Babcock Trail

From the parking area of Rte 118, head to the register / trail signs. The Babcock Trail Extension goes left (NW) from the register into the woods on singletrack. (The Long Trail North goes straight/north. The Long Trail South goes right/SE). Fairly soon, the trail turns left on a woods road (Edsel Rich Rd), then returns to singletrack before crossing VT 118 (watch for fast traffic). From here, the Babcock Trail climbs steadily but gently through woods to Big Muddy Pond. Several beaver dams and smaller ponds follow as you descend gently to a junction with the Long Trail, just northeast of the Devil's Gulch section. Note: The Babcock Trail and Babcock Trail Extension are easier than the LT (which gains more elevation climbing to Ritterbush Overlook, and has many rock steps heading northbound). Preferred loop direction is to take the LT south from VT 118, and return via the Babcock Trail & Extension, unless you prefer hiking rock steps uphill rather than downhill. Babcock Trail also makes a great winter route due to gentler terrain.