Summit Reflections: My First Hike on Mount Mansfield, Vermont (2009)

There’s something unforgettable about your first summit. Back in 2009, I hiked Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, while in town for my little brother’s college graduation in Burlington. It wasn’t just a beautiful hike—it was my first hike ever, and I shared it with him.

Before that day, I had never really set foot on a trail. No trekking poles, no GPS, no idea what to expect. But my brother suggested we hike Mount Mansfield together, and I said yes. I’m so glad I did.

Starting the Climb

We chose the Sunset Ridge Trail, known for its open views and steady ascent. I remember how new everything felt—the smell of pine needles, the cool spring air, the sound of our footsteps on damp earth. I was a complete beginner, relying on my brother’s experience and encouragement with every step.

We talked about school, life, and what was next for him. He had just earned his degree, full of ambition and plans. I was still figuring out where I was headed, but that day on the trail, it didn’t matter. We were just two siblings climbing a mountain together.

Breaking Above the Trees

As we climbed higher, the trail shifted—forest gave way to open rock and alpine air. The wind picked up, and the views began to stretch endlessly in all directions. We followed the ridgeline toward the Chin, Mount Mansfield’s true summit, passing over features named for a face: the Forehead, Nose, and Lips.

I was out of breath, a little sore, and completely hooked.

The Summit

Reaching the top felt surreal. At 4,393 feet, I stood next to my brother, looking out across the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. There was a quiet between us, one I’ll always remember—not awkward, just peaceful. The kind of quiet that comes from knowing you’ve done something meaningful.

That summit didn’t just mark the highest point in Vermont—it marked the beginning of my love for hiking, nature, and finding clarity on the trail.

Looking Back

I haven’t been back to Mount Mansfield since 2009, but that hike has stayed with me. It was my first real outdoor challenge. My first summit. My first glimpse of the power of walking uphill, breathing deep, and finding stillness.

Since then, I’ve become a nurse, a hiker, and someone who craves that feeling of trail solitude. But that first hike? It started with a brother, a graduation weekend, and a mountain we climbed together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ever near Stowe, Vermont, and you’ve never hiked before—don’t be afraid to start with something big. Mount Mansfield taught me that even first hikes can shape you. And when you share it with someone you love, it becomes more than a trail. It becomes a memory that climbs with you, wherever you go.