Mount Abraham Summit
With over an inch of rain in the forecast starting early afternoon, we set our alarms for 6AM and got on the road early. Hiking by 8AM, we started up route #6 on the Sugarbush Ski Resort Hiking map. We deviated from the route once to short cut the route up Organ Grinder, but then got back on #6 to the top of Lincoln Peak. The route up was a steady 2300ft climb. There was some construction going on up there but we found our way to the observation deck and the Long Trail easily. The wind chill temperatures at this elevation were near freezing so we didn't linger long and started off on the Long Trail towards Abraham's bald summit. We passed by some blowdown, a few muddy sections and over one downed tree. We passed by Little Abe at 3900 feet before reaching Mount Abraham proper. When we arrived, there were 4 others there already - all of us being blasted by the wind. The views were spectacular in all directions and there was a rock ring constructed on the summit to protect from the wind. We donned some more clothing and gloves and took a few photos before quickly retreating back to the same trail we came in on. Back in the trees we added more layers as the ridge was still frigid and we weren't generating enough heat now that we were travelling on the ridge. We got back to the Lincoln chair and passed quickly through an open area back onto the Long Trail ridge. The trail here becomes easier as it moves towards the CastleRock chair and we were able to pick up the pace a bit. Still exposed to the wind we didn't stop until we got to the top of the chair.
Here Glenn decided his foot (which is slated for foot surgery) had enough of the uneven terrain and decided he we would descent the ski hill while I continued on the Long Trail over to Mount Ellen. I skidaddled onto the Long Trail ascending over a few bumps to Cutt's Peak where I double checked my position on my GPS watch and then continued on to Ellen. The trail has a couple of muddy spots to skirt but for the most part is an easy walk. Ellen's summit is treed and close to the top of another part of Sugarbush ski hill. I thought about descending that Sugarbush North ski hill rather than turning back the way I came and get Glenn to come pick me up. I couldn't find any information about hiking on that portion of the ski hill online and saw that everyone who was out hiking on the day returning the way we came so I followed suit. The trail out to Ellen was not difficult, so it only took about 40 minutes to re-trace my steps before I was back at the top of the Castle Rock chair texting Glenn at the bottom. I descended the Troll Road run to the base with the top third being a bit loose an steep and then bottom 2/3rds being a beautiful fall walk with colours in all directions. An hour later I met up with Glenn and the bottom who was listening to a live band at the base and a crowd at the village enjoying a crisp fall day.
Luckily I had beaten the rain and was able to get back to the car and start the 5 hour drive home north before it hit. We decided to forego camping for another night due to the rain but there is something so magical about Vermont's scenery, vibe and hiking I wish we could have stayed longer. Vermont is done!
Hike Stats:
Distance: 17.82km
Time: 5 hours 27 mins
Elevation gain: 1158m or 3808ft
Vermont: 5/5
Northeast 115er count: #96 and #97 out of 115
October 13th, 2024
Here Glenn decided his foot (which is slated for foot surgery) had enough of the uneven terrain and decided he we would descent the ski hill while I continued on the Long Trail over to Mount Ellen. I skidaddled onto the Long Trail ascending over a few bumps to Cutt's Peak where I double checked my position on my GPS watch and then continued on to Ellen. The trail has a couple of muddy spots to skirt but for the most part is an easy walk. Ellen's summit is treed and close to the top of another part of Sugarbush ski hill. I thought about descending that Sugarbush North ski hill rather than turning back the way I came and get Glenn to come pick me up. I couldn't find any information about hiking on that portion of the ski hill online and saw that everyone who was out hiking on the day returning the way we came so I followed suit. The trail out to Ellen was not difficult, so it only took about 40 minutes to re-trace my steps before I was back at the top of the Castle Rock chair texting Glenn at the bottom. I descended the Troll Road run to the base with the top third being a bit loose an steep and then bottom 2/3rds being a beautiful fall walk with colours in all directions. An hour later I met up with Glenn and the bottom who was listening to a live band at the base and a crowd at the village enjoying a crisp fall day.
Luckily I had beaten the rain and was able to get back to the car and start the 5 hour drive home north before it hit. We decided to forego camping for another night due to the rain but there is something so magical about Vermont's scenery, vibe and hiking I wish we could have stayed longer. Vermont is done!
Hike Stats:
Distance: 17.82km
Time: 5 hours 27 mins
Elevation gain: 1158m or 3808ft
Vermont: 5/5
Northeast 115er count: #96 and #97 out of 115
October 13th, 2024
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