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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

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