Franconia Ridge

Franconia Ridge

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Hike to Jay Peak and Big Jay


Summits: Jay Peak (3,862'), Big Jay (3,786')
Trail route: Long Trail to Jay Peak, Herd Path to Big Jay
Trail conditions: Long Trail was dry, herd path was overgrown and muddy 
Weather: Warm and slightly humid, sunshine to overcast
Total miles: 5.5
Total time:  4:20

This would be my first hiking venture into Vermont. Jay Peak and Big Jay are on the New England Hundred Highest list. I was joining Lisa and Scott for this hike and was glad to have their company.

It was a two-hour drive on twisting and winding country roads. Lisa and Scott had a four-hour drive and they arrived at the trailhead parking lot shortly after I did. We got a later than usual start but that was not a problem since this is a short hike as compared to other hikes we have done in the past.

The Long Trail is a relatively easy climb to the summit of Jay Peak although it was a bit humid and warm today. There were other hikers on the summit as well as tourists that had come up on the tram. There were good views on the ledgy summit. We didn't stay long and continued on to our next summit.

It was a little tricky finding the trail to Big Jay since the fence we were expecting to pass through ended. We continued down a ski trail on the other side of Jay Peak as I followed my GPS and confirmed with another hiker that we were going in the right direction. We found another fence and the opening where the Long Trail continued. 

The one mile herd path to Big Jay turned off to the left from the Long Trail. While the path is well beaten down it is quite brushy and there was lots of mud. There was also a few tricky spots where the trail seemed to end but picked up again without much trouble finding it. We arrived at a viewless summit. After signing the register that was in a pickle jar we started our return trip. 

Of course it was a repeat of dry "car-washing" brush and branches with the same mud on the way back to Jay Peak. From there it was a pleasant hike back down to the trailhead and it was a good start to my first Vermont peaks!

Enjoy the photos!

The hike starts here

Yellow Jewelweed

A huge tree growing sideways on the trail

We took a short side path to a ski trail to get some views

Ledges up ahead

A bridge over snow-making water lines

Crossing a ski trail to start some ledge scrambling to the summit

Tram coming up

Memorial bench on the summit

Tram arriving at the summit

On the summit of Jay Peak

Jay Peak summit marker

A look down from the summit

Big Jay our next summit 

Summit tram lodge

On our way to Big Jay

Flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata)


We find the opening in the fence that leads to the herd path to Big Jay

Asters

On the Long Trail

Flags mark the herd path to the left of the Long Trail

Indian pipe

On the herd path


Signed the Big Jay summit register

On the summit of Big Jay before we start the return trip

North view from the trail

On our way back to Jay Peak

Blue bead lily

Dark mushroom

Back at the opening in the fence

On Jay Peak again

A last view of Big Jay from Jay Peak

It's all downhill from here

Back at the trailhead


Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!

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