A winter adventure to Mt Abraham and Ellen (VT NE67)

Welcome to a hike up two of Vermont's 4000 footers - Mt Abraham (4006ft) and Mt. Ellen (4083)! We will take the Battell trail up to the Long trail for an out and back to summit Mt. Abraham followed by Ellen for a total of 11.4 miles and 3707ft of elevation gain. With the longer daylight hours and milder temperatures this is expected to be a pleasant winter hike. There are stunning views to be had from the top of Mt. Abraham towards Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains. While the summit of Mt. Ellen is wooded there is a view point up ahead near the ski lifts.

One way to make this hike shorter and in turn better would be to continue past Mt. Ellen and hike down the Jerusalem trail to make it a 10.25 mile hike with 3140ft elevation gain, instead of an out and back. The only catch is we will need to car spot between Jerusalem and Battell trailhead (7.2miles, 16 mins one way). But we save 1.5 miles of walking, going back the same route and 600 fewer feet of elevation gain. So if we have 2 or more cars we shall take this option.

Trail map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/vermont/mt-abraham-and-mt-ellen-via-battell-trail

Distance: 10.25 miles Elevation: 3140ft

Carspotting trail map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/abraham-and-ellen-alternate-35d8f38

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/abraham-and-ellen-alternate-35d8f38

There will be a gear check for this hike at the pick up location and at the trailhead if you're a non-carpooler. If you don't have the gear, you will not be allowed to join the hike. No exceptions!

What to bring:

Waterproof, winter-hiking boots (no sneakers, no trail runners)

Non-cotton base layer (preferable wool or synthetic)

Breathable mid-layer (eg: microfleece)

Warm socks (atleast a 2nd extra pair)

Water-proof outer shell jacket

Waterproof pants.

Microspikes (Mandatory, no yaktrax)

Gaiters

Snowshoes (Mandatory)

Waterproof and insulated Gloves

Hat

Ski goggles (incase of squalls).

Headlamp (in case we hike into the night with the early sunsets)

Hand and toe warmers (highly recommended)

3 liters of water that won't freeze. (Insulated water bottle or other method)

Electrolytes

Snacks and lunch. You will be burning a lot of energy!

Trekking poles (highly recommended)

First aid kit

digital or printed trail map

Snowshoes (requirement will be updated closer to the hike)

Upbeat attitude

Expectation:

This is NOT a beginner hike so you must be in good shape and have confidence in finishing it, in winter conditions! We will be keeping a steady 1.5 mph pace throughout the hike and would try to hike as a group. However if you are slowing the group down (this includes myself too) I expect you to have the grace to turn back and wait at the trail head. You must have the gear above or you will be turned away before leaving the carpool spot/trailhead. You are responsible for having a map of this hike; this is not a guided hike. You are joining like-minded enthusiasts and are responsible for your own safety and preparedness. Beyond that lets make this a memorable trip, with great weather and a trip into a winter wonderland. Happy hiking!

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