Getting a great spot at the stratton pond tenting area is one associated with those classic Vermont experiences that each hiker should attempt at least once. It doesn't matter if you're the seasoned thru-hiker smashing out twenty-mile days on the Appalachian Trail or simply someone looking regarding a scenic spot to pitch a camping tent for the weekend; there's something specific concerning this corner associated with the Green Mountain National Forest.
The first time I headed up there, I wasn't quite sure exactly what to expect. You hear stories about how busy it gets, and while that's true on summer weekends, it doesn't consider away through the atmosphere. The pond alone is the largest body of drinking water on the entire Long Trail, plus when the air is sitting low on the surface area at sunrise, you'll quickly realize precisely why people keep coming back.
Obtaining to the Pond
There are usually a handful of ways in order to reach the stratton pond tenting area , but most people tend to consider the Stratton Pond Trail. It's about a 3. 7-mile hike from the parking area upon Kelly Stand Road. The trail is definitely relatively mellow compared to some of the steeper "Stairmaster" climbs you'll find elsewhere in the Greens. It winds through some beautiful hard wood forests and passes across a few little streams that, with respect to the season, might possess you hopping over rocks or just walking via a little bit of mud.
If you're from the summit of Stratton Mountain after looking at the fire tower, you'll be losing down the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail north. That descent is definitely a bit even more rugged, but it brings you best into the guts of the camping zone. Honestly, the approach from the fireplace tower is the favorite because a person get those substantial views from the top before tucking back into the thick evergreen forest near the drinking water.
What in order to Expect at the particular Campsite
When you finally roll into the stratton pond tenting area , you'll notice it's a bit even more "managed" than a random stealth site in the woods. As this area is therefore popular, the Natural Mountain Club (GMC) keeps a near eye on it in order to make sure the particular ecosystem doesn't obtain trampled into oblivion.
You're going to find several wooden tent platforms scattered around. Now, if you've never ever used a system before, it may be a bit of a learning curve. You can't just hammer your own stakes into the particular wood, obviously. Most people use extra cordage to tie up off to the sides of the system or find some heavy rocks to anchor their camping tent corners. It's a bit of a puzzle, but it keeps your equipment out from the mud, which usually is a huge win if the classic Vermont rainstorm rolls through right away.
There's generally a caretaker stationed there during the particular peak season. They're super friendly people who are pleased to chat about path conditions or stage you toward the best water resource. Because of the particular maintenance involved—like keeping the privies practical and managing the composting systems—there will be a small fee to stay on the site. It's usually around $5 for each person, which is definitely a bargain thinking of it goes directly back into protecting the trails all of us all love.
The Shared Knowledge
One associated with the coolest things about the stratton pond tenting area is the social vibe. Mainly because the Long Trek and the Appalachian Trail share exactly the same path here, you will get this amazing mix of people. You'll meet "Nobos" (Northbounders) who have been walking since Georgia and have the beard growth in order to prove it, together with families taking their own kids on their first overnight trip.
The communal heart around the bear boxes and the particular water source will be great. Everyone's usually tired but content, sharing advice on exactly where to find the particular best snacks from the next road crossing or complaining about the black lures. It's the kind of place exactly where you can be as social or as private as you want. If you want in order to tuck away plus read your book, you can find a quiet platform. In order to hear crazy stories from the particular trail, just hang up out near the center of camp around dinner time.
Going out by the Water
You can't stay at the stratton pond tenting area without investing a good piece of time lower by the water's edge. The pond is stunning. It's encircled by thick forest, and on a very clear day, you will see the peak of Stratton Mountain looming more than the trees.
There are usually several "day use" spots near the coast where you can sit on a journal, filter some water, and just bathe it all within. If you're brave enough and the particular weather is warm, the swimming is definitely fantastic. It's the classic mountain pond—cold, refreshing, and simply the thing you need after the sweaty hike. Simply keep in brain that you shouldn't be using any soaps in the water, even the "biodegradable" ones, as they can actually mess with the pond's chemistry.
With night, keep your hearing open for that loons. Their calls are usually haunting and beautiful, echoing over the drinking water in a method that enables you to experience like you're way further into the particular wilderness than a person actually are. It's one of these sounds that stays along with you long right after you've hiked back again to your car.
Managing Your own Gear and Wildlife
Let's chat about the practical stuff for the 2nd. The stratton pond tenting area is definitely carry country. The good news is that this GMC has set up heavy-duty bear containers at the site. This makes life so much easier due to the fact you don't possess to worry regarding throwing a perfect keep hang in a forest at dusk. You simply pop your foods bag, toiletries, and anything else that scents interesting into the box, latch it shut, and rest soundly.
As for water, you'll be pulling this from the pond or nearby channels. You absolutely require to treat this. Whether you use a squeeze filtration system, UV light, or even tabs, don't neglect this task. While the particular water looks perfect, there's plenty of wildlife (and humans) close to, and "beaver fever" is not the kind of souvenir you desire to take home through your trip.
Why This Spot Matters
There's a reason the particular stratton pond tenting area is usually often cited as a favorite for most hikers. It's a bit of a crossroads. It represents the history of the Long Trail—the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US—and the massive effort it takes to keep these wild areas.
Whenever you're sitting on your own platform, watching the stars come away through the canopy, a person realize that areas like this are usually rare. It's accessible enough for the quick getaway but remote enough to seem like a real escape. It teaches you to value the small things: a dry place in order to sleep, a cold dip within a pond, and a good conversation with the stranger.
A Few Final Ideas
If you're planning a trip, try to get there a little earlier within the afternoon when you're undertaking the interview process Sat. The stratton pond tenting area can fill up quick, and while the particular caretaker will usually find a spot intended for a weary hiker, getting your pick and choose of the platforms is really a nice benefit.
Furthermore, don't forget your bug net if you're heading up in June or even July. The mosquitoes and black lures could be pretty constant close to the water. Yet honestly, even along with a few bug bites, it's totally worth it.
Whether a person stay for a single night or make use of it as the base camp intended for a couple of days of exploring the surrounding Lye Brook Wilderness, the stratton pond tenting area provides a slice of Vermont backcountry that's hard to beat. Pack your handbag, grab some extra socks, and get on the market. You won't repent it.