Early spring is time to stay off the trails, and turn to bushwacking.

Sunset Knob is the isolated western end of Sunset Ridge, and provides a closeup view of Mount Mansfield. Starting from Underhill State Park winter parking we headed up the road a short distance before striking northeast through the woods. After crossing the Browns River we picked up a ridge for the mile and a half to the knob.

It was an easy trip up through a crusty six inches of snow. As you approach the Knob there’s a secret turn to avoid the spruce, unfortunately we turned too soon. Finding ourselves at the base of the final crag we scrambled nearly straight up to reach the top.

After hanging out a while we exited via the secret door and wandered on down.

Trip Leader: Darryl Smith

Attendees: David, Dan, Mead, Jon and Fred