Breadloaf Mountain * Mount Wilson * Battel Mountain: 9/5/2015

Mileage: 10.05
Elevation gain: 2945 feet
Trails used: Skylight Pond Trail, Long Trail.
Highlight(s): Skylight Pond, views from several view points along the Long Trail and below summit of Breadloaf Mountain.


Desi was up for a hike Saturday so we pretty much decided on doing two more New England 100 Highest peaks we both needed to do: Bread Loaf Mountain and Mount Wilson. Brian would also be joining us for today's adventure so it was a win-win for everyone since he needs them both as well. We tried doing these two last year in late spring/early summer but we were stopped at the first water crossing due to high water. This time, it has been mild weather-wise and Saturday called for mild temperatures in the low 80's and sun.

Bread Loaf Mountain, Mount Wilson and Battel Mountain are located in Ripton, Vermont and in the Breadloaf Wilderness. Both Breadloaf Mountain and Mount Wilson are trailed hikes, but their respective summits are wooded and view-less. There is a short 0.1 mile spur path from the summit of Breadloaf Mountain that offers decent views towards New York and eastern Vermont. It is common for these two peaks to be done together as the distance between the two is very short.

Breadloaf Mountain and Mount Wilson are on the New England 100 Highest List, the Vermont 100 Highest/Vermont 200 Highest List and the Vermont 3k List. 

Desi and Brian heading up the Skylight Pond Trail, where we parked the car at the parking area off of Forest Road 59. There is a warning at the trailhead to take your valuables as there have been break-ins recently, and in the past.

There were only two water crossings of any significance, the first one being the only one we had to rock hop across.

Desi and Brian heading across the second water crossing on this bridge, as we continue along the Skylight Pond Trail.

The Skylight Pond Trail goes up moderately at first, then has quite a few switchbacks as we work our way up to the Long Trail junction.

At the junction for the Skylight Pond Trail/Long Trail. We would head along the Long Trail towards Breadloaf Mountain first, then hit Mount Wilson.

Our two objectives for todays hike come into view as we walk along the Long Trail: Breadloaf Mountain and Mount Wilson.

This was probably the most interesting section of the Long Trail as we are heading towards the summit area of Breadloaf Mountain.

Desi and Brian walking along the Long Trail on the ridge right before the short cutoff to reach the summit of Breadloaf Mountain. The nicest stretch of the Long Trail today.

Desi on the summit of Breadloaf Mountain (elevation: 3835 feet). A rather boring peak, like Mount Passaconaway. We would have to head down a short spur path just off of the summit of Bread Loaf Mountain for any kind of views.

The views from the ledges below the summit of Breadloaf Mountain looking south/southwest towards Battel Mountain, Boyce Mountain, Kirby Mountain, Burnt Hill, Worth Mountain and the Middlebury Snow Bowl Ski Area, and even peaks like Killington Peak in the distance.

A small little viewpoint along the Long Trail as we head towards Mount Wilson with views of Mount Roosevelt, Mount Cleveland and the ridge heading up to Mount Grant. All of these peaks are along the Long Trail.

The Emily Proctor shelter and junction of the Emily Proctor Trail and Long Trail. We would turn right here and continue up towards the summit of Mount Wilson.

The section of the Long Trail from the Emily Proctor shelter was probably my least favorite section of the Long Trail today. We did make it to the summit of Mount Wilson (elevation: 3790 feet), where we had lunch.

We headed back towards the Skylight Pond Trail/Long Trail junction. Desi headed back down towards the trailhead while Brian and I went to Battel Mountain to find some view areas we saw on the Long Trail map he had.

We went over the summit of Battel Mountain only to realize the view points were on the Long Trail/Skylight Pond Trail junction side. The views were really disappointing as I got this shot looking up the ridge towards Breadloaf Mountain.

We decided to check out Skylight Pond really quick. I took this shot of the pond through the tree's and from the deck of Skylight Pond Lodge. I didn't feel like dropping down to take a picture and then climb back up.

The Skylight Pond Lodge. The caretaker was nowhere to be seen and the doors were locked but you can stay here (in season), as well as the tent areas.

You are now entering the Breadloaf Wilderness. There is a register to sign into right before you hit the wilderness area so please sign in/out.

On the way back home, we hit the height of land where the Long Trail crosses 125 and picked up a hitchhiker who had done 30 miles over 3 days and drove him back to his car. He was very thankful we did that and hopefully he pays it forwards.

As usual, hiking in Vermont is always a pleasure. This hike turned out to be a nice quick 10 miles round trip trailed hike with a few views along the way. It was never too hot or humid, and there was zero chance for rain so with a breeze every now and then it wasn't that bad. If you like walks in the wood, this one is for you. If you like peak-bagging, this is also the hike for you. You could even stay along the Long Trail at the Skylight Pond Shelter or Emily Proctor shelter/tent site if you want a nice camping outing.