Camel's Hump Loop

The weather finally cooperated on take III of this trip and four Goers (Dave, Jeff, Mark and myself) met at the Burrows Trail parking lot on June 23. After a week of oppressive heat and humidity, it was pleasantly cool with partial sunshine when we started our hike at 11 am. We took the short connector to the Forest City Trail where a bridge offers great views to a cascading stream with pools below. The Forest City Trail then climbs at a constant and moderate grade to Montclair Glen Lodge (primitive backcountry huts are called "Lodges" in VT). The trail was in surprisingly dry and good condition this early in the season. We encountered both organic and plastically engineered wildlife (see pics)!

After a short break at the hut we started the real ascend of Camel's Hump. The 1.5 mile stretch of VT's Long Trail leading to the summit is spectacular. The trail climbs quite steeply over ledges offering frequent views in different directions. We took frequent breaks soaking in the scenery. After about a mile we got a glimpse of the summit where threatening clouds seem to be taking over the mountain (the forecast had called for a chance of T'storms). At the junction with the Alpine Trail the group decided to take the short detour and see the wreck of the Army Air Force B-24 that had crashed on Oct. 16, 1944. There is just one wing section left but we were surprised by how little corrosion had taken place as the remnants were still in shiny conditions. This was also the only time of the entire hike where black flies started to bother us, so we headed quickly back to the LT.

The final climb to the summit is rocky and above tree line. The wind had picked up and it was overcast. Time to get out that extra layer. The GMC caretaker on top told us we were hikers #170 - 173 who had climbed the mtn that day as of 2:15 pm. At first it looked like we would be engulfed in clouds but they soon lifted and we could see Mt. Mansfield to the North, Hunger Mtn to the East, Mt Ellen South and Lake Champlain and Burlington to the West. Actually the weather stayed pleasant and dry the entire day (Mark, thanks for doing your Voodoo dance on that rock. It worked!).

After enjoying the vistas for half and hour, we took the Burrows Trail back to the parking lot. This trail winds through forests and along some streams further down - an easy descent after our strenuous climb up. Our day concluded at the Cider House in Waterbury were we had a sumptuous and well-deserved dinner.

Thanks everyone for joining me on my first officially led trip on GO. We were a small group and the camaraderie was outstanding. It was great getting to know everyone. I also want to welcome Mark as a brand new member to the GO community. I look forward to the next event!

 New Date: June 23

Trail Description: Camel’s Hump (elevation 4,083 feet) is the highest undeveloped mountain in Vermont, with no structures at the summit. It is one of the most hiked mountains with 360 degree panoramic views including vistas of all 4000 footers in VT, Lake Champlain and Adirondacks to the West and the Whites to the East. This 6 mile hike with an elevation gain of about 2200 ft is mostly on the moderate side, but the climb along the Long Trail to the summit is steep in a few places and includes some rock scrambling. From the parking lot of the Burrow’s Trail we’ll head over to the Forest City trail and hike about 2 miles to Montclair Glen shelter. After a short break we’ll take the LT northbound to the summit. There are some spectacular outlooks along the way. If the weather is beautiful we will take ample time to enjoy the vistas on the summit. Afterwards we hike back to the parking lot via the Burrow’s Trail completing the loop. The hike should take about 5 hours. Please bring a lunch and snacks, bug repellant and anything else you need on a moderate day hike.

After the hike: We’ll head to a local eatery, maybe the Cider House in Waterbury which is a gay-owned restaurant/pub specializing in BBQ.