A Trek to Marshfield Ledge near Marshfield, VT

INTRODUCTION:

Thanks to some inspiration and information provided by one of my Facebook friends (Tim Seaver), I moved a hiking destination way up on my list.  My target was Marshfield Ledge located on public land east of Marshfield, VT.  It's about a 30-minute drive eastward from Montpelier, VT.  And for me, it was just a little over an hour's drive westward from my home in Bethlehem, NH.  This hike was done in late April 2016.

The one-way hiking distance from where I parked to the top of Marshfield Ledge was about 1.6 miles.  An old logging road was used for roughly the first 0.8 mile.  And for the remaining 0.8 mile, an open hardwood forest made for a very easy bushwhack.

Shown below is a map which has my route superimposed.  You'll note an extra little side trip off the main route that I followed.  On my way back to the car, I hiked a short distance along the trail that rock-climbers use to access the base of Marshfield Ledge.  I'm certain this trail would eventually lead to the base of the cliff where the rock climbers head straight up the face of the cliff.   But what I'm uncertain about is whether there is a pathway from the base of the cliff that could be hiked to the top.  It will be something to check out the next time. ;)

VIEW FROM MARSHFIELD LEDGE:

Below is a panorama showing the 180 degree view from Marshfield Ledge.  I won't even attempt to name all the VT peaks that are seen.  Roughly, the view begins with Owlshead Mountain (at far left, center of screen); sharply pointed Spruce Mountain is seen on horizon (center of screen); Turtlehead Pond is at far right with Camels Hump mountain above the pond on the distant horizon.

The next photo hones in on the westward view from Marshfield Ledge.  I'm unsure about my ability to correctly identify VT peaks, but think Hardwood and Kettle Mountain are at far left; Devils Hill is in foreground to left of Turtlehead Pond; on distant horizon are maybe the Sugarbush ski slopes?; Camels Hump mountain is on distant horizon, on right side of Turtlehead Pond.

OTHER PHOTOS FROM THIS HIKE:

And so, the two photos presented above will provide an idea of the view from Marshfield Ledge.  The next few photos will provide some idea of what was seen en route to the ledge.

Roadside view of Marshfield Ledge with Turtlehead Pond in foreground.

Marshfield Ledge could also be seen as I was driving down the logging road to the spot where I would park.

A typical segment of the old logging road that was used for hiking the first 0.8 mile of the trek to Marshfield Ledge.

A typical segment of the open hardwood forest for the 0.8 mile bushwhack segment of the trek.  As seen here, there was patchy snow for some portions of the bushwhack.

Upon arrival at the top of the cliff, I evaluated several spots to determine which one offered:  A) a good viewpoint, and B) was safe to venture onto with little danger of falling over the edge!  The spot I chose (GPS: 44°19'40.05"N, 72°18'44.59"W ) was broad and flat.  Reaching it required slithering down a rock chimney (see red arrow).

As seen in the notice shown above, the central and right side of Marshfield Ledge is now closed due to Peregrine Falcon nesting.
Most likely this closure will last until sometime in August.

  

While en route to the hike to Marshfield Ledge, I drove along Lower Depot Road where there is a roadside view of Marshfield Falls.   Once upon a time, this waterfall stood alone in the quiet woods.  Today however, this long sloping cascade on Marshfield Brook passes beneath two roadway bridges as it tumbles down to meet the Winooski River.

Marshfield Falls

And finally, at the time this blog report was written, some interesting information about the history of Marshfield, VT could be accessed by clicking HERE.

   

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