Wantastiquet Natural Area, Summit Trail

 Nice afternoon hike with the dogs. It was a claear and sunny day.

 A vigorous nine-switchback climb to the 1,335-foot summit overlooking Brattleboro, Vermont, and the Connecticut River. The trail to the top of Wantastiquet Mountain is wide and easy to follow, but the steady uphill angle requires more effort than a casual stroll. Nine major switchbacks in the trail wind back and forth up the mountainside. A small clearing on a rocky ledge at the top opens up a wonderful, high-level vista. The Connecticut River, the cozy New England town of Brattleboro, Vermont, and the Green Mountains appear to the west. We found ourselves staring at the mesmerizing scene longer than we do at most trailside vistas.  It is about 4.5 miles and will take about 3 hours round trip.