A 100-Mile View from Hogback Mountain
October 08, 2013
The famous “100-Mile View” from Hogback Mountain in Marlboro is more than just a pretty place. When you stop at this popular scenic overlook on Route 9 (the Molly Stark Byway), you’ll find gorgeous views of forested land and mountains in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
But if you look a little closer, you’ll find remnants of Vermont’s ski history and meet people who rallied together to protect the land from development.
Formerly a ski area owned by the White family for 40 years, Hogback Mountain closed in 1986. Thanks to the efforts of local residents, the mountain remains a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Hogback Mountain Conservation Association purchased the property a few years ago and eventually transferred the land to the Town of Marlboro and the property’s conservation easement to the Vermont Land Trust.
Hogback is now open year-round to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more.
Diana Todd, who helped raise money for the Hogback Mountain Conservation Association purchase, said there are many small buildings still standing on the mountain, including a ski patrol building, lift operator shacks, and a snack bar at the base of the lifts. The towers that supported the t-bar lifts are still intact, and old ski slopes have become hiking trails.
Jeremy Davis, of the New England Lost Ski Areas Project, said what makes Hogback unique as a former ski area is that it’s open for public recreation, includes historical remnants, and is maintained. “It is easily accessible and even backcountry skiers can enjoy it,” he said.
When you stop at the Route 9 overlook at Hogback, you’ll want to soak up the incredible, sweeping, long-distance views to the south and east. But also set your sights on exploring Hogback. If you’re looking for beauty, nature, community and history, you won’t have to look very far.
**If You Go: Hogback Mountain
Molly Stark Byway
New England Lost Ski Areas Project
Hogback Mountain Gift Shop
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
Visitors will enjoy views of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire and Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts.
Baydog
Posted at 21:32h, 08 OctoberThank God they saved it from development. There is hope after all
Baydog
Posted at 21:43h, 08 OctoberBTW, I hiked the Presidential range in 1973 as a twelve year old while at summer camp in NH. A great experience which I’ll never forget.
Erica
Posted at 22:41h, 08 OctoberThat is impressive! What a memorable experience. I haven’t hiked too much in NH. Still trying to hike more of the Greens first! Hope you had a good summer. Hope you will be up at Stratton this winter.
Baydog
Posted at 23:25h, 08 OctoberWe will be.
Scott
Posted at 13:05h, 09 OctoberOne of my first memories of Vermont was on my first trip to NH via Rt 9. My friend and I stopped at the overlook here and were so impressed with the view. It wasn’t a view from the top of a mountain type of view, but beautiful nonetheless. (100 mile view)
Anyway, we stopped in the building there where they had a fire going and hot cider for sale which was a real treat for us city people lol. Downstairs, there was a huge taxidermy exhibit which was a little creepy. This was around 1991 I think.
In subsequent years, my wife and I would on occasion eat at the Skyline Restaurant, (they had nice grilled chicken sandwiches) but I think its been closed for some time now. Nice views, but I remember talking to our waitress there and discovered she had a Masters degree in something but made more $ serving tables.
Sorry for the memory purge there, but thanks for the post. Its a lovely trip across Rt 9 from Bennington to Brattleboro – still one of my favorite drives in Vermont that always reminds me of my first trip. 🙂
Erica
Posted at 14:04h, 09 OctoberThanks, Scott! Hogback and Route 9 is a wonderful place to explore. I’m glad to hear you have so many great memories of this place. I was really intrigued by the old buildings on Hogback, and I love that people pulled together to protect the land. Thanks for reading and thanks for saying hello!
Andi
Posted at 23:29h, 15 OctoberHappened to see the old t-bar on Hogback Mountain this morning on our fall foliage trip across New England and stopped. Great stuff for industrial achaeologists in the base station – as if all was just left behind in 1986 and hardly ever touched again. Highly fascinating! Here are some photos: http://www.jacomet.ch/themen/skilift/album/thumbnails.php?album=313
Erica
Posted at 08:42h, 16 OctoberHi Andi,
What great photos! Thanks for sending these along. It really is such an incredible place – fascinating indeed! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the mountain since we visited in late September, and I hope to do some hiking there next summer or fall. Thanks for saying hello!
-Erica
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Posted at 11:46h, 09 February[…] down the road from the ruins of Hogback is one of the best sights along The Molly Stark Byway, the “100 mile view”, offering pretty much exactly what it claims. There are even a few old wooden buildings perched […]
karen
Posted at 22:30h, 15 OctoberMy daughter-in-law Lusa shared your happyvermont.com site and I am minutes from 100 Mile view, staying at Wilminton…beautiful place to explore..
i agree with happy Vermont….today in Brattleboro I found a shirt that said, Vermont.Calm…pretty place
Erica
Posted at 09:35h, 16 OctoberHi Karen — Wilmington is great, isn’t it? The 100-mile view is lovely this time of year — I need to hike around Hogback one of these days. Thanks for saying hello! -Erica
dgrb
Posted at 18:05h, 27 FebruaryWhen my wife and I stopped at 100-mile view, in September 1983, it was so foggy you couldn’t even see to the other side of the road.
I’ve often wondered what the view looked like – or if there actually WAS a view…
Erica
Posted at 15:08h, 28 FebruarySorry to hear it was foggy when you visited. It is a lovely view when the skies are clear. Thanks for saying hello!
Connie DAndrea
Posted at 18:27h, 23 SeptemberEvery single year since I met my hubby, this will be our 20th ride to Hogback.
I call it “One of the most beautiful places in the world”
A must see!!! The view is unforgettable!
Cheese & wines good too
Safe travels
Erica
Posted at 11:05h, 24 SeptemberHi Connie — I love that view! What a nice tradition to go back year after year. Definitely a special place. Have a great time again this year. -Erica
chris haslund
Posted at 12:15h, 08 DecemberOne of my favorite places, so many memories. I’m sure my great aunt would be pleased that her mountain is there for so many
Erica
Posted at 21:51h, 08 DecemberA beautiful place, Chris. I can see why it’s one of your favorite spots!
Edward Hick
Posted at 13:45h, 16 AugustCame across this beautiful place by accident while travelling to Utica, New York from Portland Maine on our way home to Ontario, Canada. Its always great to see land being preserved for future generations.
Erica
Posted at 19:35h, 18 AugustI’m so glad you saw this spot, Edward! It is lovely. Thanks for saying hello!