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Appalachian Trail: Stratton Pond to Big Branch (Long Trail)

Chemin de randonnée

Difficile
32,97 mi
6 631 pi
A remote Vermont stretch of the AT known for its summit of Stratton Mountain and Peru Peak.

Begin this segment of the Appalachian Trail at the Stratton Pond Parking area along Stratton Arlington Road, accessed from VT-100. Should the parking area be full, a few other opportunities lie east on the road.

The first stop for the trail is 3,900-foot Stratton Mountain, considered the highest point in the southern Green Mountains. A fire tower built by the CCC in 1934 is located on the summit. Enjoy its commanding 360-degree views from the deck before heading north on the AT.

After a short traverse northwest, the trail reaches Stratton Pond, a popular destination for hikers. Pair the AT with the Stratton Pond Trail for an excellent hiking, running, or overnight loop. A shelter along the eastern shore is a popular option to spend the night.

As a note, the USFS lists the following notice on their website: "Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail, and the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. As a result of this heavy use, the potential for impact on the shoreline and the pond’s ecosystem is serious. Camping is restricted to the designated sites only. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry-out/carry- in."

Heading north, the AT passes over Prospect Rock and Spruce Peak on its way to VT-11. From the summits, enjoy the picturesque vantage points of Manchester Valley to the west.

At VT-11, a parking area lies on the north side of the road and provides access to Manchester, should you need to head into town for a resupply.

Heading north, the trail crosses over the top of Bromley Mountain. A larger clearing near the top of the lift makes for plenty of views. Further north, you'll pass over Mad Tom Notch Road before entering the heart of Peru Peak Wilderness.

Expect limited trail markings and blazes in this area, but enjoy the countless views from the summits of Styles Peak and Peru Peak, both hovering around 3,400 feet. Arguably, Styles Peak gives the best view should you be hiking an out-and-back from the road.

Peru Peak transitions into Big Branch Wilderness as the countless views continue. This area is also home to a particularly diverse ecosystem, popular with hunters in the fall.

To round out the portion of this segment, the trail crosses over Big Branch, offering an opportunity to cool off before reaching the northern terminus along Brooklyn Road.

Sources:


Written by Brendon Voelker
Créée par
Strava Routes

Itinéraire et dénivelé

Segments

NomDistanceDéniveléPente moy.
Stratton Arlington Rd Climb0,63 mi207 pi6,1 %
Up and Over!6,08 mi1 519 pi0,2 %
Appalachian Trail Climb2,88 mi1 588 pi10,4 %
Reviewing Prospects 0,98 mi-249 pi-4,7 %
Spruce Peak to VT-112,31 mi-266 pi-1,4 %
11/30 to Bromley Peak2,74 mi1 434 pi9,8 %
11/30 to Bromley Shelter (AT/LT)0,56 mi568 pi19,0 %
Bromley Shelter to Bromley Peak0,72 mi653 pi17,1 %
Style's Peak from Mad Tom Notch Road (AT/LT) 1,14 mi909 pi14,9 %
Peru Peak Climb (AT/LT)0,25 mi217 pi15,9 %
Appalachian Trail Climb0,53 mi138 pi4,9 %
Appalachian Trail Climb0,33 mi135 pi7,5 %