The five of us became two thus a small group at the Jay Pass Parking Lot on VT Route 242 in Westfield. Another first hiking expedition again this weekend as never been on this trail and summit thus two new adventures back to back. Parking area is a paved area on side of road. We began our hike at approximately 9:30 am.

The Long Trail is a steady climb through a birch forest with plenty of conifers mixed in immediately as approach section of the trail which crosses over the ski trail at Jay Peak Ski Resort. After crossing ski trail an open steep rocky ascent to summit of about 3/10 of a mile. The mountain weather forecast called for southwest winds of 10 mph, temperatures of 40 degrees F and mostly sunny. The forecast did not disappoint as a beautiful Fall day as the summit was cloud free with awesome 360 degree views of surrounding landscapes.

We arrived at the summit at 11:20 am with the summit virtually to ourselves as only a few people present. After finding the geographical marker we took a few pictures then headed over summit peak past ski lodge to break for lunch on west side ski slope where we reviewed our personal ADK hike planned for Tuesday and basked in the sun until 12:30 pm. While eating lunch, the summit became audibly busier based on conversation activity overheard. We headed back up to the summit to take a group picture before heading back down and summit was notably busy as ski tram had begun transporting leaf-peepers up the mountain to view the color changes.

We masked up at 12:45 pm and headed back down the trail to navigate past some of the leaf-peepers. Once crossed the ski trail we only encountered about 6-10 people the rest of the hike arriving at the trailhead at 2:10 pm.

Another successful hike and beautiful day! Hike length 3.4 miles out and back, 1,680 foot elevation gain, no difficult rock scrambles.

Hike participants: Marcus Keely and Dale Schmit (leader). Photos: Marcus Keely, Dale Schmit.