Thru-Hiker Nears Long Trail End After Jay Peak Summit
A northbound thru-hiker completes the final full day on Vermont's Long Trail, summiting Jay Peak and preparing for the northern terminus after days on
A Long Trail thru-hiker is 22 miles from completion after days on the trail. The hiker, writing for The Trek, spent the final full hiking day summiting Jay Peak before planning to reach the northern terminus the following day.
Final Morning at Tillerton Camp
The hiker woke before sunrise at Tillerton Camp. Breakfast was cold-soaked oats, as the hiker had not used a stove during the entire journey, considering it a personal challenge. The ground was dry despite overnight rain, which the hiker noted might highlight drought conditions in the northern sections of the Long Trail. After packing, the hiker filtered water using a combination of a BeFree filter and Aqua Tabs.
A lighthearted moment occurred when the hiker discovered that two other campers, Henry and Sonic, were also Eagle Scouts. The trio, forming a "Triple Eagle Scout Nest," captured the moment with a photo before the narrator began hiking.
The Push Toward Jay Peak
The day's goal was to summit Jay Peak, roughly 12 miles from the morning's start, to leave an easier 8 or 9 miles for the final day. This plan aimed to allow time at the northern terminus before potential afternoon showers. The hiker's spirits were high, and southbound hikers remarked that the narrator was the first northbound hiker they had seen who did not look miserable.
Terrain included a quick ascent of Haystack Mountain, followed by a series of roller-coaster hills. Using trekking poles effectively, the hiker maintained momentum and moved quickly. The path to Jay Camp shelter was reached by late afternoon, where the hiker took a side trail to filter more water due to uncertainty about sources ahead.
Summit and Descent
After filtering water and eating a cold-soaked meal, the hiker began the steep but non-technical climb up Jay Peak. Runners passed on the ascent. The hiker reached the summit at 6 P.M. Under clear blue skies, with Lake Champlain visible. The hiker stayed for about half an hour, savoring the last major summit of the trek.
The descent led through a narrow, steep section near the Jay Peak Resort ski boundary, which the hiker noted could be easy to miss. On a subsequent steep, slick rock slab, the hiker took a final fall, landing on the right elbow. The day ended at Laura Woodward shelter, set up with about 20 minutes of sunlight remaining. The 272-mile hike will conclude the next day.
