Pico Peak Loop

OVERVIEW: This is a hike for the more advanced hiker up to the top of Pico Peak with gorgeous views of central Vermont.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 8.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 2000 feet

TERRAIN: Mountain trail, plus a 1-mile highway walk to complete the loop.

LOCATION: From the intersection of VT Route 7 (North Main Street) and US Route 4 East (Woodstock Avenue) in Rutland go east on Route 4 for 8.5 miles to the Long/Appalachian Trail crossing. There is a large, unpaved parking lot on the right. Park in the parking lot. Start your hike at the southwest corner of the parking lot.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The Long Trail (white blazes) shares a bridge with the Catamount Ski trail and then bears left to begin a more or less steady climb. In 1.9 miles there is a spur trail to Churchill Scott Shelter on the right, and in another 1.9 miles you arrive at Jungle Junction. Turn left and follow the Sherburne Pass Trail (blue blazes) for 0.4 miles to Pico Camp. The Pico Link to Pico Peak summit starts at the north side of the camp. After visiting the Peak return to the camp and continue north on the Sherburne Pass Trail for 2.9 miles to US Route 4 at Sherburne Pass. Follow Route 4 west for 1.0 miles to return to your starting point.

Caution: Be extremely careful while walking on heavily traveled Route 4.

POINTS OF INTEREST: About a mile from Sherburne Pass notice the sinkhole on the left where a running stream disappears into a hole in the ground.

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