Orleans County High Point Trip Report

Jay Peak

Date: July 2002
Author: Denis Hanson

Jay Peak is at the northern end of Vermont only a few miles south of Canada. To get there, head for Newport VT, then head west on Routes 100, 101, and 242 to Jay Pass at the southern foot of the mountain. A more scenic route follows Route 58 west from Irasburg, through Hazens Notch, meeting up with Route 242 which you follow north to Jay Pass. There is a dirt parking lot on the south side of the height of land in Jay Pass. This is where you should park (5 out of 6 cars were Subarus when I was there - seems to be the unofficial car of VT). The Long Trail crosses Route 242 at this point.

Follow the Long Trail north for 1.7 miles and 1700 feet of gain to the top of Jay Peak. During the steady ascent there are occasional views to the south and southwest. The high point is on open ledges maybe a hundred feet from the summit gondola station - the other way to get to the top. There are extensive views in all directions - Marcy, Mansfield, Washington, and Montreal were visible.

Note: It is easy to climb Big Jay Peak, highpoint of Franklin County, along with this peak.