| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Jay Peak, Big Jay, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Long Trail, ski trails, herd path |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, February 22, 2024 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Jay Pass, not plowed but 1-2" of snow, no issues. Listen for cars are go for it when crossing |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
The ski guns where off, so crossing it was easy. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
One or two downed trees. This section of the LT faired far better than that further south |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
One doggo out enjoying a great day |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
A FINE day in the North East Kingdom, where practically every station, including NPR, c'est Francais! A nice change from other areas where its country, NPR, or that one random God station where the preacher feels like he's absolutely screaming bible verses at you like a disappointed father. The trails, on the ascent, where in very good shape. Packed trail, but about 2" of loose granular. I opted pretty much immediately to put on snowshoes, as the snow conditions with the trails steeper gradient made them by far the most efficient method of moving. Snowshoes will likely continue to be the most efficient mode of travel as the snow is going to be falling from the trees and freeze/thaw. It should be noted there are several snowboard/ski tracks deviating off the LT, especially around the big tree at ~2600, but it will be pretty obvious when you are beaver deep in a post hole if you make the wrong choice. Car to summit in about 45 minutes. Despite not being here in years, route finding was a breeze. I was waiting for the Jay snipers to shoot me crossing over a rope of a closed trail, but I am still here. The way over the Big Jay is very obvious. There are some decision points, if you always choose uphill, you will be victorious. By this time, the sun had arisen and despite Canadian's usual friendly disposition, they decided to start lobbing snow grenades. I was happy to be on my way out. I kept snowshoes, despite the fact that it was spring sticky snow and had 2-3 pounds extra on each foot. This enabled me to somewhat chaotically snowshoe-ski for large portions of the trail. I don't get out much so this was all the thrills I need. It wouldn't be a trip to Vermont without pouring maple syrup in the snow in the parking lot and rolling it up with a stick. Ahhh simple pleasures. I was unable to find a creemee place that was open this early, despite passing more cattle farms than people. Writing this trip report was likely longer than it took me to do this hike. |
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 | Name: |
The Teal Goat |
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 | E-Mail: |
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| Date Submitted: |
2024-02-23 |
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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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