This was a nice walk up to Sterling Pond up the Sterling Pond Trail (a little over 1 mile – up! – to the highest trout pond in VT) thanks in no small measure to the great company and moderate temps.

We enjoyed views of Smugglers’ Notch and parts of the Lamoille River Valley and played on the Smuggs chairlift too. After reaching the pond, we decided to take the Elephants Head trail around the pond for fun, to make a loop – exiting at Snuffy’s trail (the trail that connects Spruce Peak and Sterling Pond.) However we managed to walk a good distance on the LT north towards Madonna accidentally, having missed the trail cut-off. This despite a cadre of experienced hikers, up to date maps, GPS and many eyes looking for the trail cut off! It actually made for a nice diversion.

On the way down around lunchtime the trail was busy with people walking up – many distinctly not well prepared. This is a very accessible trail that starts from a parking lot on Rt. 108 in the Notch and is on every visitor’s list of things to do.

With Dave Hathaway, Greg Bostock, Gianetta Bertin, Andrea Folds, and Ted Albers trip ‘leader’ who eventually found the trail down. Photos Dave Hathaway.