Touring Around
Taylor Lodge
Green Mountains, Vermont
Touring Around Taylor Lodge
Green Mountains, Vermont
Backcountry ski & snowboard routes surround the Long Trail’s Taylor Lodge in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Terrain is available for both beginner* and expert ski & snowboarders.
A number of worthwhile tours for snowboarders with the main route having a descent that is ride-able until reaching Lake Mansfield (it is about a mile from that point back to the parking lot)
Main Route: Lake Mansfield Route: A 4.0 mile in and out trek from Old County Rd Parking (elevation 1,148′) to Taylor Lodge (elevation 2,012′).
Parking Coordinates: 44.469921,-72.798739 (NOT the Nebraska Notch trailhead because Nebraska Valley Rd closes)
Trail Details:
From the parking lot, head southwest down the path following the power lines.
There will soon be a small walking bridge to cross. Continue along the side of the road until you see trail markers for the Lake Mansfield Trail.
Follow this trail (which begins at the northeast corner of Lake Mansfield) to Taylor Lodge.
Downhill Ski & Snowboard Routes: with options for all skill levels, this is one place that will make you want to come back for more.
*Beginners: before touring outside of a ski resort, you should have ample practice through inbound glades in multiple snow conditions and have safely practiced uphill travel. Once a beginner feels comfortable with these things, we recommend they hire a local guide to take them into the backcountry. Shoot us an email and we can connect you with a local guide today!
“I would not have felt comfortable doing this tour without Rob’s guidance. There’s a tight section of steep terrain around a running waterfall before reaching Nebraska Notch that made me nervous to say the least.” – Natalie
Intermediates: options include the hiking trail and the orange arrows on the map above. The glades nearby Lake Mansfield Trail (marked with orange arrows) are about 500 vertical feet long. Closer to the notch, the downhill routes becomes shorter and steeper. Difficulty will depend on the route you see with your own eyes but the glades in this area range from difficult to easy depending on the area’s gradient and your backcountry comfort level.
Another place to explore is on the south side of Lake Mansfield. There are open north facing glades in this area that are visible from the hiking trail.
Experts: when you make it to Nebraska Notch via Lake Mansfield Trail look up and you’ll see south facing ice & rock on Dewey Mountain (3,371 ft). Routes are to the right (north) of these fanged walls. These route are extremely difficult to intermediate. Some lines consist of mandatory cliff drops while others stick to glades. Avalanches of snow and ice are likely throughout the winter so be prepared for anything.
Alternative Route: A 4.4 mile in and out from Butler Lodge trailhead to Taylor Lodge.
Parking Coordinates: 44.505723,-72.847491
Trail Details:
From the trailhead stay right (the south most trail) for the trail to Taylor Lodge.
Continue right after 1.3 miles onto the Long Trail (south).
In 0.3 of a mile take either the Clara Bow Trail (left then 0.4 to the Lodge junction which will be straight) or the Long Trail (right then 0.3 to the Lodge junction which will be a right).
The Clara Bow Trail is a more adventurous trail filled with large boulders and difficult terrain.
Downhill Ski & Snowboard Route: open glades run down the Nebraska Notch Trail back to the Butler Lodge trailhead. Rated as intermediate.
About The Area
Built in 1978 and named after the Green Mountain Club’s founder (James Taylor), Taylor Lodge is a three walled shelter that lies just off of the Long Trail. The scenic views from this shelter look south towards Lake Mansfield. Camping here is free of charge. The shelter can get pretty drafty due to it’s open-faced porch-like area. The porch is equipped with two picnic benches that are perfect for lunch with a view.
Below is a short clip we created of the Taylor Lodge tour via the Lake Mansfield route during Natalie’s first splitboard tour.
Any questions? Leave a comment, email us, contact us somehow. Our services don’t stop at gear consulting!
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