Mount Equinox Skyline Drive — Attraction in Sunderland

Knocked it a star because of the very curt, borderline rude employee we encountered on 10/23. I went in to purchase our token to drive up to the top and this woman was far from warm and welcoming. She plainly pointed to the TV and said, "this is happening right now." I was confused as to what she was talking about and she again said, "this is what is happening up there." I told her I was confused, it was our first time and wasn't sure what she wanted of me. She pretty rudely said that it was overcast, so I asked if that meant it was closed. She said it wasn't but said I may not want to go up. I now realized she was trying to let me know the conditions weren't going to be optimal, but the way she went about it -- wow. No hello or welcome offered and definitely no clear explanation as to what pointing to a TV screen and saying what she said meant. I asked, "are you trying to tell me that I shouldn't go?" and she just shrugged. I was kind of in shock...first person in our travels up north to seem to no want to welcome us to their beautiful state and landmark. We ended up driving up anyway and I'm glad we did. The views, even being overcast, were amazing. We even hiked down to the overlook place, about a mile round-trip. I would definitely go back, just hope for more...

This was a last-minute decision to visit here while on our most recent Vermont trip, and we are definitely glad we did!

The drive up starts a bit slowly without much scenery or interesting flora, but quickly improves. There are several pull-offs along the way up, many with incredible views. As you travel along the road, the trees change from mixed species to purely evergreen, and become dwarfed as you get near the top.

At the top there is a parking lot with a visitor center that has both first and second floor viewing platforms, with 360 degree incredible views.

There is also a half mile trail from the visitor center to a lookout rock that is a must-see if you're up for it. When it's wet, the rocks are slippery, and there are several muddy spots. However, other than that, it's not a difficult hike.

The only negative is the clunky method to pay. There is a tiny parking lot at the bottom, and you must park and go in to purchase a token to open the toll gates. The parking lot was packed, and it was a real chore. I don't know why they don't just have a gate house like every other mountain summit road I've done has.

I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a...

Mount Equinox is an awesome place. Especially when you have a clear weather day for visibility on sights. There is a road to drive up the mountain and there is a hiking trail to go up the mountain. The hiking trail usually has a specific time in the afternoon when it closes so if you plan on hiking up the mountain I recommend going early and/or looking up the time the trail closes. Before you enter the two ways to get up the mountain, there is a gift shop with a bathroom. You must go in there before driving up the mountain because a token is needed for the gate. I don't know if the token is necessary for the hiking trail. I would assume it isn't. It's probably a scenario where you have to check in at the building when beginning and check out at the building when finished. I strongly recommend this mountain. There's at least three different picnic spots and at least three different stopping spots for enjoying a view or having a picnic. The stopping spots are also recommended as a break for your car breaks. It's a tall mountain so make sure you have a car that can drive up high mountains and drive down hign mountains. A modercycle is also allowed on the...