Elevation gain: 1580 feet
Trails used: Gore Mountain Trail, Middle Mountain Trail.
Highlight(s): woods walk, several view points of the Northeast Kingdom.
I got the call Sunday: I didn't have to go into work on Monday so a hike was in order. I knew where I wanted to hike but I just couldn't bring myself to waking up early to do it as this was going to be a lengthy drive into northern Vermont. Yet I made the long drive to do this hike anyways. Brian and I were familiar with this area when we did Gore Mountain in late winter March 2013 and had horrible snow depth issues. It killed our desire to do more winter hikes for the past few years, especially in Vermont.
Middle Mountain is located in Averys Gore, Vermont. This area of Vermont is commonly called the Northeast Kingdom, or NEK. The Middle Mountain Trail was recently completed to incorporate the summit of Middle Mountain so no bushwhack is needed to reach this wooded peak. There are several view points along the way looking towards Gore Mountain and into Quebec.
Middle Mountain is on the Vermont 200 Highest List.
Northeast Kingdom Section of the Green Mountain Club
Middle Mountain Trail Map
Northeast Kingdom Mountain Trail Guide
I parked on the side of Route 114, across from the Gore Mountain Trailhead parking area. I would use the Gore Mountain Trail to reach the Middle Mountain Trail.
As you begin walking on the Gore Mountain Trail, you walk besides Sucker Brook for a bit before you split off and begin the climb to the Middle Mountain Trail. After the past few days of rain, the water was flowing pretty good.
There were numerous bog bridges to cross on the Gore Mountain Trail, and due to the wet day, they were pretty slippery.
The junction of the Gore Mountain Trail/Middle Mountain Trail.
This was the worst section of the Middle Mountain Trail; an overgrown old logging landing with waist high growth so it was hard to see what you are walking on. Plus, you need to pay attention in this area: there are sticks with blue blazes on them to keep you on the trail.
You pass this large glacial erratic with trees growing on top of it as you hike along the Middle Mountain Trail.
Another high fern and vegetation area along the Middle Mountain Trail you walk through. It wasn't as bad as the logging area you walk through as you begin hiking on the trail.
Just below the summit of Middle Mountain I walked through this cool stand of trees as the clouds started to part and the sun started peaking through.
The summit area for Middle Mountain (elevation: 2947 feet). There is still a register on this summit as you used to have to bushwhack here before the Middle Mountain Trail was extended to this point, and beyond.
A view point area with views looking towards nearby Gore Mountain from the Middle Mountain Trail.
The talus field on the south slope of Brousseau Mountain from a view point along the Middle Mountain Trail.
Its hard to tell in this picture, but this interesting feature is called Split Rock which is a large glacial erratic that is split into two halves.
The nicest stretch of the Middle Mountain Trail, which was in between the steep stretch up to the summit of Middle Mountain and the overgrown logging area.
Once you hit this point on the Middle Mountain Trail, it starts a steady climb to the summit area of Middle Mountain.
The views from the Middle Mountain Trail looking into Quebec of Mont Barston and Le Pinnacle near the township of Baldwin Mills.
A beaver pond that you walk beside while on the Gore Mountain Trail. A perfect spot for moose and other wildlife.
A good length of the Gore Mountain Trail to the junction with the Middle Mountain Trail was a mixture of rock steps and bog bridges.
The day started off dreary and wet but ended up being nice as the sun was out by the time I was back at the car. If you don't mind the drive, this is a nice hike in a beautiful section of Vermont. The chances of seeing wildlife on this hike are very good, and if you want to extend the day head up to Gore Mountain and visit the remains of the old fire tower and fire wardens cabin that still remain on the summit.
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