Part Time Recreation
This summer sure has been a challenging one for outdoor recreation so far. Mother Nature has continued her persistence of heavy rain or smoke filled skies only creating small but beautiful times to enjoy all that surrounds.
When the weather does cooperate, hiking in and around Jeffersonville, Vermont provides some of the better views in northern Vermont. Smugglers’ Notch Resort provides great access to many family friendly hikes and walks conveniently located walking distance from one of their many parking areas. My partner Amy and I recently completed the Rum Runner’s Hideaway and Morse Mountain Hike (#2 on the map below) enjoying fresh, luscious green views of the valley floor as well as some of the better natural swimming in the area at Rum Runner’s Hideaway.
You can begin this fun filled journey by pulling in the Resort Entrance and parking by the Guest Service area. Once parked, head directly to base of the Village Lift and start your ascent.
1,150’ feet later.
Sweaty but all smiles :)
After you complete the ascent, it’s literally all down hill from here. For the next section, you start your descent down Midway until you reach the ultimate reward of cooling off in the unguarded natural reservoir called Rum Runner’s Hideaway while enjoying amazing and breathtaking views of Mount Mansfield, Madonna, and Sterling Mountain.
Mountain Mansfield views while you enjoy a refreshing dip. Don’t get much better!
After enjoying a dip in the fresh water, head to Curley’s Cutback to continue your descent to Meadowlark to take a casual, low elevation walk back to your starting destination by the Guest Service Area. Alternatively, you can continue down Meadowlark to the Base Lodge for some food and additional views. I was lucky enough to spot a black bear from afar and capture some video. When in doubt, keep your distance from any wildlife as well as pack out what you brought in.
Not a bad view, eh?
The view down to the Base Lodge if you decide to take Meadowlark the entire way down after visiting Rum Runner’s Hideaway.
Mr. Black Bear enjoying the greenery. I bet he’s heading to Robbie’s for some wings.
Old faithful
The Madonna I Liftline is quite the beauty, even for an old double that has seen its fair number of cold buns.
After completion, give yourself a nice PAT on the back for completing a 3.25 mile hike (if you do the full loop from Morse) with a vertical rise of 1,150’. My personal preference is to bring an adult beverage for Rum Runner’s to enjoy and then head to Stella 14 Winery afterwards for some delicious libations with amazingly, friendly staff or head to Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge for a chance to see more wildlife aka locals in their natural habitat.
