Hiking the Long Trail: North to Jay Peak
On, Friday, July 29, we decided to take on the highest peak in the northern Vermont, Jay Peak. It is home to the most snow in the east. In fact, just this past spring they had so much snow pack that they had a golf and ski package for the end of May. Nine holes and a lift ticket. Jay is described as a craggy old mountain that tempts you to ski its endless snow. The day we went the snow was gone. This is a good thing, since I don't see how you could climb to the summit with snow on the ground.
Getting to the trail head was easy. Just climb to the top of Jay pass on Route 242. Parking is to the south and the Long Trail North is on the other side of the road. (You could take the Long Trail on the same side as you park, but you will not make it to the top of Jay Peak that way.) The trail goes past Atlas Valley Shelter, if you don't have to stay here don't. There is a much better shelter less than a half mile away, just follow the blue blazes when you get to them. Other than that keep an eye out for the Long Trail's white blazes. The trail heads up the mountain fast. When the trail finally levels off is starts to weave around trees and rocks. Take this time to recuperate your energy. The trail will get steeper up ahead.
Eventually you start to climb up some rock slabs. They range anywhere from nice flat outcroppings to the tops of worn slabs that you have to balance yourself to get across. This will make more sense when you do this for yourself. Now, if you're paying attention to the trees around you, you will see that up the mountain and to your right is a ski slope. The trail follows this until it eventually crosses it near the top. When you finally make it to the ski slope, you will have to cross the pipes they use to make snow (like they need anymore). From here you get a choice. You can take the easy way up the ski slope and to the summit (why you would want to is up to you), or you can take the more interesting way on the Long Trail on the other side of the ski slope. From here the Long Trail goes up and over a large rock. It is fun. That is if you have enough energy left to climb them.
This is a quick hike up a rather quiet part of the Long Trail. All the twists and turns in the trail, as well as the dense foliage, can make you feel that this is your own private trail. And, maybe, just maybe, the day that you choose to do this hike will be a little less cloudy than the day that I did this.
Have a great time on the trail, and remember
The Mountain Grows Taller Around Every Bend In The Trail.
Getting to the trail head was easy. Just climb to the top of Jay pass on Route 242. Parking is to the south and the Long Trail North is on the other side of the road. (You could take the Long Trail on the same side as you park, but you will not make it to the top of Jay Peak that way.) The trail goes past Atlas Valley Shelter, if you don't have to stay here don't. There is a much better shelter less than a half mile away, just follow the blue blazes when you get to them. Other than that keep an eye out for the Long Trail's white blazes. The trail heads up the mountain fast. When the trail finally levels off is starts to weave around trees and rocks. Take this time to recuperate your energy. The trail will get steeper up ahead.
Eventually you start to climb up some rock slabs. They range anywhere from nice flat outcroppings to the tops of worn slabs that you have to balance yourself to get across. This will make more sense when you do this for yourself. Now, if you're paying attention to the trees around you, you will see that up the mountain and to your right is a ski slope. The trail follows this until it eventually crosses it near the top. When you finally make it to the ski slope, you will have to cross the pipes they use to make snow (like they need anymore). From here you get a choice. You can take the easy way up the ski slope and to the summit (why you would want to is up to you), or you can take the more interesting way on the Long Trail on the other side of the ski slope. From here the Long Trail goes up and over a large rock. It is fun. That is if you have enough energy left to climb them.
This is a quick hike up a rather quiet part of the Long Trail. All the twists and turns in the trail, as well as the dense foliage, can make you feel that this is your own private trail. And, maybe, just maybe, the day that you choose to do this hike will be a little less cloudy than the day that I did this.
Have a great time on the trail, and remember
The Mountain Grows Taller Around Every Bend In The Trail.
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