Capturing the Moment

View into Smuggler's Notch at the top of Vermont      September 22 means the first day of Fall, and that is a big deal here in Stowe, Vermont. This part of the Northeast of the United States, is quite famous for its beautiful fall foliage. To celebrate the turning of seasons I hit the mountains with the whole family. First we grabbed our Epic ski passes for an early season trip up the Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort. This took us very close to the highest peak of Vermont, called Mount Mansfield. We had a great view from the top. The kids really wanted to do some rock climbing and some mountain goating, which is what they call hiking on the boulder strewn trail heading up towards the peak. It is pretty impressive to see how there hiking skills and coordination have really improved.     After waving at every gondola on our way down, we had one more stop to check out. At the entrance to Smuggler's Notch, there is a beautiful boardwalk trail which heads into a beav...

  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...