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This section of the Long Trail extends from Birch Glen Camp to the summit of Bolton Mountain.


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Map Key

27.5

Miles

44.3

KM

79%

Runnable

4,045' 1,233 m

High

322' 98 m

Low

7,632' 2,326 m

Up

6,015' 1,833 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

64%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

This section starts at Birch Glen Camp and climbs up to Cowles Cove Shelter.

From here, the trail climbs up to the open ledges of Burnt Rock Mountain. The descent from the north side of the mountain gets a little more technical, as it consists of ropes and ladders. The trail crosses into Camel's Hump State Park and climbs over the peaks of Mount Ira Allen and Mount Ethan Allen. The trail descends the ridgeline, then turns left (at Allis Trail). In a short distance, you'll reach Montclair Glen Lodge.

The trail begins its ascent of Camel's Hump false summits. After a few minor peaks, the real climb begins. In the winter, the rime ice covers the blazes on the rocks, making it difficult to find the trail. The trail descends open rock to Bamforth Ridge Shelter. There's limited water along this exposed stretch, so be sure to bring ample water. Bamforth Ridge Shelter is a large shelter with a few tent platforms. It has a large cooking area with 3 bear boxes.

The trail descends down to Duxbury Window, an excellent view framed by tree branches. The trail, also, passes by a few interesting caves along this stretch. It descends to Duxbury Road and turns left. It follows the road and travels along the edge of a few fields. When the trail reaches the stream crossing at Honey Hollow Brook, there's the High Water Bypass option (if the stream is impassible). It follows the edge of another field, before coming out to the road, again. Follow the road, then cross over on the Winooski Footbridge. Originally, the Long Trail continued along Duxbury Road to Jonesville and went up Stage Road. Since the bridge's installation (in 2015), the Long Trail now follows the new route up to Stimson Mountain. It ascends the slopes of Stimson Mountain as passes by Duck Brook Trail, the trail that was the original Long Trail. The trail continues on to Buchanan Shelter. It climbs until it reaches the summit of Bolton Mountain.

Flora & Fauna

Flo: Dame's Rocket, Eastern Hemlock, Hobblebush, Beech.
Fauna: Black Bears, Woodpeckes, Mergansers, Hawks, Dragonflies.

Shared By:

David Smith

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#31080

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#254

in Vermont

#31,080

Overall
7 Views Last Month
110 Since Nov 12, 2021
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Photos

Mt. Ethan Allen looking east
Oct 10, 2018 near Waterbury, VT
Off the summit of Camel's Hump.
Aug 28, 2017 near Waterbury, VT
View from Duxbury Window.
Nov 20, 2021 near Waterbury, VT
False Summit along the Long Trail
Oct 10, 2018 near Waterbury, VT
A view from the peak of Camel's Hump
Aug 24, 2017 near Waterbury, VT
One of the many caves along the Long Trail.
Nov 20, 2021 near Waterbury, VT

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