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Long Trail, VT

Jul 23 - Jul 30, 2016 -- $1325 ★★★★

The Long Trail in Vermont is the oldest long distance hiking trail in the United States. It runs from Massachusetts to Canada high among spiny ridges and atop the highest mountains in the state. The Long Trail was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail -- which overlaps for about 100 miles.


On our trek we will explore the furthest North reaches of the trail until we get to the Canadian border (passport not necessary). Although the often wooded trail is primarily a boreal forest, there are views from several peaks along they way, particularly Jay Peak which offers sweeping 360 degree views in all directions. For rugged wilderness in the warm summer months, few destinations compare.


This is a place that bears, moose, raptors and mosquitoes (sigh) call home. For adventure at its rugged best, join us on the Long Trail.



Weather

Weather is always an important concern when hiking. Expect daytime hiking temperatures in the 70s and nighttime temperatures in the 50s. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures as high as 90 and as low as 30, with a reasonable chance of rainfall. Here is the average July weather for nearby Montgomery Center, VT. Expect it to be a cooler at the higher elevations that we're hiking. Be prepared for very cold temps at the highest elevations as well as warm sunny weather or rain.



Trip Leaders

Steve Silberberg
and either or both of
Deb Lusk
Charlie Casper


Cost

$1325 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Burlington Airport (BTV), as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 6 days of trail meals, ground transportation to/from Burlington and the Long Trail, permits, insurance, satellite phone and awesome guides.



Note


Although daily mileage appears to be moderate, do not underestimate the difficulty of this trip. We will ascend or descend 1000' or more almost every day. Furthermore, the trail may be full of rocks, roots, mud or all of these things. We find that terrain is the most difficult impediment most participants face. And then it might rain.


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
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Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Saturday, July 23, 2016

Drive or fly into Burlington Airport (BTV). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

We will pick you up at the airport and shuttle you to Quality Inn Colchester/Burlington, 84 South Park Drive, Colchester, VT, 05446, 802-655-1400

Equipment shakedown

Trail mix distribution

Go to The Outdoor Gear Exchange, 37 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401, (888) 547-4327 (open 10-8) for last minute equipment if necessary

"Before" measurements taken

Go out for dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)



Sunday, July 24, 2016

Second set of "before" measurements taken

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Free Breakfast at hotel

Shuttle to Eden Crossing, VT Route 118, elevation 1137'

Begin hiking Northbound on the Long Trail

Hike 2.6 steep uphill miles to junction of the Forester's Trail

Drop & hide backpacks here in order to day-hike 0.2 miles to Belvidere Mountain Summit, elevation 3360'

There is an open-deck fire tower on Belvidere Mountain Summit that boasts spectacular sweeping views of Northern Vermont including the Green Mountains, the Cold Hollow Mountains, several Canadian Mountains and on clear days Mount Washington (the highest peak in New Hampshire) 71 miles away.

Day-hike 0.2 miles back to the Long Trail

Hike 2.8 miles to Tillotson Camp

Camp at Campsite Tillotson Camp, 50' past the Frank Post Trail intersection, elevation 2560'

Miles today: 5.8. Total miles: 5.8

Possible bailout: Eden Crossing, Route 118


Monday, July 25, 2016

Ascend 0.6 miles to Tillotson Peak, elevation 3040'

Steeply descend 400 vertical feet to a saddle and then ascend 2.1 miles to the top of Haystack Mountain

Drop & hide backpacks here in order to day-hike 0.2 miles to Haystack Summit, elevation 3223'

Day-hike 0.2 miles back to the Long Trail

Steeply descend 1.9 miles to unpaved VT Route 58 (Hazen's Notch), elevation 1793'

Hike 1.5 uphill miles to a spur trail

Hike 0.1 miles to Hazen's Notch Camp, elevation 2040'

Camp at Hazen's Notch Camp, elevation 2040'

Miles today: 6.6. Total miles: 12.4

Possible bailout: VT Route 58


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Hike 0.1 miles back to the Long Trail.

Climb 1.4 miles to Bruce Peak, elevation 2871;

Ascend 0.9 miles to Buchanan Mountain with views of Jay Peak, elevation 2940'

Hike 1.2 miles to Domeys Dome, elevation 2880'.

Hike 1.0 miles to Gilpin Mountain, elevation 2940'.

Hike 0.8 downhill miles to Jay's Pass, VT 242.

Hike 0.4 miles on the Jay Loop to Jay Camp, elevation 2200'.

Camp at Jay Camp, elevation 2200'

Miles today: 5.8. Total miles: 18.2

Possible bailout: VT 242.


Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Climb a long, steep 1.7 miles to the summit of Jay Peak, elevation 3858'

There are sweeping views in every direction

Hike 1.5 downhill miles to Laura Woodward shelter, elevation 2800'

Miles today: 3.2. Total miles: 21.4

Possible bailout: VT route 242


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Hike 0.9 miles to Doll Peak, elevation 3409'

Hike 0.5 miles to North Jay Peak, elevation 3438'

Hike 2.9 miles to Shooting Star shelter, elevation 2260'

Important Note: If our group is too large, we may have to split into 2 groups. One will camp here and the other will camp at Journey's End Camp 5 miles away

Hike 0.6 miles to Burnt Mountain, elevation 2608'

Hike 1.2 miles to VT Route 105

Hike 1.2 miles to Carleton Mountain, elevation 2670'

Hike 1.4 miles to the Northern Terminus of the Long Trail at the border of Canada, elevation 2670'

Hike 0.6 miles to Journey's End Camp, elevation 1720'

Camp at Journey's End shelter, elevation 1720'

Miles today: 7.6. Total miles: 34.1

Possible bailout: Journey's End Parking Area


Friday, July 29, 2016

Hike 0.7 miles to Journey's End Parking Area

End of hiking portion of trip

Possible bailout: Journey's End Parking Area

Miles today: 0.7. Total miles: 33.8

Shuttle back to Quality Inn Colchester/Burlington, 84 South Park Drive, Colchester, VT, 05446, 802-655-1400

After measurements taken

Dinner and awards Ceremony (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Saturday, July 30, 2016

Free breakfast in Hotel

We will drop you at the airport


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