The Canty trail is the sole, marked, public foot path that leads to the summit of
Blue Ridge mountain in Mendon, Vermont. It is 2.4 miles in length and is an out and back trail with impressive views from the summit. It gains a moderate 1600+ feet in elevation. It lies mainly in the Green Mountain National Forest except for the first 1/3 mile from the trailhead which is on private land. It is a side trail of the Long Trail system and is maintained by the
Green Mountain Club. It consists of many common Vermont trail features to include: stream crossings, wetlands, steep rocky terrain, cascades, a waterfall, hard woods, evergreens, roots & rocks, summit views and so forth. A classic, well balanced, Vermont day hike. It is a moderate trek that gives one a sense of accomplishment when completed, no matter how often they visit.
Directions:
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| The trailhead |
From US Rt 4 in Mendon, Vt turn onto Old Turnpike Road which is across from Killington Pico Motor Lodge. Follow for approximately a half mile.The trailhead is on the left passing through a gated lane. Park on shoulder and do not block the gate. Parking is not available from December 1st to April 1st.
The Hike:
From the road, pass around the gate and follow the grass covered private lane paying attention to the blue blazes through the old Tall Timbers Camp. In this area, you will notice many other markers (painted can lids) which marked the former camp's private trails. You will also notice a trail register. Please sign in. This gives the GMC and U.S. Forest Service an idea of how often the trail is being traveled. From this point follow the 2"x6" blue blazes around through the lower evergreens, crossing a few small streams. Once having entered the GMNF, the trail will come to a wetland. Please stay on the trail. If its too muddy or wet for your comfort level please turn around. Do not divert from this fragile area. It ruins the trail and the surrounding area and is one (#2) of the
"Leave No Trace" principles. *This area is scheduled for spring of 2011 to replace, repair the puncheons and or possible trail rerouting.* Once through the lower wet area the trail will cross the last stream (steep, slippery bank on the other side) before the main ascent. This stream can be swift during high water. Cross with caution. The trail will continue on until it reaches an old wood road. The trail turns to the right onto a rocky gradual climb. Trek this rocky path along the west bank of a cascading brook for a half mile to a side spur leading to a beautiful waterfall. This is a great place to take a break.
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| The waterfalls |
After a good rest and decent cool down continue on towards the summit. Just pass the falls a double blaze marks where the trail turn left up towards the summit. (note: It appears that the trail continues straight up without the turn. This may be part of an
old trail that is now extinct.) From here the trail steeply ascends leaving the rocky wood road as it enters the upper evergreens. The footing comprises mainly of roots and rocks and continues up, passing a few "false summits" giving the feeling that your there. Not quite yet. The trail then loops around and comes to a fork in the path. This is the summit. Take the trail to the right to get southeastern views of the Coolidge range. Take the trail left to get views of Rutland and Marble Valley.
Rating: A moderate out & back
Duration: Allow 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 2.4 miles(ow), 4.8 miles(rt)
Elevation gain: 1600+ feet (an estimate. Will update accurately in May,2011)
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| Approaching the summit |
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| Pico from the eastern lookout |
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| From the west lookout |
