Abraham & Ellen questions - Lincoln Gap?

[bikehikeskifish]

I'm still thinking about A & E, probably Sunday (PM if interested). Reading through old winter TRs here I see people having started in Lincoln Gap, which I understand is already "closed". I saw a trail condition posting from Stu last week, but that was before this week's precipitation.

So, does anyone know if...

1. Lincoln Gap is passable right now? I may have 4WD
2. USFS Road 350 to Battell is open? (is there a road status for VT page somewhere? I found a VT State Police link which doesn't show that road as having a name, never mind the status)
3. The ski areas are readily accessible for making this loop? I saw a mention of a hiking pass. It is only Sugarbush, right?
4. I am forced to do an out-and-back, is Jerusalem (RT: 15.8) going to be faster (less steep, broken out) than Battell (RT: 13.2)? (Battell is a bit longer of a drive, especially if Lincoln Gap is not passable.)

How would you do these two peaks right now?

It sounds like snowshoes will be helpful if not required. Confirmation would be appreciated. If you know trails are broken out, that would be nice to know as well.

TIA,
Tim

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Tim - You should be able to find a VT road condition report here. I doubt it's going to give you too much info on secondary dirt roads, though - for the most part, those are the responsibility of the town. I'd suggest calling the town clerk's office, and asking her (usually, it's a her). They'll probably refer you to someone else, but it's a place to start.

I've used the Battell trailhead in February, but that was a few years back. My recollection is that people lived beyond it, but can't say for sure. The Jeruseleum TH is more of a sure thing in terms of winter accessibility.

 

[Rejean]

The easiest way of doing those two at this time of the year is by the ski
station but you are better to start before they open.

With an earlier start at Lincoln Peak ski erea (before 6:00 am) you follow
the chair lift on the left untill the summit of the ski station. From there
you only have 1/2 mile on the long trail (South) for Abraham. After Abraham
you back track and follow the long trail until Mt Ellen summit. After Ellen
you back track around 1 1/2 miles and exit by one ski trail untill the base
of the Lincoln ski station.

They might not bee very happy to see you in the trail but the will let
you go to your car.

I done it twice last year:

Beggining of december start at 5:00 am
End of december start at 4:30 pm

I'm still thinking about A & E, probably Sunday (PM if interested). Reading through old winter TRs here I see people having started in Lincoln Gap, which I understand is already "closed". I saw a trail condition posting from Stu last week, but that was before this week's precipitation.

So, does anyone know if...

1. Lincoln Gap is passable right now? I may have 4WD
2. USFS Road 350 to Battell is open? (is there a road status for VT page somewhere? I found a VT State Police link which doesn't show that road as having a name, never mind the status)
3. The ski areas are readily accessible for making this loop? I saw a mention of a hiking pass. It is only Sugarbush, right?
4. I am forced to do an out-and-back, is Jerusalem (RT: 15.8) going to be faster (less steep, broken out) than Battell (RT: 13.2)? (Battell is a bit longer of a drive, especially if Lincoln Gap is not passable.)

How would you do these two peaks right now?

It sounds like snowshoes will be helpful if not required. Confirmation would be appreciated. If you know trails are broken out, that would be nice to know as well.

TIA,
Tim

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Thanks for the info -- Kevin I found the site you mention, but like you say it doesn't have the little roads. I heard from someone else though who says that there are houses almost to the parking area at Battell so we should be all set.

Anyone been through Lincoln Gap?

If it were full-on winter and the shuttle was running, I'd investigate the ski area option.

Tim

 

[bryan]

my memory of lincoln gap is that the road to the trailhead for the long trail is very steep. can't imagine driving it if there is snow or ice on the ground. if not it certainly provides good access the the peaks you're talking about.

bryan

 

[NewHampshire]

my memory of lincoln gap is that the road to the trailhead for the long trail is very steep. can't imagine driving it if there is snow or ice on the ground. if not it certainly provides good access the the peaks you're talking about.

bryan

A'yup, I doubt anyone, even with 4 wheel drive, will be getting up that if the road is icy or snowy unless it is HEAVILY sanded and salted. Even then.....

Brian

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I know that -- I've ridden it on a road bike. My question was more one of "Is it passable NOW?". Not that it matters any more as tomorrow has been washed out by household duties and the threat of a Nor'easter.

Tim

 

[NewHampshire]

and the threat of a Nor'easter.

Tim

Well, that might give you a hint, now don't ya think!?

Brian

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Well, that might give you a hint, now don't ya think!?

Brian

Yes, but when I wrote the OP it wasn't in the forecast.

Tim