Big Muddy Pond Loop

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The Long Trail can be hiked in combination with the 1.8 mile Babcock Trail and Extension to make a pleasant loop that includes the shores Big Muddy Pond and a vista from Ritterbush Lookout.
Trail Activity
Hiking
Length
3.20 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Eden (VT)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Babcock Trail Extension connects the parking lot at Eden Crossing to the Babcock Trail. The trail leaves the parking lot on a blue-blazed side trail just to the left of the Long Trail. It bears left and travels downhill, crossing a small brook before reaching a dirt road. The trail follows the road to the left for 0.1 miles, and reenters the woods to the left to climb to VT-118. The Babcock Trail begins directly across the road.

The Babcock Trail ascend gently from VT-118 on old woods roads south to Big Muddy Pond, a half-mile from VT-118. It climbs over a low knoll at the north end of the pond, and then continues along and above the west shore of the pond. At the pond's south end, the trail begins to descend steadily on old woods roads to the junction with the Long Trail just above Ritterbush Pond, 1.4 miles from VT-118.

From the junction, the Long Trail crosses a brook and then climbs steeply on a series of stone stairs to Ritterbush Lookout, a cliff overlooking Ritterbush Pond. The trail continues to the top of a low ridge before descending and reentering the woods, following the east side of the ridge downhill to VT-118 and the parking lot at Eden Crossing.

Trail Manager

For additional information, visit the Green Mountain Club website, or contact:

Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: (802) 244-7037
gmc@greenmountainclub.org
View website
VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation District 5: St. Johnsbury District
374 Emerson Falls Road
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone: (802) 751-0136
Luke.OBrien@vermont.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared to find your way home. Familiarize yourself with the area before you set out and bring your map and compass along.

Trailhead Information

The loop trail is accessed from the Eden Crossing Long Trail parking lot on VT-118. To get there, head 4.7 miles west on VT-118 from Eden then turn right into the parking area. 

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