Mount Mansfield is the very best of Vermont. At 4,393 it is the highest peak in the Green Mountains. This is where the Von Trapps of "The Sound of Music" fame settled and built their lodge after they escaped Hitler's Austria, and visitors can still stay at the Trapp Family Lodge today. Winter sports enthusiastists flock here to the famous Stowe Ski Resort, and in spring, summer and fall sighseers drive the 4.5 mile gravel toll road to the summit, the highest point in the Green Mountain State.
I have come here twice, the first time in fall when the mountainsides were ablaze with autumn foilage and the air was crisp and clean. On the second trip it was late spring, when wildflowers were blooming in profusion and dairy cattle were grazing on new green grass. It's on my list to return someday in winter when the peaks are white with snow. On that first trip I avoided the road and booted it to the top of Mount Mansfield in my ongoing quest to visit the highest point in every state.
On the second trip, I enjoyed a few of the other trails which are found in the area. A hiker will never be bored here. Those who simply enjoy beautiful scenery will discover a new visual feast at nearly every turn.
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