 |  Burnt Mountain panorama photo by Paul Blum |
Burnt Mountain, Montgomery, Vermont
Visitor information, map, directions; official website
from Moosewood Ponds
© Rolf Anderson
Burnt Mountain, High Ponds Farm, Montgomery, Vermont
A Moderately Strenuous Half-day Hike2.4 miles each way; 1,400 feet vertical climb
HIKING DIRECTIONS: From the entrance to the High Ponds Farm on the Rossier Road, follow the Beaver Ponds Trail to the junction with the High Meadow
Trail. Turn left on the High Meadow Trail and continue in a Southerly direction to just past the wood sheds. Turn left and walk along the stonewall to the Notch Trail. Turn left on the Notch Trail and then right at the junction with the Sunset Ridge Trail.
This trail is a woods road until it reaches the East-West-running ridge. It becomes a footpath in an Easterly direction to the main ridge where the trail turns right and continues in a Southerly direction through a stand of Mountain paper birch (Betula paperifera v. cordifolia) on its way to the wooded summit and to the panoramic view beyond. Distance to wooded summit 2.05 miles, distance to viewpoint, 2.40 miles.
SPRING MUD SEASON: Trails are closed during Spring Mud Season. Starting in the third week of April, walkers may enjoy the flowers and song birds. At the High Ponds Farm do not walk past the High Meadow. The trail to the summit of Burnt Mountain will open in mid May. Thank you for your cooperation.Link to brochure with map and directions to Moosewood Ponds, High Meadow and Burnt Mountain:
High Ponds Farm Area Map.pdf
© Rolf Anderson
REVIEWS:
"Today's hike up to Burnt Mountain summit was beautiful. Breathtaking panoramic views at peak foliage. One of the best summit views in Vermont. Hike was moderate, not too hard but some work going uphill. We plan on coming to ski in the winter.
Claudia Berger, October 2022
"The trail was easy to follow and nicely rewarding with a lovely lunch spot at the top where I enjoyed views of most everything that I explored in my week in the area. I could not have asked for better."
Chip Hartney, July 2021
"Awesome. Relatively easy hike to the summit, and a stellar view!"
Brian Barnett, October 2020
"Great trails."
Rich Douglass, July 2020
"Great XC skiing trails and wonderful hike up Burnt Mountain with views of Hazens Notch on top.
Hannah Halbreich, June 7, 2020
"One of my favorite places on the planet"
"High Ponds Farm at Burnt Mountain on Hazen's Notch is a beautifully (and minimally) managed cross-country ski and hiking area in Montgomery Center, Vermont. I'm not a skier, but spending countless hours hiking (or leisurely walking) on the trails in the summer, late spring and fall is a highlight of any day. Hanging out in the High Meadow in the Fall looking at the foliage or munching on an apple from the orchard, or in the summertime amidst the wildflowers, or sitting on a rock watching beavers swimming around in a beaver pond, or walking on a trail deep in the lush green forest, is akin to a religious experience in my book. I can't say enough about the beauty and peacefulness of this lovely place.
Janis Hess, Feb 2015
NOTE: The hike to the summit of Burnt Mountain passes through the High Ponds Farm, a privately owned nature preserve owned and maintained by the Anderson family. Other trails within the High Ponds Farm connect to other areas within the trails maintained for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing by the Hazens Notch Association.
Trails, parking areas and private roads and driveways may be closed at any time at landowners' discretion. Please observe and respect all signs, barriers, and gates to ensure continued public access. Thank you !
© 2008 Rolf Anderson
The summit of Burnt Mountain was relatively unknown prior to 1989. Rolf Anderson first discovered the spectacular view from the natural open rock outcrop on the summit ridge after several local people who had climbed the mountain told him that there was no view from the top. The Anderson Family created the trail in 1990 with permission of the landowners at that time. Starting in 1993, they purchased the land to protect the natural resources and ensure continued public access from the High Ponds Farm boundary to the top of the mountain. The combined High Ponds Farm and Burnt Mountain tract total 400 acres.
Project goals include repairing damage from logging activity which took place prior to purchase of the land by the Andersons. Trail work is intended to stabilize the footpath and prevent soil erosion by grading the trail surface, constructing water bars and diversion ditches, and seeding with native grasses and woodland plants.
© Rolf Anderson
In discussions with Wagner Woodlands in 1997 to acquire additional land on the summit ridge of Burnt Mountain, the Anderson Family learned that the Vermont Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy intended to acquire the land owned by Wagner Woodlands which extended from the Anderson land southward toward Belvidere Corners, Vermont. With this purchase by the Atlas Timberlands Partnership (VLT + TNC), access to the summit was ensured through the permission of ATP. When the Vermont Land Trust wanted to sell their interest in ATP, the Nature Conservancy acquired the tract which included the wooded summit and viewpoint on Burnt Mountain. A conservation easement is held by the Northeast Wilderness Trust.