Lye Brook Wilderness Traditional Geocache

The Lye Brook Wilderness is the feature of this cache and is located in the southern Green Mountains of Vermont. This wilderness is named after Lye Brook, which flows through its western half. The wilderness is about 18,000 acres and ranges from 900 feet to 2900 feet above sea level. Most is above 2500 feet, on a high plateau with several ponds and bogs. Four and a half miles of the Appalachian/Long Trail cross the northwest tip of the wilderness.

The cache is at the east boundary of the Lye Brook Wilderness. The cache is located about 10 feet southeast of sign. You do not have to leave the trail to grab the cache.

There are four routes to choose from to get to this cache. Do not bushwhack. Allow at least 30 minutes a mile hiking time.

>Stratton Pond Trail is about 10 miles round trip on relatively flat terrain. Trailhead is on Kelly Stand Rd.

The next 3 options will require a brook crossing just before the cache. Look for the shallowest part.

>Bourne Pond Trail is about 8 miles round trip on fairly easy terrain. Trailhead is at the end of FR70.

>Branch Pond Trail merges on to Bourne Pond trail after a couple miles and is about 12 miles round trip on fairly easy terrain. Trailhead is on Kelly Stand Rd.

>Lye Brook Trail is about 20 miles round trip and would make a nice overnight hike. There is steep terrain in the beginning. Trailhead is in Manchester.

PLEASE NOTE:  This area is considered "Back Country". Always be fully prepared when back country hiking. Even on a day hike. Bring spare socks, extra clothing, space blanket, lighter, first aid kit, food, etc. Never go alone if not experienced in back country hiking.

There is a freshwater Spring at Bourne Pond. There is a spring at Stratton Pond also.

Congratulations to bjpremore on the FTF!