Capturing the Moment

  Looks like Fenna and I will have the place all to ourselves. Sterling Pond. Vermont is a wonderful place to hike, but today I discovered a new layer of joy - hiking with Fenna the dog by my side. This was her first real hike, and I wasn't sure how she would do. I took her to the Sterling Pond Trail, which is on the shorter side, but with a 1,000ft elevation gain and tricky trail conditions, it would be a challenge for us both. Fenna was already excited, just from the windy, windows partially-down drive up through Smugglers Notch. Once we hit the trail her dog nose was on full exploratory mode. We parked at the Smuggler's Notch visitor center, and the Sterling Pond Trail hike starts right across the street. We got their pretty early, and the notch has just recently reopened after being closed all winter, so the trail was very uncrowded. That's what I was hoping for. Being her first hike, I kept Fenna on a leash. Even though Vermont laws say a dog must be on a leash in most...

  Smugglers' Notch in Vermont is a stunning mountain pass located in the Green Mountains near the town of Stowe. Known for its narrow, winding road and dramatic cliffs, the notch has a storied history dating back to the early 19th century when it served as a route for smugglers transporting goods between Canada and the United States. Today, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery, rock climbing opportunities, and a sense of adventure that harks back to its legendary past. The notch's unique landscape, with its dense forests and sheer rock faces, makes it one of Vermont's most iconic and picturesque locations. Hiking the Sterling Pond Trail to Sterling Pond and the top of Smugglers' Notch Ski Resort is something I try to do every year. The trail begins with a moderately steep ascent through lush forests, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains as you climb. After about 1.1 miles, hikers reach Sterling Pond, the highest tr...

  Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch is a hidden gem that truly comes alive during the fall season. As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, there's no better way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this region than by hiking the Sterling Pond Trail. In this post, I'll take you on a journey through this picturesque trail, highlighting the stunning fall foliage and the unique experiences it offers. View from the parking area at the top of Smugglers Notch. The Sterling Pond Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous 2.4-mile out-and-back hike that starts at the Smugglers' Notch parking area. This trail is renowned not only for its challenging terrain but also for the breathtaking views it provides, especially during the fall foliage season. Here's a glimpse of what the conditions were like today on this unforgettable hike. Fall foliage in Vermont is renowned for its vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, and hiking the S...