UVO Section Hike on Mt. Mansfield

On Tuesday, June 25, seven of us completed a loop on the shoulder of Mount Mansfield. It was sunny with a mild temperature as we started the climb on the Butler Lodge Trail where we tackled the steepest part of our hike.
There was much conversation as we got acquainted with a new GMC member on their first outing with the club. After a brief stop for a snack and look around at Butler Lodge we walked over Wallace Cutoff to pick up the Long Trail and headed south. We took our time with this section of trail, since recent heavy rains had made the rocks slippery and tread muddy. There were many small and pretty streams to cross as we made our way further down the trail, teased by an occasional light breeze that cooled us as afternoon temperatures began to climb.
We decided to take a well traveled spur trail off Taylor Lodge to a viewpoint before heading over to the Clara Bow for the next leg of our hike. Like other sections of trail that day Clara Bow was wet, but noticeably cooler, as we confidently climbed down a ladder and scrambled through a cave like rock formation with a wow factor.
The group then picked up Long Trail again and headed North connecting with the Nebraska Notch trail for an easy walk back to the parking lot.

Picture and Text: Patrick O’Neill