Stick Season, the period of time after the fall foliage has fallen and the trees stand bare before winter’s snows, is sometimes overlooked for its lack of bright leaves or classic winter beauty. But this mini “season” is an underrated time of year to enjoy the trails. For some members of GMC staff, it is their favorite time to hike. The trails are quieter without summer crowds and peak fall tourists, and with the leaves gone you can catch views through the trees that are often obscured earlier in the year. Hikers also don’t yet have to contend with the extra challenges of winter hiking through ice and snow.
While each of the recommended hikes below are lovely at any time of the year, in stick season they really have the chance to shine! For finding other stick season favorite hikes, we recommend seeking out mid-elevation trails (think low ridges) with deciduous tree cover.
- West Ridge Trail, Bennington
- Ice Beds Trail, Wallingford
- Green Mountain Trail, Danby
- Camel’s Hump View, Duxbury
- Burrows Trail, Huntington
- Stimson Ridge, Bolton
** Seasonal Reminders: Hunting is permitted on all GMC-owned and managed lands. Hike safely during hunting season and wear visible blaze orange clothing. It’s also important to remember that even with comfortably cool temperatures at lower elevations this time of year, be prepared to encounter snow and harsher weather conditions as you hike higher in elevation. Carry extra layers, traction footwear, and a headlamp, even if you don’t expect to need them.
West Ridge Trail, Bennington
» Mileage and elevation gain variable
The West Ridge Trail runs 6.8 miles between Bald Mountain and where the trail meets up with the LT/AT on Glastenbury Mountain. In stick season, the ridge may offer views of both mountains and the surround Glastenbury Wilderness area from between the trees.
To access the West Ridge, follow the Bald Mountain Trail 4 miles from Bennington or the Bear Wallow Trail 2 miles from Woodford until reaching the trail’s junction with the West Ridge Trail. Another 7.8 miles on the West Ridge will bring you to the summit of Glastonbury Mountain. Hikers should be aware that the only exits from the West Ridge Trail are at either mountain.
Ice Beds Trail, Wallingford
» 1.4 mi roundtrip, approx. 300 ft elevation gain
From this trail, hikers can view the White Rocks Cliffs, a geological feature of Cheshire quartzite exposed over 12,000 years ago in the last ice age. Following the blue-blazed trail from where it begins at the White Rocks Picnic Area, the trail leads up and over a knoll opposite the cliffs, providing great views of the rock features, before descending to the “ice beds” the trail is name for at the bottom of a rock slide.
Green Mountain Trail, Danby
» 6.7 mi round trip, approx. 1,009 ft elevation gain
These directions follow the loop clockwise, but the hike can be enjoyed in either direction. Beginning from the main Long Trail parking lot on Brooklyn Road in Danby, the Green Mountain Trail starts across the road from the lot and a little west of the Long Trail crossing. Follow the blue-blazed trail along an old woods road past the turn for Big Branch Picnic Area. The trail continues to climb gradually past several viewpoints until finally reaches the summit of Green Mountain. Descend until the junction with the Little Rock Pond Loop Trail. Turn left, cross the low bridge at the north end of Little Rock Pond, and immediately come to a T intersection with the white-blazed Long Trail/Appalachian Trail.
Turn right/south on the LT and follow it along the shore of the pond. Pass the turn for Little Rock Pond Shelter and continue on the LT south for 2.2 mi back to the parking area.
For an extra challenge, or if USFS 10 is closed for the season, access this loop from the Homer Stone Brook Trail in South Wallingford. This 2.3-mile trail climbs very gradually to Little Rock Pond, intersecting the loop near the bridge at the north shore of the pond. This route is 11.3 miles with approx 1,800 ft elevation gain.
Camel’s Hump View, Duxbury
» .75 mi round trip, approx. 130 ft elevation gain
This lollipop-style loop trail features multiple views of Camel’s Hump, which are especially good as the leaves begin to fall in autumn. The trail also features several benches, which offer nice rest spots.
From the sign at the parking lot, head out on the main path. Soon you will come to a split where you can go clockwise or counterclockwise on the trail. Whichever direction you choose, be sure to stay on the wide, blue-blazed Camel’s Hump View Trail, as there is a cross-country ski trail which crosses it at one point.
NOTE: This is a “universally accessible trail.” However, the trail surface is dirt and gravel, and may not be passable by wheelchairs designed for smooth surfaces, especially once fallen leaves are on the path.
Burrows Trail, Huntington
» 4.8 mi round trip, approx. 2,461 ft elevation gain
The Burrows Trail offers the easiest access to the summit of Camel’s Hump and its spectacular view of the Champlain Valley, the Adirondacks, and the major peaks of the Green Mountains. The trail climbs steadily until the last particularly steep 0.5 miles until the Hut Clearing just below the summit, before following the Long Trail for the last stretch to the top. The hut clearing is a sheltered spot that is a great place to put on additional layers for the climb above tree line to the summit.
In stick season, within the first hundred feet hikers can view the summit of Camel’s Hump from the trail.
Stimson Ridge, Bolton
» 8.6 mi round trip, approx. 1,600 ft elevation gain
Long Trail parking on Route 2 in Bolton, run and hike up the switchbacks of the Long Trail relocation along Stimson Ridge to its intersection with the Duck Brook Trail (the “Old LT”). Continuing on the Long Trail takes you toward Buchanan Shelter. Without leaf cover on the trees, hikers should be able to have clearer views of the Winooski River Valley and nearby ridges.
