A little vacation advice

Submitted by Nightlight174 t3_1235grl in vermont

Hey Everybody! My Gf (22) and I (22) are going to Stowe and Mount Mansfield May 1- May 9/10th

We love hiking, and our research is split: What are the requirements for hiking mount Mansfield and surrounding areas on early May?

Snow? Snow shoes? What can we expect? Trails closed? If so can you still go on them?

Anything else to be aware of?

We have already made plans off work etc it’s the only time this works and we are super hyped and intent on making this work!

Thanks

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TillPsychological351 t1_jdwh5w5 wrote

It depends on how the rest of the spring goes, but there likely will be some snow on the summit trail. Weather this is just some left over snow in the shadow or a substantial covering that impedes hiking can't be determined yet. Also, realize that snow can still fall and accumulate up there in May. I'm pretty sure the toll road doesn't open until later.

A bigger issue, though, will be the mud. The higher the elevation, the longer mud season lasts. I usually don't try to hike in the higher altitudes of the White Mountains until July.

Sorry this is the only time you can visit, but it really isn't a good time for what you want to do.

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KestrelVT t1_jdxii4c wrote

Almost all trails are closed in Vermont from when the snow melts until Memorial Day weekend (to let the ground dry out and not destroy the trails during mud season). While the upper elevations may still have snow the trailheads will almost certainly be snow free so no-go. The toll road can still be hiked.

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General_Skin_2125 t1_jdxxe38 wrote

It's not going to stop you, but you really shouldn't hike during mud season. The trails are mostly muddy, and people who walk around the mud, opposed to through it erode the trail and damage to ecosystem.

I know you really don't care, but that's the truth.

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Ok-Influence4884 t1_jearfs7 wrote

What is there to expect from an out-of-stater who doesn’t live here, and this won’t see the impacts of their selfish actions?

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HayrideTrail t1_je46scc wrote

Contact Green Mountain Club. Trails generally closed until June due to mud and snow melt. Not a good time to plan a hike. Further south in New England should be ok.

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New_Button228 t1_jdxppcx wrote

Ignore the nay sayers mount Mansfield has year round hiking with a year round 4 sided shelter with a $5-$10 fee per person and yes there is a caretaker. Enjoy your time plus I will take you places if you're interested.

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