Pico Peak Hike

On Saturday, September 26th, 15 of us met up for the hike up Pico Peak to mark the finish of my New England Hundred Highest list.  Unfortunately, everyone got there on time, except for me (and Rob, with who I was carpooling).  I had missed the turn for VT Rt. 4W and we had gotten to the trailhead about 40 minutes late.  Thank you to everyone else for being so patient (fortunately we were able to get a message out letting everyone know what was happening) and for the applause when we finally pulled into the parking lot!  :-)  This was the first time I was ever late to a hike...figures it would happen on this one!

After making my apologies for being late and after the usual introductions, we started out finally at about 11:20AM for this modest 5.8 mile hike.  It was a beautiful fall day with occasionally overcast skies.  It was pretty warm considering it was supposed to be much cooler according to forecasts earlier in the week (it was about mid-60's).  The trail up follows the old Long Trail and it ascends at a very modest and easy going grade.  We generally stayed together, enjoying conversation with one another and taking a few breaks along the way so everyone could stay with the group.  Towards the top, the trail emerged from the woods out onto a ski trail before re-entering the woods on the way to the hut, where we took a short break before pushing on for the final 0.4 miles to the summit.  Here a spur trail left the main trail and heads up to the summit.  Near the open summit the trail again emerged onto ski trails where the lift and other communication towers were located.  Continuing just past these was a small rocky height of land with only a blue blaze located on it.  This was it...my final NEHH peak!  We popped open the champagne and celebrated with a toast.  The group had lugged up 3 bottles (thanks to Mike bringing along a bottle, as well) and they were all put to good use!  It was 13:20AM.  We also enjoyed our lunches and the views that the summit had to offer (looking to the south towards Killington and Mendon Peaks, as well as to the north and west).  It had become more overcast and a little cooler at the summit, but still a great autumn day.  We hung out here for about 50 minutes before heading back via the same route and returning back to the trailhead parking lot at roughly 4PM.  Afterwards we headed across the street to the Long Trail Inn's pub where we enjoyed a light meal before calling it a day.

I personally want to thank everyone for joining me for this special hike.  It turned out to be a perfect ending to mark the completion of the hundred highest!  It was also just a great day out with a fantastic group of guys! 

Join me and come celebrate my final New England Hundred Highest peak.  This will be a modest 5.4 mile hike with approximately 1800 foot elevation gain.  The route coincides with the Long Trail until it meets up with a spur, which proceeds to the summit of Pico Peak (3957').  The terrain is initially wooded and then becomes rocky with some relatively steep scrambles.  The spur trail leaves the LT at the Pico Shelter.  From the summit there are excellent views to the higher peaks to the north, as well as to the southeast.  The return trip will be via the same trails.

What to Bring:  Typical summer/fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/rain gear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else you may require for a day hike.

After the Hike:  Afterwards, we'll stop by the Long Trail Inn to cap off the day.  There is a nice pub style restaurant here.

NOTE:  Serious weather will postpone this hike to either Sunday or another future date.