Mt Abraham is a 4000 footer on Vermont’s Lengthy Path about 3.7 miles south of Mt Ellen, one other 4k peak. It’s a 6 mile out and again, climbing the ridge from the west by way of the Battell Path, simply exterior of Lincoln, VT. I climbed it final weekend with a bunch of 8 hikers from the Inexperienced Mountain Membership, led by a longtime SectionHiker reader named Jill. We had clear skies, nice views, and a spry group that was plenty of enjoyable to hike with.
I’ve climbed Mt Abraham a couple of occasions already, however by no means in January. And whereas I haven’t dedicated to gridding out the Vermont 4000 footers (climbing all 5 peaks in each calendar month of the 12 months), I’d be mendacity if it hasn’t crossed my thoughts. However I’m not in hurry to sort out that as a purpose but and as a substitute, I’m having fun with exploring Vermont with out a fastened agenda, apart from a want to fulfill different hikers that I can hike and backpack with. The Inexperienced Mountain Membership teams I’ve been happening hikes with (and main) are a handy method to meet native hikers and be taught the lay of the land.
Studying the lay of the land is vital for me, since I do a good quantity of solo mountain climbing. In winter, that comes all the way down to understanding how you can predict the climate and path situations that are vital in deciding how a lot threat to tackle. After I winter hiked in New Hampshire, I used to be spoiled by having wonderful climate forecasts and quick access to a plethora of path situation stories for the reason that White Mountains mountain climbing neighborhood is so massive and on-line. That’s not the case in Vermont, which is sparsely populated and has extremely variable and localized climate situations. There simply aren’t that many winter hikers within the state and no well-used on-line clearing home for path situations stories resembling New England Path Circumstances (NETC). Whereas NETC does have a bit for Vermont journey stories, a handful of hikers use it.
Vermont has plenty of snow this winter, so all of us packed snowshoes for this hike anticipating to wish them. However the base of the path was damaged out, so we opted for Hillsounds as a substitute. The solar was out and the temperatures had been within the mid-twenties, although the forest on the summit was anticipated to be brisk with temperatures plunging into the one digits later within the night. I hate carrying lengthy underwear, so I donned a hotter pair of softshell pants for this hike, my KUIU Assault Pants, which have zippered vents alongside the thighs. They’re nice winter mountain climbing pants for those who run somewhat chilly.
The climb up the Battell Path is steep and fairly relentless for the primary two miles as much as the Lengthy Path shelter. We stopped for a snack on the shelter and adjusted our layers earlier than persevering with the final 0.9 miles to the summit. As we neared the ridge, the timber had been more and more burdened by snow and ice, indicators of the wild climate close to treeline. The path turned more and more slender and it was all we might do to maintain the snow overhead from falling down our necks as we handed.
The ultimate strategy from treeline to Abraham’s summit is sort of quick, perhaps a 100 yards and nonetheless nicely protected kind the wind. We quickly topped out to the summit which is flat with 270 diploma views of the Adirondacks and the Lengthy Path peaks to the north, together with Mt Ellen and Camel’s Hump. We layered up and took within the views, earlier than heading again down beneath treeline and downhill again to the trailhead. This was a enjoyable group and I sit up for mountain climbing with the individuals I met once more.
This hike took us about 4 hours spherical journey (6 miles, 2000′ of elevation acquire) which is sort of doable even through the quick days of winter. In different phrases, there’s plenty of bang for the buck and good climate safety all the best way to the summit..so for those who’re searching for a average Vermont 4000 footer to hike, Abraham is an effective selection. The roads resulting in the trailhead, although unpaved, are simple to drive and there’s ample parking for a half dozen automobiles.
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