| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Ellen, General Stark Mountain, VT |
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 | Trails: |
Stark Mountain Trail, Long Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Saturday, June 28, 2014 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parked at Mad River Glen Ski area on Rte 17 - large lot across the road from the base area - just keep an eye out lot is at a sharp curve and there is a fair amount of traffic on Rte 17. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable, Mud - Significant |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None on this route |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
On Long Trail between junction with Jerusalem Trail and Mount Ellen - two large duckunders one I needed to crouch low; two easy stepovers partially in the trail |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
A nice hike for the canines - met several on the Long trail today. Today there were small trickles on the long trail for water but in drier times it would be a long hike without any water along the way. |
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 | Bugs: |
Out today but not too bad - did get a few bites even with DEET |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
An out and back to Mount Ellen. Decided to head up from Mad River Glen ski area and was glad for the choice - lots of views heading up. The Stark Mountain Foundation maintains a set of hiking trails on the ski slopes. There are specific routes so if heading this way, visit their site or the Mad River Glen site to get a map of the trails. Stark Mountain trail follows a utility road from the base to a clearing .2 miles from the Stark's nest - 2.5 miles. Trail is easy going to the mid station where it does get a bit steeper but nothing challenging. Lots of views along the way out over towards Camel's Hump and Mansfield. Long trail runs alongside the clearing and is accessed through an obvious path - about 3 miles to Ellen Summit. Followed Long trail over General Stark Mountain and along the ridgeline to Mount Ellen. A nice and easy walk with the only steep part coming off Gen Stark with a few minor ups and downs along the way. Long trail is in the trees but Orvis Lookout provides views over Lake Champlain, there is a clearing right below the summit of Mount Ellen and Mount Ellen offers 360 views.
Stark Mountain trail had a few spots of mud. More mud along Long trail as there are numerous bog bridges that have deteriorated. It was a hot an humid day so haze obscured the long views but still plenty to see - This route is about 10 miles with about 3000 feet gain including the 300 feet back up and over Gen. Stark but a great way to get to Ellen. As a bonus the general stark pub is located at the base station and open 4-8 PM for that after hike beer - A very nice staff. |
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 | Name: |
Brian from Maine |
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 | E-Mail: |
brobert1@maine.rr.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2014-06-28 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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