I need INFO

“hey, i am planning a trip this february to the AT in southern vermont. i haven't been to this section yet. i was planning to go to Stratton Mountain. i wanted to know if it was above treeline and how the trail is around there. your help is greatly appreciated.”

“someone chime in..”

“It's not above treeline. You can take the jeep road/trail up north from Arlington-Wardsboro Road, which is an easy hike, or hike the AT/LT up over the mountain, which is a lot steeper, especially the north side. There is a fire tower and a Ranger's cabin at the top. There are shelters at the Pond, there is supposedly a tenting area on the north side of the pond. There is an open area on the east end of the pond you could camp in. West and north on the trail, about 4-5 miles along, is Prospect Rock. An awesome place to camp. Nice sheltered pine grove and a great view of Mt Equinox and it's windmills to the west. No water there, though. Nearest water would be at the spring a little south of the Wm Douglas shelter. Shelter will be to your right, spring will be to the left. Prospect Rock is right off a jeep trail, so you could be bothered by skidoos.

A-W Road is probably closed by now, so you might have to get up to the pond from the north on Route 11. It's a long but fairly easy hike, and you'll pass Spruce Peak shelter which was, last time I was there, a fully enclosed cabin.

Go to www.greenmountainclub.org for maps, distance info, and updates on what shelters and/or trail sections might have been relocated.

The sections to the north and south of Stratton are both nice hikes with good views and decent shelters. North, the loop from Big Branch to Old Job to Peru Peak and back along the LT is a good winter hike, if you can get up to the Big Branch parking lot. South, a visit to Goddard shelter is worth the view.

Have a ball. The LT in winter is a lot of fun. I trust you're bringing snowshoes - with crampons!”