| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Jay Peak, Big Jay, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Long Trail, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Monday, June 5, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Good size parking off the side of route 242 where the Long Trail crosses the highway. Plenty of room on this weekday.
If you are approaching from the south via I-91, use exit 26 on to route 5 north and follow the signs for Jay. Pass by the Jay ski area entrance on route 242. You will see a sign for the trail crossing. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Long Trail in good condition. There is one tree fall across the trail that is easy to step over on one end of the tree. Any other trees across the trail are on the ground.
The herd path to Big Jay is in pretty good condition. There are several tree falls which are easy step overs except one large tree that has a well worn by-pass. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Fine for dogs. Sir Jackson was well behaved and was enjoying the hike. |
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 | Bugs: |
Very few. Not a bother. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
I decided to hike Jay Peak and Big Jay for the first time because the weather was predicted to be much better in this region than in the White Mountains. The forecast was correct as there was a mix of sun and clouds with no rain.
The Long Trail northbound to Jay Peak is relatively short with good footing. As you near the summit you pass over some wood stairs and then cross a ski corridor (maybe 30' across) following the white blazes. The summit is open ledges with great views including Canada. There is a large tramway building at the summit. Walk down a wood staircase to continue north on the Long Trail. You will descend on the Long Trail on the ski trail (I think it was the Vermonter) following the white blazes. Continue on this ski trail passing by the start of the Tuckerman ski trail through the glades. You will encounter fencing to the left of the trail where you'll find an opening marked with a red colored wood pole, white blazes, and signs. Continue a very short distance on the white blazed Long Trail when you'll see the start of the herd path to Big Jay. The path is obvious. As noted above, there are some tree falls on the herd path. You will also run in to some mud. Today, the mud was not much of a problem walking through. I suspect these can be mud pits in the wet times. There are some walk around routes to avoid some of the mud areas. The rock ledges are few and easy except one larger rock ledge that had a walk around route. At the summit of Big Jay there is a glass lidded jar with a sign in log and pen.
Nice to meet Kathy and her dog Jackson on the summit of Big Jay. Kathy recently completed the grid and is working on the NE 100 highest.
Good to talk with a local hiker Mark who shared a lot of information.
Met no Long Trail thru hikers. |
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 | Name: |
WAUMBEK |
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 | E-Mail: |
waumbek@roadrunner.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-06-05 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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