Recommendations for snowshoe/backpack (1 nighter) near Burlington VT

[HapyHkngSmile]

Hello there,

I am trying to plan a trip as I am headed to Burlington, VT at the end of the month and do not want to leave empty handed. Anyone have any tips on a 2 day 1 night backpack, snowshoe venture up there?

What are my options on camel's Hump?

Thanks!

 

[Chip]

I'm no VT expert, but how about Abraham & Ellen ? Lots of good info here on member Mohamed Ellozy's site, including a link to Camels Hump.

 

[blacknblue]

Are you looking to stay in a shelter? or just tenting?

There is Montclair Glen Lodge at Wind Gap, a mile or so south of Camels Hump on the LT. I don't care for the lodge myself. There is also a tentside on the east side of the mountain, but really, there are quite a few places to throw down a tent in the wintertime. There is also Bamforth Ridge Shelter on the north side of Camels Hump, but I've never been there.

Out of Smuggler's Notch, you could go up to Sterling Pond. On Mansfield, there are lodges at both the north (Taft) and south (Butler) ends of the mountains, but I don't know if they are locked up in wintertime.

 

[Jay H]

Abe/Ellen, Camel's Hump, Mansfield are all on the Long Trail, you can always pick up the latest Long Trail guide to look at hiking options too.

As far as Mansfield, I remember the shelter we passed after coming down from the Chin (the summit), you had to have reservations there and there is no camping outside as we passed a bunch of sad-faced backpackers who didn't know that and had to hike further to get to a camp.

Jay

 

[HapyHkngSmile]

I think that I am leaning more toward Camel's Hump and the Waterbury side - instead of headed over in the opposite direction towards Mansfield.

I was also doing some reading and research on Bolton Valley - anybody familiar with that area?

 

[bcskier]

Beaver Meadow Lodge

On Mansfield, there are lodges at both the north (Taft) and south (Butler) ends of the mountains, but I don't know if they are locked up in wintertime.

I don't think the GMC ever locks any of its shelters. If you'd like an enclosed shelter with a stove, one of the last remaining in any GMC shelter, you might consider Beaver Meadow Lodge which is up in the valley on the south side of Madonna Mt. 1,500 below the elevation of the Long Trail. It's a fairly gradual 2.3 mile climb from the parking area.

 

[DaveSunRa]

I hiked by Montclair Glen Lodge last weekend. It's open. However, bring a shovel to clear out the door area. It's not lock, I think it's a first come setup. But give the GMC a call to verify. The long trail South from there was not broken out, lots of deep snow on the Camel.

Saw a fair amount of Telemark and snowboard skiers ripping on the mountain. I was on snowshoes along with my daughter. There are some beaver ponds near the Lodge, looked like a sweet spot for a tent.

BTW, parking could be tight on the Waterbury trail head due to the amount of skiers. Get there early.

Dave