilson and Breadloaf from the northeast and grab Roosevelt (another Presi) on the way (and get Wilson twice). I do not remember this trip being overly arduous, even with more snow than we have seen this winter.

 

[dms]

Dr. D. the trail from the northeast is the Clark Brook Trail. I've used that trail in the winter as well, and I agree that it is a moderate hike.