Map 2 - Story Spring Shelter to USFS 10 - The Long Trail, VT
This section of the Long Trail End to End guide covers Story Spring Shelter to USFS 10 just past Big Branch shelter and includes the Route 11 trailhead for Manchester Center. Danby off of USFS10 is also included in this section guide.
Trail Tips:
Off Trail Camping - Much of this section runs thru the Green Mountain National Forest and therefore, is open to off trail camping with small wood fires. The only exception to this rule is no camping on Stratton Mountain and no wood fires at Stratton Pond Shelter. However, wood fires are permitted at the Stratton pond tent platforms.
After leaving Story Spring Shelter, in about 1.6 miles you will cross USFS 71. If you turn to the left and go down the road about a 1/2 mile, there will be a large campsite on your right hand side that is vehicle accessible from Kelley Stand Road. There is a fire ring available. This is a no fee site, it is part of the Green Mountain Forest.
If you wish to skip Stratton Mountain, walk all the way down USFS 71 to the "T" (about 3/4 mile). Follow the road to the right and down on your left a little bit will be the Stratton Pond Trailhead. This blue blazed trail will take you to the Stratton Pond Shelter and bypass Stratton Mountain.
On a clear day you will not want to miss the view from the Stratton Mountain fire tower.
You can consider climbing down Prospect Rock and heading into Manchester Center, but route 11/30 is very busy and there is always someone there who will give you a ride to town if you follow the trail all the way there. It's much easier to go back uphill towards Bromley than it is Prospect rock.
Make sure you take your time crossing 11/30, it is a very busy road.
The Granite slabs over Baker Peak can be very slippery and dangerous on a wet day. Consider the alternate route on such days.
Manchester Center, VT:
Manchester is one of our favorite towns. Here you can find a whole wealth and variety of services. There are many places to stay, a convenient laundromat, the worlds best bookstore, a large grocery store and 2 outfitters. While there is a Post Office, it is inconvenient to the rest of the services you will use. Check the lists below for services.
Sutton's Place - 50 School Street - 802.362.1165 - http://www.suttonsplacevermont.com/ - MAP - Sutton's Place is a hiker friendly guest house that is well known in the trail circles. Rooms are reasonable and Mr. Frank Sutton is an amicable host.
The Chalet - 1875 Depot Street - 802.362.1622 - http://www.thechaletmotel.com/ - MAP - The Chalet is a reasonably price motel on the edge of Manchester Center. Amenities include a pool and hot tub. However, there is NO laundry facilities on site.
Green Mountain House Hostel - Jeff & Regina Taussig - 330.388.6478 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - http://www.trailjournals.com/GMH/ - Jeff & Regina Taussig host hikers at their residence. Open July 15th through September 7th. They offer hikers a bed, shower with towel, laundry, high speed internet & hiker kitchen. Shuttles from town & back to the trail in the morning. $15 per night suggested donation.
Mountain Goat Outfitters - 4886 Main Street - 802.362.5159 - http://www.mountaingoat.com - MAP - The Mountain Goat allows tent camping behind their store.
Please check in at EMS, The Mountain Goat and the Laundromat. There are usually some local folks willing to take in a hiker for a night for a small fee. These three places are the best in town to check.
Town Tip: A viable alternative to staying in town is to stay at Spruce Peak the night before, getting into Manchester Center early in the am. You can do all of your town chores, including laundry, eating good town food, re-supplying and hanging out at Northshire books. When your ready, either hitch back to trailhead or, use the Taxi. Hike in 1.8 miles to Bromley Shelter, or 2.8 miles to the Ski hut on Bromley mountain. The Bromley shelter is new, with two levels, railing, benches and a table. There is also a brand new composting privy and tent platforms. The water source is a pain but it is an enjoyable shelter to stay at. The warming hut is enclosed and spacious and there is a lookout tower next to it that provides awesome views. Camping at the Ski hut is normally allowed if you don't want to stay inside.
Mountain Goat Outfitters - 4886 Main Street - 802.362.5159 - http://www.mountaingoat.com - MAP - STORE HOURS - Monday thru Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10-5
Eastern Mountain Sports - 263 Depot Street - 802.366.8082 - http://www.ems.com - MAP - The EMS is located in the shopping center off Depot Street next to the Price Chopper Grocery store. - STORE HOURS - 10am - 6pm 7 days a week
Mountain Goat Outfitters - 4886 Main Street - 802.362.5159 - http://www.mountaingoat.com - MAP - The Mountain Goat will accept food drops. Please contact store ahead of time for more details.
United States Post Office - 3452 Richville Road - 802.362.3070 - http://www.usps.com - MAP - HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and Saturday 9-12. Don't forget holiday closures.
Price Chopper Grocery Store - 263 Depot Street - 802.362.9896 - MAP - HOURS: Open Daily 7am to 11pm - The Price Chopper is next door to the EMS store.
We recommend Manchester Mini Van Taxi - 802.362.7039. In addition if you stay at Sutton House, you can most likely acquire shuttle services from Frank back to the trail.
The Mark Skinner Library is located about 1.2 miles from the center of town so it is somewhat inconvenient for hikers. They are located at 48 West Road in Manchester, VT - 802.362.2607 - Hours:S&M - Closed / T&TH 10am-6pm / W 10am to 8pm / F&S - 10am 4pm --- They have public computers available and free wi-fi.
Northshire Books also has a free wi-fi connection but no public computer.
The Green Mountain House has a computer and internet available.
Peru, VT - Bromley Ski Area Information
The Bromley Market is just a little ways down the road from the bottom of the Ski Hill. You can find them at 3776 Vermont Route 11 in Peru.- 802.824.4444 - The market here will have enough to see you through to either Danby or route 4. Or, just come down the lift and grab some goodies for a treat.
Regarding the Ski Mountain and Lift --- During the summer, you can reach the resort area on Bromley by walking halfway down the main trail to the Alpine Chairlift. The Chairlift will take you the rest of the way down the mountain.Cost of chairlift for 2009 season is $11.25 (See Map for listing of Trails and Lifts) Chairlift Map
Danby, VT
After leaving Big Branch shelter, in 1.3 miles you will intersect USFS Road 10 (also known as Brooklyn Road) in which there is a trailhead parking lot present. Day hikers and trail runners are usually pretty abundant at this trailhead. If you need to go into Danby, you can try waiting for a ride or, the town is 3.2 miles from the trailhead and is a nice dirt road walk.
White Dog Tavern - This has been mentioned in other guides. The White Dog is dinner only and is 3 miles north of Danby making it an impractical visit.
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written by Jeff, May 14, 2009
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