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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts off following a road which turns into a CCC road. You will pass the trailhead for the Sunset Ridge Trail on the way, eventually reaching the Maple Ridge Trail. This is a great trail with lots of challenges, steep rock faces and a crevas. There are many open views and lots of rocks to climb over. In the fall you can eat bluberries along the way. Once to the forehead on the southern end of Mt. Manfield we will head north to the Chin. It is the highest elevation at 4383 ft. The hike across the peak is mostly above treeline. Along the way you will pass the Sunset Ridge Trail again. From the Chin backtrack back to the Sunset Ridge trail. This is the perfect descent in the evening because you are above the treeline for a long distance and can watch the sun set over the Adirondack mountains and Lake Champlain. Trailhead: From Underhill Center travel 1.0 mile north on Pleasant Valley Rd., then turn east and go 2.7 miles on the Mountain Rd. There is a small fee at the State Park. (Lat:44.52845 Lon:-72.84428) Trail Guides for Mt. Mansfield Loop: Long Trail Guide by The Green Mountain Club (Northlight Studio Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Underhill State Park (802) 899 -3022 or Jan. to May (802) 879 - 5674 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John Predom, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Paul on 5/13/2007 I go to St. Michael's and just hiked the loop yesterday. Conditions were good with a little snow still left on various parts of the mountain. Most of the melt has finished but the trails were definately wet. Total time: 3 hours 30 min with 2 stops. I enjoyed the the Maple ridge trail a bit more, but the sunset trail was perfect to finish the hike. I would like to try the loop in reverse starting on the sunset ridge. 
Reviewed by mike on 2/3/2007 I go to Norwich, and one of my rookbuddies and I tagged along with a couple of our upperclassmen on a winter hike up the mountain. Even in the snow, the experiance was awesome. There was low visibilaty, but the snow on the trees, and quite was awsome. Just remember to dress properly, I wore jeanes. . . bad idea.
Reviewed by Greg on 12/1/2005 The elevation on this is closer to 2500 ft and the if the loop is done (no backtracking), the length should be closer to 7 mi. I used to jog this one in the mornings before work a couple of times a week from late spring to early fall. The jog down Sunset ridge was always the best part. Best time: 1 hr 13 min. The top can get pretty crowded mid-day on weekends with tourists who drive to the top. Favorite spot: Poets Pulpit on Sunset Ridge on the right 10 yards after you break through the trees.
Reviewed by Deepplay on 6/13/2005 The best hike of the summer by far. Challenging for most of the way, the eases up, once you hit the first peak. It was hot and muggy on 6/11, but still alot of fun. However I think distance is somewhere between 7.5 and 9
Reviewed by Doug on 6/7/2005 I did this hike a couple of years ago. It does require being in fairly good shape, especially going up the Maple Ridge Trail. There is a fair amount of scrambling over open rock face and a couple of tough spots, but this is one of the classic hikes in Vermont. I want to get back and do it again.
Reviewed by Ryan on 2/19/2005 That that was an amazing hike. Now, I didn't do the whole trail (we took the Stowe Gondola up and then hiked the rest), but it was still great. There was a few spots that were very difficult, but it was very fun. I will definitely have to get back to VT to do that hike again. The view at the peak was amazing (Canada, NY/Lake Champlain, probably even NH)
Reviewed by Emily on 8/9/2004 Excellent, a bit difficult coming down, but well worth it...If you are going to bring a dog, make sure he/she is in good shape...
Reviewed by Joan on 7/31/2004 Wonderfully discriptive & exceptional photos...never enough of these hike experiences & photos. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Vermont Hiking, Vermont Trails, Vermont Hikes, Chittenden County Hiking, Chittenden County Trails, Chittenden County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||