mansfield from ski side

[ctsparrow]

Hi All, gonna be targetting mansfield for sunday of upcoming wkend. I have done it from underhill side and yes sunset ridge is the best, but my son is requesting to do it from ski side...saves me drive time so what the heck! I'm still trying to locate my VT books,maps..i do know of the LT steep approach,however are there reccommendations for a potential loop hike from the east side? Thanks in advance, once route is decided anyone who wants to join in is more than welcome. We are driving from the Lebanon NH area.
ctsparrow

 

[David Metsky]

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150938/mount-mansfield.html

The classic loop goes up by the Long Trail from Smuggler's Notch (on VT 108, east of the mountain), past Taft Lodge, to the col (Eagle Pass) between the Chin and the Nose. There is a section with steep ledges between the Chin and Eagle Pass, I prefer to go up it than down! Follow the ridge for about 2 miles to the Summit Station at the base of the Nose. Descend a short distance on the Toll Road, then take the Haselton Trail to the base of the mountain on VT 108, about a mile south of where you started. This loop is about 6.5 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Note that the entire ridge is very exposed to the elements.

I've done that loop and that's what I'd recommend. But I also recommend a side trip to the Adams Apple.

 

[ctsparrow]

Thanks Dave, i was just looking at hikesbikesski... post of this loop. my first searches under mansfield gave me alot of unusable info, however, searching under stowe brought me to more applicable posts. If i can't find my maps of this area, does the visitors center up top have maps to help with the second half of the loop downhill? How are the conditions on the ski trail/hike trails down..ie mowed grass to follow or find a blaze entering the woods and good luck type of trails?
Thanks, sue

 

[ctsparrow]

Another question, looks like the visitors center at top of auto road will be open, i would assume we could refill water here?
ctsparrow

 

[askus3]

Another Mansfield Loop option from Smugglers Notch

You want an exciting but very strenuous circular which is truly a gem. Take the Long Trail from Smugglers Notch to beyond the Visitors Center. Stop en route taking the Adams Apple Loop. Also, visit the Cave of the Winds. Then return along the parallel spur trails on the west side. First Lakeside, then Canyon, Canyon North and then Canyon North Extension, and wrapping up with The Subway! Note the Subway on the southern portion of the loop is the better and more fun way to go up. By this time you will have had enough exhillaration and challenges to shout a few profanities, so take the Profanity Trail back to Taft Lodge and down. Yes the stretch from Taft Lodge to 108 is repeat but at this point you wouldn't care. This is a loop (more like a figure-8) I highly recommend as it is challenging and quite breathtaking and lots of fun. Hasselton is OK if damp and dismal but nowhere near as exciting. My group had a lot of fun with this. If you want my time schedule for my group and trip report - pass along your e-mail. Mine is [email protected].

NOTE: Being it is still May, you might run into considerable ice making the Lakeside, Canyon and Subway a bit on the dangerous side, so check with authorities at the Visitor Center so you could keep your options open for the return with the Hasselton.

By the way: My hike route is 10 miles & involved 4,000 feet of elevation gain!

 

[rup]

We decended the Haselton trail last year. What a pain. Very rocky, and it must have crossed every brook running down from Mansfield. There was a lot of vegetation, so most was like walking thru bush country. One interesting part, however, was near the bottom. The trail followed a narrow (6' wide?) ridge, looked more like a dam, that ran for ~100 yards stood a good 50' above the 'valley' floor on either side. It too was bushy.