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HOGBACK: 3 MILES ROUND TRIP
(1-2 HOURS)
This trail is probably one of our most exciting and scenic trails and certainly the one that is used the most. The trail starts right behind the Inn and you will see a sign pointing to Hogback. You will cross Dutton Brook on a wide plank bridge and then pass an open area where the North Goshen schoolhouse and cemetery used to be.
Take a left at intersection #3, heading up the hill until you reach intersection #7. There is a big debate here with our staff as to which is the better way to go – clockwise or counterclockwise. These directions will send you counterclockwise (to the right, not through the gate).
The trail is fairly level between #7 and #21 as it follows the contour of Hogback. At #21, bear left (the trail to the right goes back to the town road). The trail beyond #21 goes through some old clearings and just before climbing a short, steep hill, you will pass a water spring to the right. You will need to look for it because it is hidden in some ferns. For a delicious drink of ice cold water, simply follow the bubbling sound.
After going through a wide stand of white birch tress, you will come to an open clearing with the most fantastic views: the Adirondacks to the west, the Taconic Ridge to the southwest, and of course the Green Mountains to the east with Brandon Gap to the southeast. The Long Trail follows the spine of the Green Mountain ridge. This sunny clearing faces south and is a great place for a picnic. Be on the watch for a lucky sighting of the delicate Eastern Bluebird.
The entire southern end of Hogback Mountain is covered with wild blueberry bushes, with picking season at the end of July. Every spring, areas of the mountain are burned off in order to propagate more fruit.
There is an old road that goes up Hogback and the view gets better and better as you climb. In the 40’s Hogback was a small downhill ski area. If you go up, come back the same way.
Staying on the trail, you will drop down to a gravel road. Walk to the left and go through a gate. 100 to 150 yards later you will come to intersection #25. Look carefully for this intersection as some hikers tend to miss it. Once at the junction, bear left leaving the gravel road. You will now be traveling up the east side of Hogback. (If you go straight at #25, you will be heading up and over Romance Mountain; however this route will not connect to the Long Trail). A ¼ mile beyond the last intersection, there is a ravine to your right with lovely white and grey birches growing along its seep banks.
At junction #27, bear right through the pines and then left at #29. Continue to bear left at each intersection encountered until you are once again at #7. At #7, retrace your steps back to Blueberry Hill.
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"Everyone is always trying to find the perfect Vermont Inn. |
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Blueberry Hill Inn, in Goshen, just may be it." |
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Forbes The 10 Best Inns of New England |
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