Site Detail - Boulder Ridge

Directions

  1. Start at the Long Trail parking area on River Road.
  2. Hike past Duxbury Window and Spruce Knob (where routine fall maintenance usually ends).
  3. At 2.1 miles the trail sidehills to the left into a "slot," bends 180 degrees and continues southerly up 3 rock steps.
  4. At the bend there are 2 lime flags for skiers. On the left is a red-flagged tree.
  5. Follow the slot for 300 paces east, as it develops into a brook.
  6. A small iced-over cliff is on the right, a 25-foot cliff on the left.
  7. Turn right at a red flag. The leanto site is about 100 feet up this slope, marked by a triple-banded tree.
  8. Continue down the brook for 250 paces more to a red-flagged tree. Behind this is "Big Boulder." This is the water source.

Site Characteristics

The site we call "Boulder Ridge" is located just east of the Long Trail above a "slot." We didn't find any obvious locations for a lodge (assumed to be 20x20 feet). A leanto, about 10x10 feet, is feasible. The site is large enough to handle several tent platforms as well as a leanto. The main site is about 800 feet long and 250 feet wide. The site is wooded with mixed hardwoods.

A possible site plan: Southbound hikers pass through Eric's Slot, climb a few steps through softwoods and encounter the spur trail just before a 4-foot rock outcropping. Northbound hikers have kept the outcropping to their right as they emerge from softwoods and see the spur. The spur trail climbs slightly as it heads southeast. On the right is a privy. Continuing on the spur trail is a leanto on the left. The spur trail continues east at a slight downhill grade and passes tent platforms. The trail continues down a break in an outcropping on the left (some steps required) and descends to the brook at Big Boulder.

Site Description

 Distance from road  2.1 miles and 1600-foot climb via the Bamforth Ridge section of the Long Trail.
 Distance from trail  400-600 feet
 Distance from water supply  400-600 feet. A small brook is 500 feet beyond the site. Its flow is uncertain. Access would be from the tent platform area, not the Long Trail.
 Ownership  State of Vermont - Camels Hump State Forest (Washington County)
 Distance from LT shelters  Southbound: 5.6 miles to Montclair Glen. Northbound: ?.? miles to Duck Brook; about 5 miles to a future shelter on Woodward Mountain either via Bamforth Ridge, Winsooski South Relocations * and *. About a half-mile further if Route G is used, since the shelter would be reached using the existing Bamforth Ridge Trail as a spur.
 Aesthetic character: view, privacy, beauty  No access for ATVs or skis. "Bannister Ridge" prevents access from the north. There is a steep drop-off to the west. The east has a sharp drop about 0.3 miles from the site. Although the site is a quarter-mile from beaver ponds and ledges with remarkable views, these sites are uphill and not visible. No noise from interstate or railway, as the site faces east. The site is protected from westerly winds. No view, although a hint of one in winter. Interesting cliffs on on either side of the brook.
 Potential impacts of use  The area is not listed as a wetland, deer yard, or home for endangered species. There is some fallen rock further down the brook, which might appeal to bobcats. Numerous cliffs exist downhill, at the 1700-foot countour, which might provide an equal habitat.
 New trails  About 500 feet through birch forest. The route is essentially flat and looks like it would be dry in summer.
 Assets  
  • Although the reliability of the water supply is uncertain, the topography shows that the brook can be followed as much as a quarter-mile before it drops over a steep hill.
  • The boulders and the slope allow tent platforms and a leanto to be built out of sight of eachother.
  • Likewise, structures can be located just out of sight of the Long Trail.
 Flaws  
 Questions  

The Long Trail 2.1 miles from River Road
Eric's Slot # 3 We left the Long Trail and "Eric's Slot" and headed east down the slot. Dave is standing at the bend in the LT. "Boulder Ridge" is above the small scarp on the right. Click for detailed image (99kB)
Eric's Slot # 2 Looking into the slot from the stone steps. Click for detailed image (91kB)
Eric's Slot # 1 The LT takes a bend to avoid the wet area. It enters the slot to left of John, bends at Dave, and continues into softwoods, where Duncan took this picture. Note the long shadows: these photographs were taken about 11:00 am. Click for detailed image (95kB)
Boulder Ridge Leanto Location
leanto site # 1 Looking north from the leanto site. The facing hillside has 25-foot cliffs. Click for detailed image (97kB)
leanto site # 2 Looking east from the leanto site. In the middle is a 4-foot high boulder, covered in snow. Click for detailed image (99kB)
leanto site # 3 Looking west back towards Eric's Slot on the Long Trail. Click for detailed image (99kB)
leanto site # 4 Looking northeast, towards the Worcester Range. Click for detailed image (98kB)
leanto site # 5 Looking east-southeast from the leanto site. Click for detailed image (87kB)
leanto site # 6 Leanto site from the east, looking towards Eric's Slot. Click for detailed image (98kB)
Spur trail junction with the Long Trail
leanto site # 7 The spur trail would head slight uphill in the middle of the photograph. The red flag (left of center) marks the spur trail. The lime flag (center) is one of a series of bootleg flags along the Bamforth Ridge. Click for detailed image (90kB)
leanto site # 8 The Long Trail southbound is at the right. The 4-foot outcropping on the right serves as a landmark and an obstruction to shortcutting by northbound hikers. The Long Trail continues to the right of the photograph. Click for detailed image (87kB)
leanto site # 9 Junction. View immediately to the left of the previous photograph. Click for detailed image (73kB)