Northbound or Southbound this is some of the best the Long Trail has to offer - peaks, views and few crowds. Inn at the Long Trail (Killington) to Long Trail Inn (Johnson).
Northbound or Southbound this is some of the best the Long Trail has to offer - peaks, views and few crowds. Inn at the Long Trail (Killington) to Long Trail Inn (Johnson).
Can the Leg from the border to Lincoln Gap be done in under 12 days? Do we need longer, I want to take some side hikes that people have suggested and do not want to be rushed, but life goes on in the real world, and unfortunately we have to be back to pay the man...;(
I believe its around 100 miles, definately doable in 12 days even with the tough terrain. I started at Rt 4/Rutland and was able to average close to 15mpd, though I don't recommend going at that pace. Make sure to allow for extra time near Appalachian gap, burnt Rock Mtn, Camel's Hump area as it's slow going.
Also, don't miss the Long Trail Tavern in Johnson. Great stop. Really friendly owner Al, great food and good beers. Right near the LT too.
I'd also recommend building an extra day into your schedule in case you get bad weather (which is very possible on the LT). I'd hate to cross some above treeline sections like Mansfield, Camels Hump or Belvidere in a storm.
Anything's within walking distance if you've got the time.
GA-ME 03, LT 04/06, PCT 07'
By the mileage in LT guide-
Lincoln Gap Road --> Canadian border + 1.3 miles for Journey's End Trail = 123.0 miles.
Thanks North Country, I just ordered my book and it should be here soon. Do you happen to know where a good spot to get dropped off would be, around the 100 Mile mark, maybe the next trailhead or another blaze to the LT? Thanks again
If you still wanted to start at the Canadian border and head south, Camels hump would be right about the 100 mile mark.
If you still wanted to do 100 miles and end up at Lincoln gap, Hazens Notch would be the starting point.
I'd say start at Journeys end and see how far you get. If the weathers right and legs are good, you could squeeze out the extra miles. If not, you'd still be close enough to Warren to hitch or get picked up.
BTW, I'm going by the 25th edition, which doesn't include the detour (which I believe is shorter) for the new foot bridge over the Lamoille river.
The new edition will have this corrected.
Warren is just 5 miles East of the Lincoln Gap trail head. If I was hiking the LT for two weeks and Warren was going to be one end, I'd do the 120 (and change) miles from Lincoln Gap to the Canadian Border.
I've done the LT once in each direction and I think I'd take that stretch South Bound. I think starting at the northern remote end would be a great start to the experience. The remoteness of the trail and the trail head will get you into a nice frame of mind, and you'll be saving the more spectacular string of peaks and ridges for the second half of your hike. Jay, which you would hit on day 2 is nice peak - but it doesn't match the sting of 4K peaks later on.
You can't go wrong. The whole LT is great, but the Northern half is the best.
DEFINATELY don't miss the fire tower and .25 m side trail up to Mt. Belvidere. For me it was the best view on the whole LT, but I seriously lucked out. Got there on a weekday in september with crystal clear weather. No one around. Then again I've also been up there in a snowstorm, but that's another story!
You can see much of the LT you've walked/will walk, the Whites, the Daks on a clear day, and into Canada. It's quite a view!
Anything's within walking distance if you've got the time.
GA-ME 03, LT 04/06, PCT 07'