Hiking Smugglers Notch to Sterling Pond with my Puppy

Looks like Fenna and I will have the place all to ourselves. Sterling Pond.

Vermont is a wonderful place to hike, but today I discovered a new layer of joy - hiking with Fenna the dog by my side. This was her first real hike, and I wasn't sure how she would do. I took her to the Sterling Pond Trail, which is on the shorter side, but with a 1,000ft elevation gain and tricky trail conditions, it would be a challenge for us both.

Fenna was already excited, just from the windy, windows partially-down drive up through Smugglers Notch. Once we hit the trail her dog nose was on full exploratory mode. We parked at the Smuggler's Notch visitor center, and the Sterling Pond Trail hike starts right across the street. We got their pretty early, and the notch has just recently reopened after being closed all winter, so the trail was very uncrowded. That's what I was hoping for.

Being her first hike, I kept Fenna on a leash. Even though Vermont laws say a dog must be on a leash in most parks, I find most people let their dogs go on their own. Hopefully Fenna will work her way up to that, but not yet. I had some doggie snacks in my backpack and there was clean, running water through the entire hike. Fenna treated the hike like a doggie agility course, leaping from rock to rock, scrambling up steeper sections, and looking back to make sure I was keeping up. There must have been lots of smells along the way as well that she kept stopping to check out.

Once we got to the pond, we sat together, taking in the view. Fenna did a bit of exploring, but was a little thrown off by the noise of the waves lapping against the rocky shore. Even though she must have been tired, she handled the steep walk back down like a champ. I can see why people like sharing hikes with their dogs now.

Now that we are back home, Fenna is curled up on the couch, fast asleep. Maybe she is dreaming about the next hike I'll take her on.

Fenna, crushing her first hike!

What a beautiful view from the banks of Sterling Pond.

After the big initial climb up from the parking area, I arrived at these crossroads, and jumped onto the famous 'Long Trail', which stretches the entire top to bottom length of Vermont.

Fenna was a little nervous about the noise the water made when the waves would lap against the rocky shoreline.

Fenna, unsure how to proceed.

Another view of Sterling Pond.

The trail was mostly shady, but the sun peaked through at the top.

The trail was a bit muddy, and there was still some snow, but it was relatively easy making our way up.

The higher I hiked, the more the forest turned into evergreens. Up at the pond, it was almost entirely evergreens.

I wasn't sure how Fenna would do on the steep parts of the hike, but she tackled it like a pro!

It was interesting to see what path Fenna preferred on our way up and down.

Our first snow pass.

This adventure was just perfect for Fenna.

This will probably be the last of the snow that we get to play in, before it all melts for spring.

The last bit of the trail down to Sterling Pond was a bit tricky. There were some downed trees and snow slippery, snowy rocks to navigate.

The downed tree was right next to the path, but luckily fell the other way.

The beginning of Sterling Pond trail from the Notch. It is about 1,000ft uphill to start.

Fenna, tackling her first big hike.

Fenna, looking a bit nervous but ready to go.

And away we go....!

As always, keep traveling and keep posting!

• Dai Mar