Montpelier: Mount Ascutney via Weathersfield Trail
Brilliant fall colors, sparkling waterfalls, and a mountaintop lookout tower highlight this scenic 5.2-mile dayhike in Ascutney State Park.
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Mapped by MtnMagic
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.1
Waypoints
MTA001
Location: 43.4266510009766, -72.4662933349609
Head out on white-blazed Weathersfield Trail for mellow climb N
MTA002
Location: 43.4289169311523, -72.4649887084961
Climb E under hardwood canopy. In .2 mi., trail crosses Little Cascade Falls, then passes a conical 4-ft. cairn
MTA003
Location: 43.4296989440918, -72.4602737426758
Rock hop across rippling stream; trail zigs NW, passing several overlooks in next .2 mi.
MTA004
Location: 43.4319801330566, -72.4634704589844
Continue NW traverse of slopes shaded by a mix of tree species
MTA005
Location: 43.4349517822266, -72.467643737793
Side trip: Turn L, cross brook. Head S through foliage for 100-ft. scramble down to base of Crystal Cascade Falls; look up at stunning views of Ascutney Brook pouring over 84-ft. cliff band; backtrack to WPT 5
MTA006
Location: 43.4384384155273, -72.4588165283203
Start steep climb N @ Halfway Brooks, paralleling rushing stream
MTA007
Location: 43.44140625, -72.4621658325195
Forest opens briefly as path swings N
MTA008
Location: 43.4419593811035, -72.4602432250976
Gus’s Lookout offers prime views of the verdant Connecticut River Valley; continue NE past spur to West Pk. Spring
MTA009
Location: 43.4433517456055, -72.4586334228516
Keep straight past spur trails leading to West Pk. and hang gliders’ launch platform (skilled pilots fly 50+ mi. into NH and MA)
MTA010
Location: 43.4438400268555, -72.4544296264648
Mt. Ascutney (3,150 ft.): Views are scarce on forested summit, so hike .1 mi. N to reach the lookout tower
MTA011
Location: 43.4443397521973, -72.4541168212891
Climb tower for views of Berkshire, White, Green Mtns.; retrace route
