Haystack Mountain(Pawlet, Vermont)

With a small morning window to hike before strong storms blew in, I decided to revisit an old favorite of mine in the hills of Vermont.  The Nature Conservancy has protected 1437 acres known as the North Pawlet Hills, and offers a trailed hike up to the top of 1919 foot Haystack Mountain.  There are several neighboring small trail-less peaks clustered together that are also protected by the Conservancy that I plan on visiting soon.   The most dramatic of all of these peaks is Haystack with its imposing, rocky profile.

I parked at the corner of Waite Hill Road and Tunket Road, a small but scenic dirt road, which actually becomes the first part of the hike. 

Tunket Road climbs steadily north past quiet woods, stone walls and farmland.

Soon, the marked trail leaves the road and heads into the woods, quickly coming to a sturdy footbridge crossing a tiny stream. 

The climb is short but steep, heading first into the col between Middle and Haystack before turning south straight up Haystack.  Fall is moving right along in Vermont, with many trees already shedding their leaves, littering the forest floor.

Emerging at the top of Haystack, where the views are breathtaking.  A view north, takes in neighboring Middle with Tinmouth  Mountain's long ridge to the far right

Cresting the 1919 foot summit, fine south facing views down the Route 30 corridor come into sight.

A look SW into the Mettawee Valley and North Pawlet.

To the SE, Woodlawn Mountain towers on the nearby horizon.

Looking south with the fantastic fall foliage on display. 

After enjoying the amazing panoramic views, I headed back down, retracing the trail off the mountain.  Hiked just 3.5 miles with over 1000 feet of ascent.  A LOT of bang for the buck.